ICRISAT-ITEC Launch Training Series

Participants from 12 Countries Attend First Program

January 31, 2025

Hyderabad, India: ICRISAT launched the first in a series of international training programs on 20 January 2025 to equip decision-makers with tools to scale climate-resilient and sustainable farming systems.

The training program, which concluded on 31 January 2025, is supported by the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) - Government of India program. It spotlights South-South collaboration and adopts the 'Systems Approach' and tools for addressing agricultural challenges under the aegis of the CGIAR Science Program on Sustainable Farming.

Participants from 12 countries—Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Mali, Kenya, Nigeria, Cambodia, Nepal, Ghana, Ecuador, Fiji, Philippines, and Tajikistan—converged for the training. Representing ministries, research institutes, and universities, they engaged in hands-on sessions designed to foster solutions for smallholder farmers worldwide and undertook field visits to action sites.

Setting the Stage for Change

The event commenced with a warm welcome from Ms Tahira Carter, ICRISAT’s Head of Communications, who moderated the opening session. Dr Shalander Kumar, Deputy Global Research Program Director of the Enabling Systems Transformation Program, ICRISAT, provided context, highlighting the training’s role as a platform for collaboration that facilitates cross-learning to devise solutions that support the investment decisions of smallholder farmers.

Living South-South Collaboration

Guest of Honor Dr Stanford F Blade, Director General-Interim of ICRISAT, described the training as a “living example of South-South collaboration.” He acknowledged the challenges in addressing the constantly evolving problems faced by farmers compounded by climate change and emphasized the importance of leveraging tools and a systems approach to navigate complexities.

Building Knowledge and Networks

Dr ML Jat, Acting Deputy Director General-Research and Global Research Program Director – Resilient Farm and Food Systems at ICRISAT, emphasized the Systems Approach.

"Addressing agro-ecosystem complexities requires tailored solutions, as one size does not fit all. ICRISAT's research spans the entire agriculture value chain, with its programs deeply interlinked," shared Dr Jat. "We sincerely thank the Ministry of External Affairs for its support in fostering bilateral collaboration to enhance South-South learning. Four more training sessions are planned, extending through mid-year."

Dr Victor Afari-Sefa, Global Research Program Director of the Enabling Systems Transformation Program at ICRISAT, highlighted the seamless integration of theory and practice in the decision-making tools introduced during the training.

"This diverse group of participants will be instrumental in fostering cross-regional and cross-disciplinary learning in their respective countries," said Dr Afari-Sefa.

Dr Padmaja Ravula, Cluster Leader for Knowledge and Capacity Development & Gender and Youth at ICRISAT, delivered the vote of thanks, lauding the diversity in gender, expertise, and regional representation among participants.

A Platform for Lasting Impact

This training program reflects ICRISAT’s dedication to empowering dryland communities through transformative research and capacity building. Through fostering networks and equipping participants with actionable tools, the program aims to drive meaningful, sustainable changes in agricultural practices worldwide.