The International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM Bari) is excited to announce the launch of its training course, "Water, Soil, and Crop Management in a Climate-Smart Agriculture." The second module of the course, titled “Innovative Technologies in Agriculture and Water Management” will take place from September 9th to 20th, 2024, at CIHEAM Bari in Italy.

This module brings together 20 participants from Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Sudan, aiming to empower them as trainers who will transfer newly acquired knowledge to farmers, local authorities, and other stakeholders in their regions.

Course Overview

The training module offers a comprehensive approach to cutting-edge technologies and their applications in agriculture and water management:

• Week 1 (September 9-13): The first part of the course will be held online, in conjunction with CIHEAM Bari’s Advanced Specialized Course on “Precision Agriculture for the Mediterranean Region”. This week will cover innovative solutions such as remote sensing, satellite imagery, and drone technology, revolutionizing farming practices and water management.
• Week 2 (September 16-20): During the in-person segment, participants will engage in a mix of lectures and hands-on field visits. Highlights include learning about precision agriculture, automation, robotics, and plant phenotyping. Visits to the Valle Verde farm, Andriani Spa Factory, and ApuliaKundi farm will showcase the integration of circular economy principles and cutting-edge agricultural practices.

Focus on Digital Water Management

Digital water management is another critical topic. With guidance from Acquedotto Pugliese (AQP) experts, participants will explore the role of IoT applications, smart sensors, and real-time monitoring systems in optimizing water use and conservation. Remote sensing for water resources assessment will also be covered, providing insights into satellite-based observation techniques.

The course aims to bridge theory and practice, equipping participants with the tools to implement climate-smart agriculture and water management solutions in their communities.

About the Project

The training course is part of the WATDEV Project - Climate Smart Water Management and Sustainable Development for Food and Agriculture in East Africa, funded by the European Union’s DeSIRA initiative. WATDEV focuses on advancing water and agricultural resource management through innovative research, modeling, and capacity-building to strengthen climate resilience in East Africa.