Ethiopia's Agricultural Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ATVET) colleges have trained 72,000 agricultural extension staff so far, and will continue to train new generations to come. 

Ensuring these members of the country's agricultural sector are well equipped to support farmers and their communities with up-to-date, relevant and actionable climate information and services is crucial to building resilience.

After more than two years of rigorous and collaborative co-design, AICCRA has trained several ATVET teachers on a new curriculum that was co-developed by AICCRA and its partners.

The teaching of this curriculum ensures that graduates have competencies in accessing, using, and communicating climate information services - in order to share this knowledge with farmers in appropriate and effective ways, supporting Ethiopian farmers in adapting to challenging conditions driven by climate change. 

Following the training, the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Labor and Skills are taking steps to nationalize the curriculum as a cross-cutting course for all ATVET colleges.

Author

Amanda Grossi, Senior Staff Associate, International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI)

With thanks to the collaborative efforts of Ethiopia's Ministry of Agriculture, Ethiopia's Ministry of Labor and Skills, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI), Columbia Climate School, Teferie Demissie, Esayas Lemma and Tufa Dinku.