Improving Farmer Knowledge and Skills to Better Manage Climate Variability and Climate Change

摘要: Although it is expected that farmer education will improve climate risk management, there only anecdotal evidence this true. We wanted to approach and test in a more rigorous way. A needs analysis showed 30% of farmers believe they are competent or very manage and, as consequence, consider flexible training one way address issue. In consultation with farmers, educational resources were developed cover strategic thinking for managing risk, variability impacts, management options, planning monitoring decisions. Training package was delivered fifteen consultants over week, feedback recorded at the end each session post-training. Measurements made knowledge, attitude, skills aspirations (KASA), followed assessment end-result practice-change. After training, improved their competency, from 2.2 (before) 3.9 (after) on proficiency scale five. From feedback, “problem-based” resource manual refined appeal broad range agricultural enterprises such livestock, horticulture cropping, across diverse climates. Farmers can best learn about improving through variety ways include exercises, discussion, reflection putting ideas into practice. Actions resulting included development enactment plans.