The WATDEV project has initiated the second module of its comprehensive training course, “Water, Soil, and Crop Management in Climate-Smart Agriculture”. This module, titled “Innovative Technologies in Agriculture and Water Management,” is being held from 9th to 20th September 2024 at CIHEAM Bari, Italy.
20 participants from Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Sudan are attending the course, aimed at equipping them with advanced expertise. These participants, trained as future trainers, will transfer their newly acquired knowledge to farmers, local authorities, and other stakeholders, contributing to sustainable agricultural and water management practices in their regions.
The WATDEV project’s training module offers a comprehensive approach to cutting-edge agricultural and water management technologies. The two-week programme is divided as follows:
- Week 1 (September 9-13): Conducted online, in collaboration with CIHEAM Bari’s advanced specialized course on “Precision Agriculture for the Mediterranean Region,” covering innovative solutions such as remote sensing, satellite imagery, and drone technology.
- Week 2 (September 16-20): An in-person segment combining lectures and field visits to showcase precision agriculture, automation, robotics, and plant phenotyping. Participants will explore the integration of circular economy principles and cutting-edge agricultural practices at Valle Verde farm, Andriani Spa Factory, and ApuliaKundi farm.
A key focus is Digital Water Management, featuring IoT applications, smart sensors, and real-time monitoring systems, guided by Acquedotto Pugliese experts. Participants will also delve into remote sensing techniques for water resources assessment.
The course is part of the WATDEV Project, funded by the EU’s DeSIRA initiative, which aims to enhance climate resilience in East Africa through innovative water and agriculture management.
It is worth noting that in December 2023, the first module of the Training of Trainers on “Water, Soil, and Crop Management in Climate-Smart Agriculture” was held to enhance the understanding of agricultural and water management, fostering resilience to climate change. Fifteen representatives from Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan participated in the training, which aimed to empower local actors to implement best management practices (BMPs) and innovations within their communities. Experts from CIHEAM Bari, and other organisations led the sessions, concluding with a field visit to Irrigation Scheme District 10 and bio-engineering projects in Italy to showcase new technologies and practical applications. For more info click here.
WATDEV Project – Climate Smart Water Management and Sustainable Development for Food and Agriculture in East Africa, funded by the European Union’s DeSIRA initiative. It is implemented by AICS Cairo in partnership with CIHEAM Bari. WATDEV focuses on advancing water and agricultural resource management through innovative research, modeling, and capacity-building to strengthen climate resilience in East Africa.
To learn more bout WATDEV please click here