The Institute of Agroforestry (IAF) and the Training Center for Tropical Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability (TREES), both under the College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR), held their first face-to-face learning event last May 30 to June 30 at TREES Training Hall.

The activity titled, “Training of Trainers on Climate-Smart Agroforestry (SMART-AGFOR) and GIS-Based Agroforestry Land Capability Mapping Schemes (ALCAMS)”was attended by 13 researchers, extensionists, and field technicians of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research from provinces in Luzon and Mindanao. The activity was conducted in coordination with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Extension.

The activity aimed to disseminate knowledge on agroforestry and its potential as a good strategy for mitigating and adapting to climate change while ensuring food security, improving socio-economic productivity, and maintaining ecological stability.

The capacity development program focused on enhancing the knowledge and skills of participants in basic climate-smart agroforestry. Further, it allowed them to explore and experiment with a range of possible techniques and approaches to scale-up agroforestry adoption in upland farming communities.

Participants took part in lectures and visits to nearby agroforestry sites in Sariaya, Quezon, including IAF’s Learning Laboratory for Agroforestry. The last day was dedicated to the completion and presentation of the participants’ re-entry action plans.

CFNR faculty and staff members served as resource persons for the five-day training course. Dr. Leila D. Landicho, a researcher at IAF, acted as course coordinator.

More information on the upcoming learning events of IAF and TREES will be posted on their official Facebook pages. (Regina Mendoza)