Farmer-to-Farmer Training Program - Climate Resiliency

Grow Ahead supports farmer-to-farmer trainings that facilitate peer-to-peer learning about regenerative agriculture and climate resiliency practices. Trainings are crowdfunded and implemented through partnerships with farmer cooperatives and organizations.

Geographic Scope: Global South (Latin America, Africa, Asia)

Focus Areas:

• Reforestation
• Agroforestry
• Soil conservation
• Holistic management
• Climate resilience strategies
• Carbon sequestration
• Diversification of farm income
• Traditional knowledge exchange

Program Approach:

• Connects farmer organizations directly with funders through crowdfunding
• Facilitates peer-to-peer learning among farmer cooperatives
• Creates written and multimedia resources documenting farmer experiences
• Most cost-effective and culturally appropriate method for farmer training
• Produces work-plans for future projects that become eligible for additional funding

Eligibility:

• Small-scale family farmer organizations
• Groups seeking to share best practices and climate adaptation strategies
• Organizations willing to document and share lessons learned

Example Implemented Training:

• October 16-22, 2017: Farmer-to-Farmer training in Somoto, Nicaragua
  • Raised US$15,000 through crowdfunding
  • Focused on reforestation for soil, water, and climate resiliency
  • Participants from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Peru
  • Field visits to successful reforestation projects (Taking Root initiative)
  • 10-year reforestation work support

Contact:

• Ryan Zinn, Director of Grow Ahead
• Lauren Berlekamp: 202-657-7754
• Email: [email protected]

Application Process

General Approach:

• Farmer organizations submit project proposals to Grow Ahead
• Proposals describe training objectives, participants, locations, and expected outcomes
• Grow Ahead launches crowdfunding campaigns for approved projects
• Once funding is secured through crowdfunding, training is implemented
• Participants expected to develop work-plans for implementation in their communities
• Implemented projects become eligible for additional funding through partner impact funds

Required Elements (based on examples):

• Clear description of training content and learning objectives
• List of participant cooperatives/organizations
• Geographic location and dates
• Expected outcomes and impact
• Documentation and sharing plans

Note: Specific formal application requirements and detailed submission procedures were not fully detailed in the provided website content. Organizations interested should contact Grow Ahead directly.