Seed Systems, Agronomic Extension and Climate-Resilient Cropping in Nairobi

Programme Overview

This five-day professional training programme equips agricultural practitioners with practical tools to strengthen certified seed value chains, upgrade advisory services, and embed climate-resilient practices across vulnerable farming systems.⁣​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌⁣ Organised in Nairobi, the course delivers structured technical learning for agronomists and managers seeking to upgrade domestic crop production. Participants examine formal and semi-formal seed delivery systems, international seed quality standards, and field-level demonstration protocols designed to address chronic input shortages and environmental variability in East Africa.

The curriculum integrates practical agronomic extension methodologies with climate-smart crop management, focusing directly on the institutional and operational realities of fragile and transition contexts. Through rigorous analysis of Farmer Field School curriculum design, participatory demonstration plots, and integrated pest management, attendees learn to adapt extension messaging to vulnerable smallholders. The programme reviews established quality assurance mechanisms, post-harvest handling frameworks, and community-based seed banking models to safeguard local crop diversity and improve seasonal yields.

Participants spend the week translating internationally recognised agricultural standards into viable field interventions. Working through practical exercises, attendees build structured post-harvest loss prevention strategies, develop gender-inclusive extension schedules, and establish seed multiplication workflows tailored to challenging operational environments. By combining classroom analysis with operational case studies from the wider region, the course prepares agricultural officers to direct, monitor, and scale up donor-funded food security and livelihood initiatives effectively.

Agricultural transformation in conflict-affected and transition environments requires an immediate transition from emergency input distributions to sustainable, market-oriented seed systems and structured extension delivery.⁣​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌⁣ Agricultural officers and field extension teams implementing the South Sudan Resilient Agricultural Livelihoods Project face urgent demands to restore degraded seed multiplication capacity, mitigate recurring climate shocks, and eliminate severe post-harvest losses. Strengthening institutional competence in climate-resilient agronomy and participatory extension ensures that public sector interventions translate donor investments into lasting, community-level food security and agricultural recovery.

Delivered by Risalat Consultants International in Nairobi, Kenya, it combines expert-led sessions, real cases and group work, so that participants can apply what they learn in their own institution.

The Programme Strengthens Institutional Capability

• Analysis of formal, informal, and semi-formal seed supply systems in East and Central Africa
• Breeder, foundation, and certified seed multiplication: protocols, isolation distances, and rogueing
• OECD Seed Schemes, ISTA sampling rules, and domestic varietal release mechanisms
• Establishing community-based seed production clusters and decentralised seed enterprises
• Practicum: Designing a multi-season certified seed multiplication plan for staple grains and legumes
• Conservation agriculture principles: minimum soil disturbance, permanent cover, and crop associations
• In-situ rainwater harvesting, moisture retention techniques, and supplementary micro-irrigation
• Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) using organic amendments and micro-dosing strategies
• Climate and environmental risk assessment
• Adaptation and mitigation planning
• Sector strategies for energy, water and land
• Project design for climate and environmental goals

It is designed for ministry of Agriculture agronomists and technical officers, public agricultural extension managers and field supervisors, agricultural research officers and plant breeders from national institutes and others who want practical, current skills in climate, environment and natural resources.

The Growing Importance of Seed Systems, Agronomic Extension and Climate-Resilient Cropping in Nairobi

Climate change, environmental pressure and resource management now shape national plans, budgets and investment decisions. Financiers increasingly expect climate and environmental considerations to be built into projects from the start.

Institutions that can plan for climate risks, manage natural resources well and prepare sound proposals are better placed to protect services and to access the funding available for this work.

Organisations increasingly require professionals capable of:

• Assess climate and environmental risks to their services and assets
• Design projects that meet climate and environmental goals
• Prepare proposals that financiers can approve
• Measure and report results credibly
• Work with communities and partners across sectors

Strong climate, environment and natural resources systems help organisations:

• Protect services and infrastructure from climate risks
• Access climate and environmental finance
• Meet national and international commitments
• Use natural resources sustainably

This Seed Systems, Agronomic Extension and Climate-Resilient Cropping in Nairobi programme brings these elements together in a practical format, so that participants understand not only what good practice looks like but also how to introduce it in their own setting, with the people and resources they have.

Who Should Attend This Seed Systems, Agronomic Extension and Climate-Resilient Cropping in Nairobi Training?

This programme is designed for:

• Ministry of Agriculture agronomists and technical officers
• Public agricultural extension managers and field supervisors
• Agricultural research officers and plant breeders from national institutes
• Seed certification, quality control, and phytosanitary inspectors
• Agronomists and extension coordinators from South Sudan public institutions
• Livelihood and food security project managers in donor-funded programmes
• Farmer Field School master trainers and advisory curriculum specialists
• Post-harvest management specialists and crop storage technicians
• State and county directors of agricultural advisory services
• Climate change and environment officers
• Energy, water and agriculture sector staff
• Planning and policy officers

The programme suits experienced professionals as well as those moving into new responsibilities. Groups that mix institutions and countries are encouraged, because participants learn a great deal from each other’s experience.

Seed Systems, Agronomic Extension and Climate-Resilient Cropping in Nairobi Training Objectives

Upon successful completion of this Seed Systems, Agronomic Extension and Climate-Resilient Cropping in Nairobi Training, participants will be able to:

• Evaluate certified seed propagation workflows and quality assurance systems aligned with OECD Seed Schemes and national regulatory guidelines
• Design participatory Farmer Field School curricula tailored to climate-stressed farming communities and local ecological contexts
• Formulate integrated soil fertility, water conservation, and pest management protocols for climate-resilient cropping systems
• Construct community-level seed multiplication and banking strategies to safeguard landraces and improve access to adapted varieties
• Develop evidence-based post-harvest loss prevention programmes covering handling, hermetic storage, and mycotoxin risk mitigation
• Structure costed, gender-inclusive agricultural extension outreach schedules for national, state, and county-level deployment
• Establish monitoring, evaluation, and reporting frameworks to assess the field adoption of climate-resilient agronomic practices
• Explain the main climate and environmental challenges for their sector
• Assess climate and environmental risks to services and assets
• Plan adaptation and mitigation measures

Each objective is practised during the programme through exercises, cases or group work, so that participants leave able to do it, not only to describe it.

Programme Contents and Structure

Seed Systems, Agronomic Extension and Climate-Resilient Cropping in Nairobi Training Methodology

The programme employs adult-learning methodologies structured around participatory lectures, operational case analyses, and small-group technical design sessions. Participants work directly with regional field scenarios, regulatory documentation, and crop management models to resolve practical operational challenges. Peer-to-peer knowledge exchange is prioritised, enabling agronomists from different administrative levels and projects to benchmark extension techniques against standard operating procedures. Each module concludes with a tangible planning exercise, culminating in a fully articulated, context-specific institutional action plan.

The programme combines:

• Expert-led sessions on current practice
• Regional and international case studies
• Group work and practical exercises
• Simulations and role plays where relevant
• Discussion of participants' own challenges
• Peer learning across institutions and countries
• Practical tools and templates to take back to work
• Daily reflection and action planning

Before the programme, a short pre-assessment helps the facilitators understand each participant’s role and priorities, so that examples and exercises can be adjusted to the group.⁣​‌​‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​‌​​‌⁣ Each day ends with a short reflection in which participants note what they will apply at work.

Expected Outcomes

Upon completion of this Seed Systems, Agronomic Extension and Climate-Resilient Cropping in Nairobi Training, participants will be able to:

• Operational competency to establish and supervise certified seed multiplication schemes complying with standard seed regulations
• Mastery of participatory Farmer Field School curriculum development and seasonal lesson planning techniques
• Capability to deploy climate-resilient agronomic packages that optimise soil moisture, fertility, and crop yields
• Practical skill in designing comprehensive post-harvest loss prevention frameworks from farm gate to storage
• Formulation of a detailed, county-level extension outreach timetable aligned with seasonal agricultural cycles
• Proficiency in monitoring extension uptake and agronomic performance using standard donor-project indicator matrices
• Assess climate and environmental risks
• Plan adaptation and mitigation measures

Participants leave with a personal action plan and practical tools they can use in their institution from the first week back. Institutions that send several participants can use the programme to agree shared methods and templates across teams, which makes improvements easier to sustain.

Institutional Application of Seed Systems, Agronomic Extension and Climate-Resilient Cropping in Nairobi Training

This programme supports organisations in strengthening:

• Climate and environmental planning
• Project design
• Access to finance
• Results measurement
• Stakeholder involvement

Participants return with practical tools to improve:

• Risk assessments
• Concept notes
• Results frameworks
• Monitoring systems
• Partnership arrangements

The programme is built so that learning moves from the classroom into the institution. Participants work on their own processes and documents where possible, and leave with an action plan that their managers can review and support.

Regional Relevance & Application

Europe

European institutions apply climate, environment and natural resources within detailed regulatory frameworks and reform agendas. Participants from Europe can compare their practice with colleagues from other regions and test how established methods work under different conditions.

Africa

Across Africa, ministries, agencies and project teams working in climate, environment and natural resources increasingly operate alongside donor-financed programmes that expect clear systems and evidence. The programme helps participants adapt good practice to the institutions and resources they work with.

Middle East

In the Middle East, national development strategies and diversification plans place growing demands on climate, environment and natural resources. Participants explore how to build the capability these plans need inside public bodies and companies.

Asia

Institutions across Asia combine rapid growth with ambitious modernisation programmes. Participants from Asia can share their experience of scaling systems quickly and learn from approaches used elsewhere.

Pacific

Small island and Pacific states face particular constraints of size, distance and capacity. The programme highlights practical, proportionate approaches to climate, environment and natural resources that suit smaller institutions.

Holding the programme in Nairobi, Kenya brings participants together away from their daily pressures, so they can compare how climate, environment and natural resources is handled in different settings. The same programme can also be delivered in-house for one institution, in its own country or online, with cases taken from its current work.

Host Country Profile – Kenya

Programmes, Workshops, Exposures, Training Courses in Nairobi, Kenya by Risalat Consultants International

Studying away from their own country gives participants time to focus, a fresh view of their own institution and the chance to build a network with colleagues from other countries.

Seed Systems, Agronomic Extension and Climate-Resilient Cropping in Nairobi Training Deliverables

Participants receive support before, during and after the programme, so that preparation, learning and follow-up form one continuous experience.

Before the Programme

• Participant Pre-Assessment
• Seed Systems, Agronomic Extension and Climate-Resilient Cropping in Nairobi Readiness Assessment
• Seed Systems, Agronomic Extension and Climate-Resilient Cropping in Nairobi Resource Pack
• Preparatory Reading Materials
• Complimentary Visa Support & Advisory

During the Programme

• Airport Pickup & Welcome Assistance
• Accommodation with Breakfast
• Welcome Networking Dinner
• Risalat Training Kit (Bag, Bottle, Mug, T-Shirt, Cap, Passport Cover, Pens, Notebook, Magnet & Keychain)
• Comprehensive Seed Systems, Agronomic Extension and Climate-Resilient Cropping in Nairobi Training Manual
• Climate Risk Screening Checklist
• Options Appraisal Template
• Concept Note Template
• Results Measurement Template
• Practical Workshops & Simulations
• Group Discussions & Peer Learning
• Daily Lunch and Refreshments
• Full Access to Training Venue Facilities
• Mini Pad / Tablet with Digital Learning Materials
• Field Visit (where applicable)
• Entertaining City Tour

After the Programme

• Certificate of Completion
• Risalat Programme Participation Recognition Award
• Post-Training Reference Materials
• Funding Readiness Checklist
• Monitoring and Reporting Template
• Post-Training Support & Follow-Up Guidance
• Programme Report

Institutions can also request a tailored in-house version of this programme, delivered at their premises or online. Request a proposal.

Common Challenges in Seed Systems, Agronomic Extension and Climate-Resilient Cropping in Nairobi, And How This Training Helps

How can institutions assess climate and environmental risks to their services and assets?

The programme addresses this directly on the first day (Seed Systems, Certification, and Early Generation Seed Propagation), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions design projects that meet climate and environmental goals?

The programme addresses this directly on the second day (Climate-Resilient Agronomy and Soil-Water Management), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions prepare proposals that financiers can approve?

The programme addresses this directly on the third day (Modern Agronomic Extension and Farmer Field School (FFS) Design), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions measure and report results credibly?

The programme addresses this directly on the fourth day (Integrated Pest Management and Post-Harvest Loss Prevention), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

How can institutions work with communities and partners across sectors?

The programme addresses this directly on the fifth day (Programme Integration, Extension Scheduling, and Operational Planning), where participants practise the methods involved and adapt them to their own institution, then build it into their action plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where does the Seed Systems, Agronomic Extension and Climate-Resilient Cropping in Nairobi programme take place?

It runs from 5 Jul 2027 to 9 Jul 2027, in Nairobi, Kenya. The registration deadline is shown at the top of this page.

Who should attend?

The programme is designed for ministry of Agriculture agronomists and technical officers, public agricultural extension managers and field supervisors, agricultural research officers and plant breeders from national institutes, seed certification, quality control, and phytosanitary inspectors, and others who want practical skills in climate, environment and natural resources.

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes. Participants who complete the programme receive a Certificate of Completion from Risalat Consultants International.

Can this programme be delivered for our institution only?

Yes. We can deliver a tailored in-house version at your premises, in another city or online, built around your own cases. Use the proposal request on this page.

Do I need prior experience in climate, environment and natural resources?

No specialist background is required beyond experience in a related role. A short pre-assessment helps the facilitators adapt the sessions to the group.

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