To address these growing concerns, Nepal has introduced a specialized training programme under the UNDP Nepal’s Scaling up Climate Ambition on Land-use and Agriculture (SCALA) initiative. The programme aims to equip agricultural and livestock professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to build climate-resilient farming systems. The training goes beyond theoretical instruction, focusing on practical solutions that align with Nepal’s national climate commitments, including the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). In addition, Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture has updated its farming policies to integrate climate adaptation strategies—laying the foundation for coordinated action between farmers and policymakers.
Why training matters
Climate change is a complex issue that affects agriculture at multiple levels. Local government officials and private sector stakeholders often struggle to incorporate climate adaptation measures into their work. Limited technical knowledge, weak coordination between sectors, and gaps in gender inclusivity make it difficult to implement climate-smart solutions effectively. Farmers face additional obstacles due to the lack of accessible resources for sustainable farming practices.
The SCALA training package is designed to bridge these gaps by focusing on practical applications. It promotes collaboration among different stakeholders and ensures that climate action is translated from policy documents into real-world solutions. The primary objective is to empower professionals with the expertise needed to support farmers in adapting to climate challenges.
Inside the training programme
The training consists of six core modules, covering the impacts of climate change on agriculture and livestock, mitigation strategies, and gender-inclusive approaches to climate adaptation. Participants gain technical knowledge while learning to apply climate-smart practices suited to their local contexts.
The programme also supports Nepal’s broader climate goals by enhancing technical capacity, strengthening coordination among ministries and provinces, and integrating gender equality in climate adaptation efforts.
Pilot Implementation and Key Findings
The training was piloted in Koshi Province (Biratnagar) and Karnali Province (Surkhet), engaging a total of 58 agriculture and livestock officers participated in the programme. The training methods included interactive activities, the use of digital tools, and field visits to climate-smart farms and community learning centres. These approaches provided participants with firsthand experience of sustainable farming techniques in action.
Gender inclusivity was a core focus of the programme. Women were actively involved as both participants and facilitators. The inclusion of diverse perspectives enriched the learning process and ensured that climate adaptation strategies addressed the needs of all members of society.
By the end of the training, participants had stengthened understanding of climate-smart agriculture. They gained deeper knowledge of Nepal’s climate policies and explored innovative solutions for implementing adaptation strategies in their respective regions.
Tara Baral, Agricultural Economics Expert at the Provincial Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperative in Surkhet, reflected on the programme’s impact. He stated, “This training provided me with practical tools to help farmers adapt to climate change. I now understand how to implement climate-smart strategies in a way that truly makes a difference on the ground.”
Pratikshya Shrestha, Technical Officer at the Agricultural Research Station/NARC in Bijaynagar, Jumla, emphasised the importance of inclusion in climate adaptation efforts. She said, “I was inspired by how this training prioritised gender and community engagement. These lessons will help us build a more resilient and equitable agricultural sector for Nepal’s future.”
Looking ahead
Following the success of the pilot training, there is strong potential to expand the programme across all provinces. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development is working towards integrating climate-smart agriculture into standard training for local officials. Strengthening coordination among national and provincial governments will be critical in ensuring that climate adaptation strategies are effectively implemented.
Efforts are already underway to publish policy briefs and organise additional workshops, with an emphasis on gender equality, social inclusion, and the interconnection between agriculture and climate resilience. This marks an important step in Nepal’s transition towards a climate-resilient agricultural system—one that protects farmers’ livelihoods while ensuring environmental sustainability for future generations.
