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Philippines: Democratizing Governance through Visualization in Participatory Processes

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Country: Philippines
Organization: International Institute of Rural Reconstruction
Registration deadline: 16 Oct 2015
Starting date: 09 Nov 2015
Ending date: 13 Nov 2015

The course focuses on promoting ‘participation, accountability and effectiveness at all levels of the organization using Visualization in Participatory Processes (VIPP). VIPP has been used in development programmes around the world as an approach to participatory planning and training and as a way to build effective partnerships in programming. The VIPP approach offers an alternative to formal classroom discussion type training pro-grams as it provides spaces for participants to generate and express ideas, values and experiences that inspire other participants.

Course Objectives

1.Discussed and analyzed concepts and principles on participation, accountability and transparency to promote good governance;

  1. Shared their personal and organizational experiences in promoting/advocating for good governance;
  2. Demonstrated the use of interactive methods and tools for facilitating democratic processes; and
  3. Generated ideas to institutionalize democratic governance within their organization.

Who should attend

Local and International NGO staff Government and extension personnel engaged in conducting training sessions, seminars and conferences Facilitators and trainers

Methodologies

• Combination of short visualised inputs, individual tasks, group work, team cooperation, constructive feedback and learning by doing. Participants will use all their senses, both cognitive and emotional.

• Facilitation, communication and presentation to enhance group qualities, synergy and output, including attitudes, behaviours and values of the trainer.

• Repertoire of VIPP methods and tools

• Visualization using various media, including cards and charts, drawings and diagrammatic representations.

• Key concepts, quality standards and training formats generated by all participants.

Course Content

Module 1: Understanding the Basic Concepts of Visualization in Participatory Programme

Participants share training and facilitation experiences and discuss concepts of visualization and presentation skills. There is also presentation and description of a range of VIPP tools used in programming.

Module 2: Practicing VIPP in Strengthening Democratic Governance in Organizations

Participants will be provided tasks for them to practice facilitation using the VIPP approach. They will facilitate discussions on understanding the threats to democratic governance and how the VIPP process can address these threats. While participants learn about concepts and general tips on democratic governance they also improve their VIPP facilitation skills and techniques.

Module 3: Action Planning

Using the VIPP approach of 12-step to design, participants are guided in designing a simple, doable and realistic action plan of applying VIPP in their respective participatory governance programs.

Course Fees and Related Term

The training fee of 1,000USD covers: course fee meals and coffee breaks double occupancy accommodation course-related materials field and agency visits, and airport transfers. Single room occupancy is available upon request and at extra cost. Fees do not include international airfare, laundry and incidental expenses. Applicants are encouraged to secure financial support from their organizations or donor agencies. IIRR reserves the right to cancel the course one month before the course starts if the required quorum is not met. This will be conveyed immediately to the applicants. Course fees will be refunded in full.

Organizers

The course is organized by the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) in partnership with the VIPP core group members: Dr. Hermann J. Till-mann and Dr. Maruja Salas of the Partnership Society for VIPP-Practice and Creative Learning. The VIPP techniques evolved from concepts developed at the German Foundation for International Development and by trainers at the University of Hohenheim, Germany. The methods became known as “VIPP” when Neill McKee, formerly with UNICEF, brought Dr. Hermann J. Tillmann and Dr. Maria Angelica Salas from Germany to work in Bangladesh on the first formal training courses and the first edition of the manual in the early 1990s. Salas and Tillmann, continue to foster the use of the methods through training courses worldwide in cooperation with the VIPP community (Visualisation in Participatory Pro-grammes: How to Facilitate and Visualise Participatory Group Processes. Southbound, Penang 2010).


How to register:

For more information and to receive an application form, contact:

Dulce Dominguez

Email: dulce.dominguez@iirr.org


Philippines: Engaging Communities for Climate Change Actions for Food and Livelihood Security

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Country: Philippines
Organization: International Institute of Rural Reconstruction
Registration deadline: 23 Oct 2015
Starting date: 17 Nov 2015
Ending date: 26 Nov 2015

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon asserts, “there can be no food security without climate security”. This thought is central to this course. It equips participants with working knowledge about climate change and its links to food and livelihood security. It puts emphasis on building and strengthening participants’ capacity to facilitate community level climate change work. They will learn and practice participatory tools in designing and implementing climate change actions at the community level. Samples of farm and community level adaptation practices will be shared through case stories, field
observations and community interactions. The course uses a combination of classroom instruction using adult learning methodologies, project visits and community level practicum where participants practice use of participatory tools.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants shall have:

• Developed a shared understanding of climate change and its impact to food security and livelihoods;
• Demonstrated the use of select tools for participatory climate risk and vulnerability assessment and adaptation planning
• Gained insights on strategies and techniques for strengthening community engagement and
mobilization for climate change actions; and
• Developed action plan to apply key learnings from the course in their work context..

Who should attend

• Project Managers / Mid-level Managers
• Field Facilitators / Coordinators
• Extension Workers
• Others who care about community participation in program and projects

Methodologies

The course uses a participatory training approach. Short lectures are complemented by group exercises, case study analysis, plenary discussions and field visits to communities. The trainers are experienced IIRR professionals and others from organizations that practice engaging communities in climate change actions.

Content

Module 1: Basic Concepts, Science and Principles of Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience

This module will provide the participants a basic understanding of the various concepts used in
climate change adaptation and resilience building work. This will allow the participants to have
a solid conceptual basis in partnering with communities on climate change issues. In addition to
discussions of the science of climate change, there will also be discussions of the human and social
dimensions of climate change. The concept of community-based adaptation will be shared in this
module. Facilitators will share experiences in building adaptive capacities of communities and
vulnerable sectors. The Climate Smart Agriculture Approach and CMDRR will also be discussed to
highlight various technologies, practices, strategies and mechanisms that address climate change
impacts by rural-based sectors.

Module 2: Participatory Tools for Engaging Communities for Climate Change Work

This module will start with basic appreciation of the importance of community engagement in
climate change work. The participants will also learn and practice the use of participatory methods
and tools to collect and analyze data for participatory climate vulnerability assessment and
community adaptation planning. A field practicum will be organized for participants to practice
the use of tools. There will be a panel discussion on IIRR field experiences on the use of various
strategies to engage communities in climate change.

Module 3: Strengthening Community Mobilization for Climate Change Actions

Relevant and scalable interventions and strategies in climate change adaptation and mitigation will
be discussed and analyzed to draw lessons and reflect on its implications on participants’ areas of
work. There will be field visits to communities and institutions with exemplary models.

Module 4: Action Planning

In this module, participants will prepare an action plan that synthesizes lessons learned from the
course and translates these into actions that will improve their current climate change programs
and projects. Facilitators ensure that their action plans are based on the participants’ field realities
and their organizations and program thrusts.

Course Fees and Related Term

The training fee of 1,800USD covers:
• course fee
• meals and coffee breaks
• double occupancy accommodation
• course-related materials
• field and agency visits, and
• airport transfers.

Single room occupancy is available upon request and at extra cost. Fees do not include international
airfare, laundry and incidental expenses. Applicants are encouraged to secure financial support from their organizations or donor agencies.

Those from government institutions can avail of fellowship support from Adapt Asia Pacific, please go to the Adapt Asia Pacific website to fill up the application form: http://www.adaptasiapacific.org/activities/training-support and submit to Piyachatr Pradubraj, ppradubraj@adapt-asia.org. Deadline for applicants is September 25, 2015.

When and where

The 10-day course will be held at IIRR’s Y.C. James Yen Center in Cavite, Philippines from November 17– 26, 2015. Course participants are expected to arrive one day before the start of the course. IIRR offers an ideal environment for learning and reflection. Courses are held in our 50-hectare campus in Silang, Cavite, about an hour’s drive from Manila. Facilities include air-conditioned training rooms, open-air centers for outdoor sessions, a dining hall, and participants’ hostel and dormitories. We also have recreational facilities and nature trails.

Course Highlights

• Highly participatory methods (simulation exercises, focus group discussions, workshops, role play, video showing, case stories, games, field practicum, etc.)
• Participants are active key resource persons, facilitators and learners
• Field practicum that allows participants to practice participatory climate risk and vulnerability
assessment and adaptation planning
• On-site visits to IIRR’s demonstration garden and farm featuring climate-smart agriculture principles
and other communities practicing climate adaptation farm production technologies
• Action planning

IIRR Regional Center for Asia
Y.C. James Yen Center
Km. 39, Aguinaldo Hi-Way, Silang, Cavite, 4118
Philippines
Tel: +63 46 4300016
Email: dulce.dominguez@iirr.org


How to register:

For more information and to receive an application form, contact:

Dulce Dominguez
Email: dulce.dominguez@iirr.org

Kenya: Smallholder Producers Empowerment and Enterprenuership Development (SPEED)

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Country: Kenya
Organization: International Institute of Rural Reconstruction
Registration deadline: 02 Nov 2015
Starting date: 23 Nov 2015
Ending date: 27 Nov 2015

Over 75% of Africa's population live in rural areas and is engaged in subsistence agriculture,
most of them farming on less than 2 hectares of land. Low technology uptake, low productivity,
low application of inputs, inadequate financial services, poor market access and high price
volatility are among the many challenges facing small holder producers. Smallholder Producer
Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Development (SPEED) course approaches farming from a market
orientation, which aims to enable smallholder producers to commercialise farming to become
food secure and increase incomes and build assets.

This course provides practical market-based solutions to diverse entrepreneurial challenges facing smallholder farmers. Further, the course equips extension staff, livelihood promoters and service providers with entrepreneurial skills and knowledge necessary to transform smallholder farming to commercial ventures. The facilitators will be able to guide various actors in participatory market identification, selection of enterprise and build agro-enterprise skills within the communities. The course will employ participatory methods that include experiential learning like field practicum and action plan development.

Course objectives

  1. To equip extension staff, livelihood promoters and smallholder farmers with relevant
    Agro-Enterprise Development entrepreneurial skills and knowledge necessary to
    transform smallholder subsistence farming to commercial ventures with clear market
    orientation that leads to improved profit, food security and asset base.
  2. Enhance knowledge and skill base of participants in Agro-Enterprise Development
    through experiential learning and participatory methodologies that will result in positive
    outcomes for smallholder farmers they are working with.
  3. Enhance capacity of participants on diverse components of Agro-Enterprise Development
    to enhance effectiveness in influencing entrepreneurial orientation in agribusiness among
    smallholder producers

How to register:

Complete application form and submit to: training@iirr.org or call +254 20 2370039/43

Switzerland: Conference on Migrants and Cities

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Country: Switzerland
Organization: International Organization for Migration
Registration deadline: 26 Oct 2015
Starting date: 26 Oct 2015
Ending date: 27 Oct 2015

26 and 27 October 2015
Palais des Nations
1211 Geneva, Switzerland

Overview

Cities are attracting increasing numbers of people in search of a better life, more employment opportunities and better services, but also those fleeing conflict, natural disasters and environmental degradation. In 2014, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs estimated that more than half of the world’s population resided in urban areas and that the number of people living in cities would reach approximately 6.4 billion by 2050, constituting 66 per cent of the global population. Migrants play an important role in the global shift to cities and in driving cities’ development agendas. However, this role seems to be largely overlooked in the global debate on urbanization and development. While many cities and local governments are attuned to the realities and policy responses that include migrants – and take migrants’ voices into account when putting forward agendas at both the national and federal levels – others have ignored this in their development planning.

For this year, IOM decided to align the topic of its principal forum for policy dialogue, the International Dialogue on Migration (IDM), with the theme of its flagship publication, the World Migration Report. Accordingly, the 2015 IDM high-level conference will be dedicated to migrants and cities. The conference will be the second such high-level event – with the first being the Diaspora Ministerial Conference held in 2013 – and will bring together ministers, high-level government officials, mayors and other local authorities, the private sector and civil society organizations to discuss the complex dynamics of human mobility at city and local level and how risks can be managed and development opportunities maximized. The conference will also be the venue for the launch of the World Migration Report 2015Migrants and Cities: New Partnerships to Manage Urban Mobility.

The conference will aim to address the following broad themes:

  • The role of migration in shaping the future of cities;
  • Local governance of migration: challenges and opportunities specific to cities;
  • Case studies of local and national strategies to manage migration;
  • Partnerships between different levels of government, non-governmental organizations, academia and the private sector to facilitate positive outcomes for migrants and host communities;
  • Talent mobility and the contribution of migrants to the development of cities;
  • How cities can contribute to improving the public perception of migrants and migration.

The conference will also offer participants the opportunity to:

  • Take stock of various local programmes and initiatives to manage the challenges of human mobility;
  • Identify and share innovative practices and lessons learned;
  • Identify successful partnerships for managing mobility at local level between migrants, local governments, civil society and the private sector;
  • Advance the understanding of and provide recommendations on the inclusion of migration in local, national and global development planning;
  • Build bridges between the different levels of migration management and identify how IOM and other relevant actors can enhance assistance to local and national authorities at the policy, research and operational levels.

How to register:

To register for the Conference, please contact the IDM Workshop team at idmworkshop@iom.int or + 41 22 717 93 89 / 535

World: Entérese sobre el Proceso de Paz

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Country: World
Organization: Government of Colombia, International Organization for Migration, US Agency for International Development

El Gobierno colombiano, a través de la Oficina del Alto Comisionado de Paz (OACP), puso en marcha el curso virtual Entérese sobre el Proceso de Paz, el cual tiene como objetivo acercar la información de lo que sucede en las conversaciones de paz que actualmente se desarrollan con la guerrilla de las Farc en La Habana. El curso está dirigido a la ciudadanía en general, tanto colombianos como extranjeros.

Las inscripciones están abiertas de manera permanente y pueden realizarse a través de este enlace (curso virtual – inscripciones). El curso está dividido en ocho módulos, guiados mediante videoconferencias, presentaciones de diapositivas, documentos escritos y foros virtuales, a través de los cuales se busca transmitir la información de una manera didáctica. Inicialmente solo es posible realizarlo en español.

Entérese sobre el Proceso de Paz es una iniciativa de la Red de Territorios por la Paz, que es una división de la OACP cuyo propósito es generar pedagogía de paz en el país, y cuenta con el apoyo de la Agencia de Estados Unidos para el Desarrollo Internacional (USAID) y de la Organización Internacional para las Migraciones (OIM), en el marco de una estrategia integral a través de la cual se busca que la ciudadanía se informe sobre las conversaciones de paz y conozca los mecanismos mediante los cuales puede enviar sus propuestas al equipo negociador.

“Para nosotros es muy importante que los ciudadanos se enteren de qué es el proceso de paz, pues de llegar a un acuerdo exitoso este será el evento más importante de nuestras vidas. Lo que ha querido hacer este curso es poner a disposición del país, de una manera sencilla, los elementos básicos del proceso: el contexto, cuál es la estructura de las conversaciones y cómo se desarrollan, y sobretodo cuáles son los puntos que hasta ahora hemos acordado”, afirmó Sergio Jaramillo, Alto Comisionado de Paz y actual negociador plenipotenciario en La Habana.

De momento, el curso tiene cerca de 4.400 inscritos de todos los departamentos del país e inclusive cuenta con la participación de colombianos en el exterior y extranjeros interesados en el proceso de paz. Igualmente están representados diferentes sectores de la sociedad como la institucionalidad nacional y territorial, las universidades, las organizaciones sociales, miembros de las Fuerzas Militares, miembros de grupos étnicos y la comunidad en general.

Por su parte, Alejandro Guidi, Jefe de Misión de la OIM Colombia, afirmó que “creemos que la participación y el fortalecimiento de la ciudadanía es fundamental en la transición de Colombia hacia paz y precisamente por eso estamos apoyando la creación de herramientas pedagógicas que le permitan al país tener un conocimiento más profundo de lo que se ha acordado hasta la fecha en La Habana”.

“Lo que buscamos es que la ciudadanía cuente con todos los elementos para que forme su propia opinión sobre el proceso y pueda enviarnos sus recomendaciones, sugerencias y críticas al equipo negociador del Gobierno, siempre sobre la base de información verídica”, concluyó Jaramillo.

Mas informacion: http://territoriosporlapaz.gov.co/


How to register:

Curso virtual – inscripciones

Kenya: A Training Course for Facilitators of Pastoralists’ Livestock Value Chains

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Country: Kenya
Organization: International Institute of Rural Reconstruction
Registration deadline: 30 Nov 2015
Starting date: 07 Dec 2015
Ending date: 11 Dec 2015

Making Markets Work for African Pastoralists

A Training Course for Facilitators of Pastoralists’ Livestock Value Chains

Dates & Location

Kenya

7th – 11th December 2015

Course Fees

Full board Rate: 1200USD

Non Resident Rate: 700USD

Introduction

The International Institute of Rural Reconstruction has over the last decade evolved into a regional center of excellence in value chain and market capacity development. In the last five years IIRR has trained, couched and mentored over 450 community development practitioners from Africa in pro-poor value chain development and actor empowerment. The uniqueness of IIRR’s value chain courses lie in the fact that they are fully based on real life examples of value chains in Africa that IIRR has documented overtime. Participants in our trainings are able to use a range of tools to promote the development of market systems that are competitive in local, regional, and global markets. They learn to provide equitable benefits to women, the very poor, and other marginalized groups. Trainees also learn to strengthen the resilience of communities and become themselves more resilient to shocks.

Course overview

A fundamental challenge in reducing poverty in pastoral areas is to ensure market access for sustainably produced goods while simultaneously maintaining traditional practices and pastoralist lifestyles. Past efforts aimed at stimulating livestock markets have often not worked because of a failure to address the systemic constraints in an integrated fashion. The key considerations in making livestock markets work for pastoralists include building the capacity of the pastoralists; improving their access to inputs - health care, feeds and breeds to make it possible to produce high-quality livestock for markets; organizing services, finance, transport, marketplaces, processing facilities; strengthening actor relationships and improving policy environment.

This 5 – days training equips trainers, rural development practitioners and service providers with the competencies needed to assist African pastoralists strengthen their position in the marketing chains for their livestock and livestock products and, by so doing, contribute to economic development and reduced vulnerability of pastoralists.

Training Methodologies

IIRR trainings employ innovative training approaches that include:

· Brief interactive discussions to introduce value chain concepts, principles and approaches

· Plenary exercises & presentations, brainstorms, role plays, learning from each other, learning from experiences of community and IIRR experts.

· 1 day of fieldwork for chain mapping and analysis on a selected livestock and livestock product marketing chains located near the training center.

Learning outcomes:

After the training, IIRR course participants are able to:

  1. Explain the Marketing Chain, its concepts, principles and approaches and its role in sustainable economic development;
  2. Analyze African pastoralists livestock Marketing Chains using a variety of tools and steps, identifying constraints and opportunities for innovation
  3. Identify the steps for building engagement among and between pastoralist chain actors and between chain actors and chain supporters;
  4. Elaborate and design an inclusive and competitive pastoralists’ livestock value chain development strategy and the related action plan.
  5. Set up an effective participatory monitoring, learning and evaluation plan for a Market Chain Development Process applicable for African pastoralist livestock and livestock products
  6. Develop or strengthen their role as professional Market Facilitators, Trainers or Researchers on pastoralists’ livestock marketing chains.

How to register:

Please fill the attached form to register for the course.

Mode of application

To register for the course, please complete and send the attached application form to training@iirr.org with a copy to firew.kefyalew@iirr.org and admin@iirr.org. In case of any clarification, please contact the following:

Kenya - Nyaboke Omwega boke.omwega@iirr.org +254 713379771

training@iirr.org Office Tel: + 254 20 2370039 / 41/43

Uganda- Pamela Nyamutoka pamela.nyamutoka@iirr.org Office Tel: +256 0414 664495/ 0754286331

Mobile: 256 772 479039/ 256 702 479039

Ethiopia - Zerihun Lemma - zerihun.lemma@iirr.org; Mobile: +251-911130300

Mingizem Maru - mingizem.maru@iirr.org; Office Tel: +251-11-3212864;

South Sudan - Isaac Bwire - isaac.bwire@iirr.org - Office Tel: +211955752094

Mobile: +256772587929

For more information, visit our website: www.iirr.org

Philippines: Engaging Communities for Climate Change Actions for Food and Livelihood Security

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Country: Philippines
Organization: International Institute of Rural Reconstruction
Registration deadline: 08 Feb 2016
Starting date: 08 Mar 2016
Ending date: 17 Mar 2016

Fellowship available for limited slots through the USAID ADAPT Asia-Pacific.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon asserts, “there can be no food security without climate security”. This thought is central to this course. It equips participants with working knowledge about climate change and its links to food and livelihood security. It puts emphasis on building and strengthening participants’ capacity to facilitate community level climate change work. They will learn and practice participatory tools in designing and implementing climate change actions at the community level. Samples of farm and community level adaptation practices will be shared through case stories, field
observations and community interactions. The course uses a combination of classroom instruction using adult learning methodologies, project visits and community level practicum where participants practice use of participatory tools.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants shall have:

• Developed a shared understanding of climate change and its impact to food security and livelihoods;
• Demonstrated the use of select tools for participatory climate risk and vulnerability assessment and adaptation planning
• Gained insights on strategies and techniques for strengthening community engagement and
mobilization for climate change actions; and
• Developed action plan to apply key learnings from the course in their work context..

Who should attend

• Project Managers / Mid-level Managers
• Field Facilitators / Coordinators
• Extension Workers
• Others who care about community participation in program and projects

Methodologies

The course uses a participatory training approach. Short lectures are complemented by group exercises, case study analysis, plenary discussions and field visits to communities. The trainers are experienced IIRR professionals and others from organizations that practice engaging communities in climate change actions.

Content

Module 1: Basic Concepts, Science and Principles of Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience

This module will provide the participants a basic understanding of the various concepts used in
climate change adaptation and resilience building work. This will allow the participants to have
a solid conceptual basis in partnering with communities on climate change issues. In addition to
discussions of the science of climate change, there will also be discussions of the human and social
dimensions of climate change. The concept of community-based adaptation will be shared in this
module. Facilitators will share experiences in building adaptive capacities of communities and
vulnerable sectors. The Climate Smart Agriculture Approach and CMDRR will also be discussed to
highlight various technologies, practices, strategies and mechanisms that address climate change
impacts by rural-based sectors.

Module 2: Participatory Tools for Engaging Communities for Climate Change Work

This module will start with basic appreciation of the importance of community engagement in
climate change work. The participants will also learn and practice the use of participatory methods
and tools to collect and analyze data for participatory climate vulnerability assessment and
community adaptation planning. A field practicum will be organized for participants to practice
the use of tools. There will be a panel discussion on IIRR field experiences on the use of various
strategies to engage communities in climate change.

Module 3: Strengthening Community Mobilization for Climate Change Actions

Relevant and scalable interventions and strategies in climate change adaptation and mitigation will
be discussed and analyzed to draw lessons and reflect on its implications on participants’ areas of
work. There will be field visits to communities and institutions with exemplary models.

Module 4: Action Planning

In this module, participants will prepare an action plan that synthesizes lessons learned from the
course and translates these into actions that will improve their current climate change programs
and projects. Facilitators ensure that their action plans are based on the participants’ field realities
and their organizations and program thrusts.

Course Fees and Related Term

The training fee of 1,800USD covers:
• course fee
• meals and coffee breaks
• double occupancy accommodation
• course-related materials
• field and agency visits, and
• airport transfers.

Single room occupancy is available upon request and at extra cost. Fees do not include international
airfare, laundry and incidental expenses. Applicants are encouraged to secure financial support from their organizations or donor agencies.

Those from government institutions can avail of fellowship support from Adapt Asia Pacific, please go to the Adapt Asia Pacific website to fill up the application form: http://www.adaptasiapacific.org/activities/training-support and submit to Piyachatr Pradubraj, ppradubraj@adapt-asia.org.

When and where

The 10-day course will be held at IIRR’s Y.C. James Yen Center in Cavite, Philippines from March 8 – 17, 2016. Course participants are expected to arrive one day before the start of the course. IIRR offers an ideal environment for learning and reflection. Courses are held in our 50-hectare campus in Silang, Cavite, about an hour’s drive from Manila. Facilities include air-conditioned training rooms, open-air centers for outdoor sessions, a dining hall, and participants’ hostel and dormitories. We also have recreational facilities and nature trails.

Course Highlights

• Highly participatory methods (simulation exercises, focus group discussions, workshops, role play, video showing, case stories, games, field practicum, etc.)
• Participants are active key resource persons, facilitators and learners
• Field practicum that allows participants to practice participatory climate risk and vulnerability
assessment and adaptation planning
• On-site visits to IIRR’s demonstration garden and farm featuring climate-smart agriculture principles
and other communities practicing climate adaptation farm production technologies
• Action planning

IIRR Regional Center for Asia
Y.C. James Yen Center
Km. 39, Aguinaldo Hi-Way, Silang, Cavite, 4118
Philippines
Tel: +63 46 4300016
Email: dulce.dominguez@iirr.org


How to register:

For more information and to receive an application form, contact:

Dulce Dominguez
Email: dulce.dominguez@iirr.org

Philippines: Measuring Resilience: Participatory Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

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Country: Philippines
Organization: International Institute of Rural Reconstruction
Registration deadline: 03 Jun 2016
Starting date: 05 Jul 2016
Ending date: 14 Jul 2016

The topic of community resilience has become more prominent in the recent years and is discussed together with themes such as climate change, social protection, sustainable development, macro-economic development and humanitarian response to emergencies. This is not without basis as in the past decades, the world has seen the impacts of disasters to community development. Disasters happen when a community with very low capacity cannot cope on their own when a hazard strikes.
In 2012 alone, there were 357 recorded disasters that killed about 9,000 people and affected 124 million people. These disasters have cost the world US$ 157 billion of economic losses. This shows that disasters can automatically undo years of development efforts.

Enter climate change altering the face of disaster risk, not only through increased weather related risks and sea-level and temperature rises, but also through increases in societal vulnerabilities such as stresses on water availability, agriculture and ecosystems. Disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation share a common space of concern: reducing the vulnerability of communities and building resilience brought about by increasing uncertainties and risks.

The most important question for those who acknowledge the importance of building community resilience is how to measure it. How do we know that we are on the right track towards community resilience? Measuring resilience and understanding the effectiveness of programs is a subject of several discussions in many development organizations. Based on literature, community resilience can be measured as an outcome, an end state that has to result from a set of interventions. The literature also point to measuring resilience as a process of how communities develop towards their own resilience.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants shall have:

• Identified the building blocks of community resilience; • Discussed the approaches towards building community resilience; • Compared a range of frameworks for measuring resilience; • Develop a framework that suit their project/program; • Used participatory tools that complements their measuring resilience framework; and • Identified specific action for applying learnings in their specific work context.

Who should attend

• Middle-level Managers • Field Workers • Facilitators • Trainers

Methodologies

The course uses a participatory training approach. Short lectures are complemented by group exercises, case study analysis, plenary discussions and field visits to communities. The trainers are experienced IIRR professionals.

Contents

Module 1: Resilience Building: Concepts, Principles and Practices

This module will tackle the concept of community resilience and the major approaches to facilitate resilience building. Participants will be introduced to a whole range of framework that brings together community development work, disaster risk reduction and management and climate change adaptation and mitigation as important elements for building community resilience. Participants will share their current work and how these contribute to resilience building.

Module 2: Designing Community Resilience Measurements Framework

This module will look into designing community resilience measurement frameworks.The measurement framework includes identifying the outcomes to be measured using a set of indicators and how these can be measured. The participants will critically look into various community resilience measurement frameworks available. They will design community resilience measurement frameworks that fit their programs/projects. These will carefully consider. participatory approaches and facilitating learning into the overall design process.

Module 3: Participatory Tools in Measuring Community Resilience

The participants will be introduced to using various tools in Participatory Learning and Action as a methodology for facilitating a participatory approach to measuring community resilience. This module will also bring the participants to an actual on-going community resilience program to do field practical exercises. Participants will use select tools to measure some of the indicators of the program/project of IIRR.

Module 4: Action Planning

Participants will develop an action plan for implementation which are based on the realities of the communities and implemented in line with organizational, program or project thrusts.

Course fee and related training fee

The training fee of 1,800USD covers: • course fee • meals and coffee breaks • double occupancy accommodation • course-related materials • field and agency visits, and • airport transfers.

Single room occupancy is available upon request and at extra cost. Fees do not include international airfare, laundry and incidental expenses. Applicants are encouraged to secure financial support from their organizations or donor agencies. IIRR reserves the right to cancel the course one month before the course starts if the required quorum is not met. This will be conveyed immediately to the applicants. Course fees will be refunded in full.The training fees cover meals and coffee breaks, double occupancy accommodation, course-related materials, field and agency visits, and airport transfers. Fees do not include international airfare, laundry and incidental expenses. Applicants are encouraged to secure financial support from their organizations or donor agencies.

When and where

The 10-day course will be held at IIRR’s Y.C. James Yen Center in Cavite, Philippines. Course participants are expected to arrive one day before the start of the course. IIRR offers an ideal environment for learning and reflection. Courses are held in our 50-hectare campus in Silang, Cavite, about an hour’s drive from Manila. Facilities include air-conditioned training rooms, open-air centers for outdoor sessions, a dining hall, and participants’ hostel and dormitories. We also have recreational facilities and nature trails.

Course Highlights

• Highly participatory methods (simulation exercises, focus group discussions, workshops, role play, video showing, case stories, games, field practicum, etc.)

• Participants are active key resource persons, facilitators and learners

• Field practicum that allows participants to practice participatory tools in measuring community resilience in an on-going resilience building program of IIRR

• On-site visits to IIRR’s demonstration garden and farm featuring climate-smart agriculture as a strategy for building resilience in livelihoods, food security and nutrition

• Action planning

For details, email:

Dulce Dominguez

Dulce.dominguez@iirr.org


How to register:

For more information and to receive an application form, contact:

Dulce Dominguez
Email: dulce.dominguez@iirr.org


Philippines: Building Resilient Communities: Community-Managed Disaster Risk Reduction

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0
Country: Philippines
Organization: International Institute of Rural Reconstruction
Registration deadline: 11 Mar 2016
Starting date: 12 Apr 2016
Ending date: 21 Apr 2016

This course will provide participants with basic understanding of disaster risk reduction (DRR) and its relationship to climate change adaptation and disaster management. They will learn about the basic process and tools to facilitate community-managed disaster risk reduction (CMDRR). CMDRR framework puts premium to building capacities of communities so they can facilitate their own risk reduction process. The facilitation role of development organizations is also emphasized. This course uses a combination of classroom instruction using adult-learning methodologies and community level practicum to conduct exercises using CMDRR tools.

This course is a component of the NGO Disaster Preparedness Project, a joint project of IIRR and Give2Asia involving 6 countries in Asia. The project will connect donors with the most effective community disaster risk reduction programs in six of the most vulnerable South and Southeast Asian countries. It will also publish DRR research, perform online crowd funding for local projects, and make publicly available organizational information of groups implementing innovative local DRR work. A number of participants for this course will come from Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, India and Bangladesh all supported by this project.

Course Objectives

  1. Develop a shared understanding of the concepts, principles and practices of CMDRR;
  2. Demonstrate the use of selected tools and conducted participatory disaster risk assessment in the community; and
  3. Identify strategies to sustain CMDRR in a community

Who should attend

Middle-level Managers Field Workers Facilitators Trainers

Methodologies

The course uses a participatory training approach. Short lectures are complemented by group exercises, case study analysis, plenary discussions and field visits to communities. The trainers are experienced IIRR professionals.

Course Content

Module 1. Concepts, Principles and Practices in CMDRR

This module tackles disaster risk reduction as an emerging development paradigm and framework. Participants will learn of the history and the relationship of DRR to disaster management, climate change adaptation and ecosystems management. Resource persons will present the latest discussions on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. Lastly, the participants will learn the four minimum requirements of a CMDRR process in the community.

Module 2. Facilitating CMDRR: Methods and Process

There will be an in depth learning discussion on the four minimum requirements of CMDRR namely, participatory disaster risk assessment, risk reduction planning, community organizing and participatory monitoring, evaluation and learning. Participants will learn how to use participatory learning and action (PLA) tools to conduct participatory disaster risk assessment and analysis (PDRAA) and to translate the disaster risk assessment results into community-level DRR plans and mechanisms for monitoring, evaluation and learning. A guided field practicum will allow participants to interact with community leaders and members and use these various tools.

Module 3: Sustaining CMDRR

Participants will learn how to facilitate documentation and sharing of CMDRR experiences as part of policy advocacy, resource mobilization, networking, monitoring and evaluation, and organizational learning. There will be a discussion on linking community organizations with other actors who are engaged in DRR and in accessing resources for CMDRR. Approaches to integrate DRR in various development programs and plans such as those related to livelihood development, natural resources management, health systems, development and education are also included.

Module 4: Action Planning

Participants will develop an action plan for implementation which are based on the realities of the communities and implemented in line with organizational, pro-gram or project thrusts.

Course Fees and Related Term

The training fee of 1,800USD covers: course fee meals and coffee breaks double occupancy accommodation course-related materials field and agency visits, and airport transfers. Single room occupancy is available upon request and at extra cost. Fees do not include international airfare, laundry and incidental expenses. Applicants are encouraged to secure financial support from their organizations or donor agencies. IIRR reserves the right to cancel the course one month before the course starts if the required quorum is not met. This will be conveyed immediately to the applicants. Course fees will be refunded in full.


How to register:

For more information and to receive an application form, contact:

Dulce Dominguez

Email: dulce.dominguez@iirr.org

Philippines: Participatory Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

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0
Country: Philippines
Organization: International Institute of Rural Reconstruction
Registration deadline: 08 Jul 2016
Starting date: 09 Aug 2016
Ending date: 18 Aug 2016

This course is intended to broaden participants’ understanding of Participatory Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (PMEL) as a support to program/project management at different levels. PMEL is a tool for strengthening participation, enhancing local capacity, and increasing local people’s confidence and control over development decisions and processes. The course examines PMEL concepts and principles equipping participants with the skills on how to use methods, tools and techniques which have been tested and used in the field. Drawing from a range of significant experiences, the course also highlights key elements that enrich the application and maintenance of PMEL systems.

Course Objectives

  1. articulated the rationale for the applications of PMEL within the context of the paradigm shifts in development work;
  2. identified various elements that constitute the application of PMEL;
  3. facilitated data collection and analysis using select participatory tools for PMEL; and
  4. identified practical applications of PMEL within the context of their own organizations or programs or projects.

Who should attend

Planning, monitoring and evaluation officers Program officers Project managers Research / action research officers Trainer / extension workers Community animators/facilitators Advocacy workers

Methodologies

The course will use participatory methods to stimulate learning and facilitate discussions and sharing processes. Case analysis, small group exercises and fieldwork will be the main learning methodologies.

Course Content

Module 1: Situational Analysis

This module provides participants the opportunity to share experiences in monitoring, evaluation and learning from their projects/programs. This provides a shared understanding of the various pro-gram/project contexts represented in the course. It also reviews basic and emerging concepts in participatory monitoring, evaluation and learning.

Module 2: Designing and Facilitating the PMEL Process

The module focuses on the PMEL processes and details the requirements in designing and implementing PMEL. It shall cover developing log frames, formulating indicators and developing an M&E plan. It emphasizes the facilitative role of the development worker in the entire process and outlines the necessary attitudes, skills and tools in participatory data collection and analysis in PMEL.

Module 3: Strengthening systems for PMEL

Module 3 describes elements that support the establishment and maintenance of PMEL in the context of development organizations. It discusses the important factors in the implementation of PMEL and the key strategies that enable organizations to sustain, institutionalize, and expand PMEL practices.

Module 4: Action Planing

Action planning provides participants the opportunity to reflect on, synthesize and apply their learnings from the course through developing an action plan.

Course Fees and Related Term

The training fee of 1,800USD covers: course fee meals and coffee breaks double occupancy accommodation course-related materials field and agency visits, and airport transfers Single room occupancy is available upon request and at extra cost. Fees do not include international airfare, laundry and incidental expenses. Applicants are encouraged to secure financial support from their organizations or donor agencies. IIRR reserves the right to cancel the course one month before the course starts if the required quorum is not met. This will be conveyed immediately to the applicants. Course fees will be refunded in full.


How to register:

For more information and to receive an application form, contact:

Dulce Dominguez Email: dulce.dominguez@iirr.org

Philippines: Addressing Household Food Security in the Context of Changing Climate and Environment

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0
Country: Philippines
Organization: International Institute of Rural Reconstruction
Registration deadline: 19 Aug 2016
Starting date: 20 Sep 2016
Ending date: 29 Sep 2016

The course is designed to provide a general understanding on emerging trends and issues to sustaining household food security and nutrition amidst the challenge of climate variations and its associated risks. Participants will be engaged in discussions with development professionals, community-based organizations and other practitioners of well-proven and emerging technologies, practices and approaches to increasing the resilience of rural communities against climate risks. Participants will also be introduced to participatory approaches through field exposure visits to rural areas where community-based adaptation is practiced.

Course Objectives

  1. gained basic understanding of the concepts, principles and relevant approaches to sustaining household food security and nutrition;
  2. increased their awareness on the risks and vulnerabilities posed by climate change and its impacts to food security;
  3. gained better appreciation of participatory approaches to managing food security risks and vulnerabilities; and
  4. identified innovative approaches for improving their respective food security initiatives.

Who should attend

Local and International NGO staff Government and extension personnel Researchers Faculty members engaged in food security programs and projects

Methodologies

The training course will feature balanced approaches to instruction by utilizing classroom lectures and discussions and field-based learning. Conceptual topics will be discussed within lecture halls while topics featuring community-based approaches and practices will be done on-site. It will also feature a roving workshop approach wherein participants will be introduced to the differential strategies for building community resilience based on the site-specific food security challenges of climate risks. Among the expected ecosystem-specific climate responses that will be featured in roving workshop are low-external input practices in rice-based agro-ecosystems; agroforestry and community forestry in forested lands; and coastal protection in coastal and/or fresh-water ecosystems. The training course will adopt adult learning methodologies that features sharing of knowledge and experiences by participants.

Course Content

Module 1: Understanding the concept of Food Security and Climate Change

This module provides an overall understanding of the interconnectedness of of global issues such as food security, climate change and disaster. It defines food security concepts and explores the challenges posed by climate change. This is done by a discussion of the basic science of climate change and an in-depth analysis of its impacts to natural and human systems. A specific focus of the module will be on the impacts of climate change to agricultural systems, where the most-at-risk are located. An in-depth discussion on social & institutional issues will highlight the important role that institutions play in food security including the importance of collective action and property rights in addressing issues of food insecurity

Module 2: Managing Challenges in Food Security

This module is a two-part activity. The first part discusses the conceptual frameworks for understanding the interplay of local environment and food security considerations such as local socio-cultural, gender and institutional contexts in human nutrition and overall development. An overview of ecosystems and landscape based approaches to food security and livelihood is also provided. The second part is characterized by field visits to key ecosystems and communities to observe and analyze various food security considerations using participatory approaches. Guided discussions are conducted after every visit for the purpose of surfacing learnings and observations.

Module 3: Strengthening and Sustaining Food Security Projects

This module provides participants an overview of participatory approaches that are useful in enhancing and up scaling food security and nutrition projects in consideration of climate change challenges. Participants sharing of experiences in specific participatory tools are encouraged.

Module 4. Action Planning

Participants are to prepare an action plan identifying food security programs/activities taking into account their national or community’s food security con-text to strengthen people’s resilience in coping with threats to food security. Climate change adaptation and mitigation measures are to be integrated in the action plan.

Course Fees and Related Term

The training fee of 1,800USD covers: course fee meals and coffee breaks double occupancy accommodation course-related materials field and agency visits, and airport transfers. Single room occupancy is available upon request and at extra cost. Fees do not include international airfare, laundry and incidental expenses. Applicants are encouraged to secure financial support from their organizations or donor agencies. IIRR reserves the right to cancel the course one month before the course starts if the required quorum is not met. This will be conveyed immediately to the applicants. Course fees will be refunded in full.


How to register:

For more information and to receive an application form, contact:

Dulce Dominguez
Email: dulce.dominguez@iirr.org

Philippines: Engaging Communities for Climate Change Actions for Food and Livelihood Security

0
0
Country: Philippines
Organization: International Institute of Rural Reconstruction
Registration deadline: 09 Sep 2016
Starting date: 11 Oct 2016
Ending date: 20 Oct 2016

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon asserts, “there can be no food security without climate security”. This thought is central to this course. It equips participants with working knowledge about climate change and its links to food and livelihood security. It puts emphasis on building and strengthening participants’ capacity to facilitate community level climate change work. They will learn and practice participatory tools in designing and implementing climate change actions at the community level. Samples of farm and community level adaptation practices will be shared through case stories, field
observations and community interactions. The course uses a combination of classroom instruction using adult learning methodologies, project visits and community level practicum where participants practice use of participatory tools.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants shall have:

• Developed a shared understanding of climate change and its impact to food security and livelihoods;
• Demonstrated the use of select tools for participatory climate risk and vulnerability assessment and adaptation planning
• Gained insights on strategies and techniques for strengthening community engagement and
mobilization for climate change actions; and
• Developed action plan to apply key learnings from the course in their work context..

Who should attend

• Project Managers / Mid-level Managers
• Field Facilitators / Coordinators
• Extension Workers
• Others who care about community participation in program and projects

Methodologies

The course uses a participatory training approach. Short lectures are complemented by group exercises, case study analysis, plenary discussions and field visits to communities. The trainers are experienced IIRR professionals and others from organizations that practice engaging communities in climate change actions.

Content

Module 1: Basic Concepts, Science and Principles of Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience

This module will provide the participants a basic understanding of the various concepts used in
climate change adaptation and resilience building work. This will allow the participants to have
a solid conceptual basis in partnering with communities on climate change issues. In addition to
discussions of the science of climate change, there will also be discussions of the human and social
dimensions of climate change. The concept of community-based adaptation will be shared in this
module. Facilitators will share experiences in building adaptive capacities of communities and
vulnerable sectors. The Climate Smart Agriculture Approach and CMDRR will also be discussed to
highlight various technologies, practices, strategies and mechanisms that address climate change
impacts by rural-based sectors.

Module 2: Participatory Tools for Engaging Communities for Climate Change Work

This module will start with basic appreciation of the importance of community engagement in
climate change work. The participants will also learn and practice the use of participatory methods
and tools to collect and analyze data for participatory climate vulnerability assessment and
community adaptation planning. A field practicum will be organized for participants to practice
the use of tools. There will be a panel discussion on IIRR field experiences on the use of various
strategies to engage communities in climate change.

Module 3: Strengthening Community Mobilization for Climate Change Actions

Relevant and scalable interventions and strategies in climate change adaptation and mitigation will
be discussed and analyzed to draw lessons and reflect on its implications on participants’ areas of
work. There will be field visits to communities and institutions with exemplary models.

Module 4: Action Planning

In this module, participants will prepare an action plan that synthesizes lessons learned from the
course and translates these into actions that will improve their current climate change programs
and projects. Facilitators ensure that their action plans are based on the participants’ field realities
and their organizations and program thrusts.

Course Fees and Related Term

The training fee of 1,800USD covers:
• course fee
• meals and coffee breaks
• double occupancy accommodation
• course-related materials
• field and agency visits, and
• airport transfers.

Single room occupancy is available upon request and at extra cost. Fees do not include international
airfare, laundry and incidental expenses. Applicants are encouraged to secure financial support from their organizations or donor agencies.

When and where

The 10-day course will be held at IIRR’s Y.C. James Yen Center in Cavite, Philippines from October 11– 20, 2016. Course participants are expected to arrive one day before the start of the course. IIRR offers an ideal environment for learning and reflection. Courses are held in our 50-hectare campus in Silang, Cavite, about an hour’s drive from Manila. Facilities include air-conditioned training rooms, open-air centers for outdoor sessions, a dining hall, and participants’ hostel and dormitories. We also have recreational facilities and nature trails.

Course Highlights

• Highly participatory methods (simulation exercises, focus group discussions, workshops, role play, video showing, case stories, games, field practicum, etc.)
• Participants are active key resource persons, facilitators and learners
• Field practicum that allows participants to practice participatory climate risk and vulnerability
assessment and adaptation planning
• On-site visits to IIRR’s demonstration garden and farm featuring climate-smart agriculture principles
and other communities practicing climate adaptation farm production technologies
• Action planning

IIRR Regional Center for Asia
Y.C. James Yen Center
Km. 39, Aguinaldo Hi-Way, Silang, Cavite, 4118
Philippines
Tel: +63 46 4300016
Email: dulce.dominguez@iirr.org


How to register:

For more information and to receive an application form, contact:

Dulce Dominguez
Email: dulce.dominguez@iirr.org

Philippines: Co-Creating Knowledge with Farmers: Participatory Action Research

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0
Country: Philippines
Organization: International Institute of Rural Reconstruction
Registration deadline: 14 Oct 2016
Starting date: 15 Nov 2016
Ending date: 24 Nov 2016

This course will provide a framework for an effective collaboration between farmers, extension professionals and scientists in the design, planning and implementation of agricultural field research and extension that are mutually owned by all actors concerned.

Participants will learn to appreciate farmers’ roles and the use of participatory methods and tools to come up with a simple research design that can be implemented by farmers and researchers/extension agents. Participants will also learn to consider farmers’ perspectives and use of local and indigenous knowledge in actively implementing and monitoring agricultural researches.

Research organizations work with farmers through two levels of staff: (1) senior staff (program coordinators, senior national re-search staff whose work involved both re-search and extension and networking with private and government sector partners and (2) field staff, including those limited number of partner NGOs (field extension officers responsible for implementing field research, collection of data, organizing training for farmers, running focus groups, networking with partners, etc.) The training is aimed at enhancing skills and behaviours essential for developing researches that are meaningful to farmers. This training course attempts to showcase how the two different levels of staff described above (researchers and extension officers) and farmers in structured and semi-structured learning events explore meaningful learning relation-ships that put premium to farmers’ participation.

Course Objectives

  1. explored field realities and multiple perspectives in the practice of doing field research and extension;
  2. developed participatory methods and tools to engage farmers in the process/steps/activities of co- learning;
  3. effectively facilitated the process of co-creating knowledge through data collection, validation and analysis;
  4. analyzed the link between organizational theory of change and participants’ experiences in conducting field experimentation and research output dissemination; and
  5. identified ways to apply learnings from the course in their specific work contexts.

Who should attend

Agricultural scientists Researchers Extension personnel from the academe, research institutions, local and international NGOs and government agencies

Methodologies

IIRR uses a participatory training approach in the conduct of its training courses. Short lectures are complemented by individual and group exercises, plenary discussions and field practicum to practice select skills discussed. Facilitators are trained and experienced IIRR professionals while invited resource persons are management level staff of partner organizations.

Course Content

Module 1: Agricultural Research and Extension Practices: Challenges and Changing Paradigms

Given the crucial role that researchers and extension personnel play in promoting improved agricultural production practices and livelihoods in rural communities, this module will give participants an avenue to share existing realities in the field. Participants will learn and compare their experiences with others and share good practices in community research and extension with other organizations.

Module 2: Co-Creating Knowledge with Farmers: A Paradigm Shift

Participants will have an in depth discussion on farmers’ changing roles and responsibilities in conducting community field research. There will be an analysis of the behaviours and practices that are supportive of farmer experimentation and innovation development. Participation and participatory tools that engages farmers and communities meaningfully in exploring agricultural innovations and opportunities for value creation will be practiced during the field practicum. Participants will facilitate data validation analysis and develop strategies and recommendations to sustain farmer-led and participatory action research.

Module 3. Sustaining Research and Extension Partnerships

Participants will explore ways to sustain partnerships with farmers and research and extension institutions to provide farmers the needed services towards better production and encouraging agricultural innovations from farmers.

Module 4. Action Planning

Participants will prepare an action plan incorporating key lessons learned from Modules 1 to 3. The action plan will serve as a tool to determine how participants’ intend to use and apply their learnings from the course upon their return to their respective institutions.

Course Fees and Related Term

The training fee of 1,800USD covers: course fee meals and coffee breaks double occupancy accommodation course-related materials field and agency visits, and airport transfers. Single room occupancy is available upon request and at extra cost. Fees do not include international airfare, laundry and incidental expenses. Applicants are encouraged to secure financial support from their organizations or donor agencies. IIRR reserves the right to cancel the course one month before the course starts if the required quorum is not met. This will be conveyed immediately to the applicants. Course fees will be refunded in full.


How to register:

For more information and to receive an application form, contact:

Dulce Dominguez
Email: dulce.dominguez@iirr.org

Italy: Psychosocial interventions in migration, emergency and displacement - vi edition

0
0
Country: Italy
Organization: International Organization for Migration, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna
Registration deadline: 10 Apr 2017
Starting date: 03 Jul 2017
Ending date: 15 Jul 2017

The Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa, Italy & the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are offering the summer course:

"Psychosocial Interventions in Migration, Emergency and Displacement" - VI Edition

Pisa, Italy, 3-15 July 2017

Key facts:
Location: Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, main campus, Pisa (Italy)
Time commitment: 12 days, Monday-to-Saturday, 8hrs per day on average, full time
Working language: English
Scientific Board: Prof. Andrea de Guttry (Scuola Sant'Anna), Prof. Guglielmo Schininà (IOM Geneva), and Prof. Renos K. Papadopoulos (University of Essex)
Faculty: will include academics, renowned experts and practitioners with considerable field and research experience.
Available places: max. 30, of which 10 reserved for IOMers and 20 chosen through public selection.

Course description

The psychosocial approach responds to the threats brought by disruptive events, or predicaments of life to the notion of individual, group and collective identity. For this reason said approach proves especially useful in situations where individual, group and community identity and roles are questioned, challenged, annihilated, in need for reconstruction-readjustment, as is the case of migration and displacement forced by wars, disasters, collective socioeconomic vulnerabilities, and return. That is why psychosocial activities have become an indispensable component of humanitarian responses to emergency displacement.

Yet, a non-harmonized approach to and understanding of psychosocial support tend to characterize those interventions.

The course will provide a given frame of understanding of the psychosocial dimension of migration, displacement and crisis-affected societies, as well as of the processes within the migration cycle of vulnerable groups, all while presenting harmonized ethics, approaches and tools associated with psychosocial support.

The course will enable participants to acknowledge the complexity of MHPSS Interventions in crisis situations or during the migration process, conceptualize holistic responses, understand the interrelation of the different sectorial responses and gain advanced specific knowledge in each sector of intervention.

Contents
The course will consist of about 90 hours: sessions will be spread over 2 weeks, from Monday to Saturday for an average of 8 hours per day, in a residential fashion. The content will be divided into the following didactic modules:

  1. Epistemology, systems, international standards, legal framework, theories.

  2. Tools and standards for psychosocial consideration in basic services and security, including: IASC standards, psychological first-aid, inductions for general humanitarian workers, MHPSS considerations in Camp management and urban settings.

  3. Tools and standards for psychosocial considerations in family and community supports, including: IASC standards, family and systemic approaches, community messaging, community mobilization, rituals and recreation, sports interventions, social theatre, small scale conflict management.

  4. Tools and standards for psychosocial focused services: including counseling methods, systemic approaches, family counseling basics, arts-therapies.

  5. Understanding of specialized services: including protection for individuals with pre-existing disorders and the ones living in institutions, trauma and attachment, clinical responses to special needs.

Target group

The Course is open to psychologists, social workers, educators-teachers, medical doctors and psychiatrists, nurses, applied artists (e.g. dance therapists), humanitarian workers, emergency experts, development workers or similar, who meet the following minimum requirements:

• Have at least a 3 years University degree or equivalent in relevant disciplines, issued by a University institution or equivalent.

• Have at least 2 years of work experience in a related field.

• Have a proficient working knowledge of English.

Knowledge of any other language and/or any further relevant training, voluntary or professional experience would be an asset. Relevant publications are also an advantage.

Methodology
The Course has a practical orientation and relies heavily on case studies to enhance participants’ skills and abilities to effectively provide psychosocial support. Practical exercises will include advanced role-playing and simulations. Ample space will be devoted to testimonies and considerations drawn from the personal experience of trainers and participants.

Contact
E-mail: altaformazione@santannapisa.it

For additional info please visit: http://www.santannapisa.it/it/formazione/psychosocial-interventions-migration-emergency-and-displacement


How to register:

Application and selection process:

The application deadline is 10th April 2017

A second round of application will only be held in case the min. number of qualified candidates is not reached through the first round. The deadline for the second round is set on 10th May 2017.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for the first round of applications

IOM candidates

10 places will be assigned by IOM to qualified IOM professionals/consultants following an internal selection process.**
Interested IOM candidates shall refer directly to their Office **for applications and selection criteria, or contact: gschinina@iom.int and lyounan@iom.int

All other candidates

20 placeswill beassigned by the Scuola to qualified candidates following a public selection.

Applications shall be submitted ONLINE AT:http://www.santannapisa.it/psycho17/application/

Philippines: Participatory Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

0
0
Country: Philippines
Organization: International Institute of Rural Reconstruction
Registration deadline: 26 May 2017
Starting date: 20 Jun 2017
Ending date: 29 Jun 2017

This course is intended to broaden participants’ understanding of Participatory Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (PMEL) as a support to program/project management at different levels. PMEL is a tool for strengthening participation, enhancing local capacity, and increasing local people’s confidence and control over development decisions and processes. The course examines PMEL concepts and principles equipping participants with the skills on how to use methods, tools and techniques which have been tested and used in the field. Drawing from a range of significant experiences, the course also highlights key elements that enrich the application and maintenance of PMEL systems.

Course Objectives

  1. articulated the rationale for the applications of PMEL within the context of the paradigm shifts in development work;
  2. identified various elements that constitute the application of PMEL;
  3. facilitated data collection and analysis using select participatory tools for PMEL; and
  4. identified practical applications of PMEL within the context of their own organizations or programs or projects.

Who should attend

Planning, monitoring and evaluation officers Program officers Project managers Research / action research officers Trainer / extension workers Community animators/facilitators Advocacy workers

Methodologies

The course will use participatory methods to stimulate learning and facilitate discussions and sharing processes. Case analysis, small group exercises and fieldwork will be the main learning methodologies.

Course Content

Module 1: Situational Analysis

This module provides participants the opportunity to share experiences in monitoring, evaluation and learning from their projects/programs. This provides a shared understanding of the various pro-gram/project contexts represented in the course. It also reviews basic and emerging concepts in participatory monitoring, evaluation and learning.

Module 2: Designing and Facilitating the PMEL Process

The module focuses on the PMEL processes and details the requirements in designing and implementing PMEL. It shall cover developing log frames, formulating indicators and developing an M&E plan. It emphasizes the facilitative role of the development worker in the entire process and outlines the necessary attitudes, skills and tools in participatory data collection and analysis in PMEL.

Module 3: Strengthening systems for PMEL

Module 3 describes elements that support the establishment and maintenance of PMEL in the context of development organizations. It discusses the important factors in the implementation of PMEL and the key strategies that enable organizations to sustain, institutionalize, and expand PMEL practices.

Module 4: Action Planing

Action planning provides participants the opportunity to reflect on, synthesize and apply their learnings from the course through developing an action plan.

Course Fees and Related Term

The training fee of 1,800USD covers: course fee meals and coffee breaks double occupancy accommodation course-related materials field and agency visits, and airport transfers Single room occupancy is available upon request and at extra cost. Fees do not include international airfare, laundry and incidental expenses. Applicants are encouraged to secure financial support from their organizations or donor agencies. IIRR reserves the right to cancel the course one month before the course starts if the required quorum is not met. This will be conveyed immediately to the applicants. Course fees will be refunded in full.


How to register:

For more information and to receive an application form, contact:

Dulce Dominguez Email: dulce.dominguez@iirr.org


Philippines: Engaging Communities for Climate Change Actions for Food and Livelihood Security

0
0
Country: Philippines
Organization: International Institute of Rural Reconstruction
Registration deadline: 15 Sep 2017
Starting date: 10 Oct 2017
Ending date: 19 Oct 2017

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon asserts, “there can be no food security without climate security”. This thought is central to this course. It equips participants with working knowledge about climate change and its links to food and livelihood security. It puts emphasis on building and strengthening participants’ capacity to facilitate community level climate change work. They will learn and practice participatory tools in designing and implementing climate change actions at the community level. Samples of farm and community level adaptation practices will be shared through case stories, field
observations and community interactions. The course uses a combination of classroom instruction using adult learning methodologies, project visits and community level practicum where participants practice use of participatory tools.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants shall have:

• Developed a shared understanding of climate change and its impact to food security and livelihoods;
• Demonstrated the use of select tools for participatory climate risk and vulnerability assessment and adaptation planning
• Gained insights on strategies and techniques for strengthening community engagement and
mobilization for climate change actions; and
• Developed action plan to apply key learnings from the course in their work context..

Who should attend

• Project Managers / Mid-level Managers
• Field Facilitators / Coordinators
• Extension Workers
• Others who care about community participation in program and projects

Methodologies

The course uses a participatory training approach. Short lectures are complemented by group exercises, case study analysis, plenary discussions and field visits to communities. The trainers are experienced IIRR professionals and others from organizations that practice engaging communities in climate change actions.

Content

Module 1: Basic Concepts, Science and Principles of Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience

This module will provide the participants a basic understanding of the various concepts used in
climate change adaptation and resilience building work. This will allow the participants to have
a solid conceptual basis in partnering with communities on climate change issues. In addition to
discussions of the science of climate change, there will also be discussions of the human and social
dimensions of climate change. The concept of community-based adaptation will be shared in this
module. Facilitators will share experiences in building adaptive capacities of communities and
vulnerable sectors. The Climate Smart Agriculture Approach and CMDRR will also be discussed to
highlight various technologies, practices, strategies and mechanisms that address climate change
impacts by rural-based sectors.

Module 2: Participatory Tools for Engaging Communities for Climate Change Work

This module will start with basic appreciation of the importance of community engagement in
climate change work. The participants will also learn and practice the use of participatory methods
and tools to collect and analyze data for participatory climate vulnerability assessment and
community adaptation planning. A field practicum will be organized for participants to practice
the use of tools. There will be a panel discussion on IIRR field experiences on the use of various
strategies to engage communities in climate change.

Module 3: Strengthening Community Mobilization for Climate Change Actions

Relevant and scalable interventions and strategies in climate change adaptation and mitigation will
be discussed and analyzed to draw lessons and reflect on its implications on participants’ areas of
work. There will be field visits to communities and institutions with exemplary models.

Module 4: Action Planning

In this module, participants will prepare an action plan that synthesizes lessons learned from the
course and translates these into actions that will improve their current climate change programs
and projects. Facilitators ensure that their action plans are based on the participants’ field realities
and their organizations and program thrusts.

Course Fees and Related Term

The training fee of 1,800USD covers:
• course fee
• meals and coffee breaks
• double occupancy accommodation
• course-related materials
• field and agency visits, and
• airport transfers.

Single room occupancy is available upon request and at extra cost. Fees do not include international
airfare, laundry and incidental expenses. Applicants are encouraged to secure financial support from their organizations or donor agencies.

When and where

The 10-day course will be held at IIRR’s Y.C. James Yen Center in Cavite, Philippines from October 11– 20, 2016. Course participants are expected to arrive one day before the start of the course. IIRR offers an ideal environment for learning and reflection. Courses are held in our 50-hectare campus in Silang, Cavite, about an hour’s drive from Manila. Facilities include air-conditioned training rooms, open-air centers for outdoor sessions, a dining hall, and participants’ hostel and dormitories. We also have recreational facilities and nature trails.

Course Highlights

• Highly participatory methods (simulation exercises, focus group discussions, workshops, role play, video showing, case stories, games, field practicum, etc.)
• Participants are active key resource persons, facilitators and learners
• Field practicum that allows participants to practice participatory climate risk and vulnerability
assessment and adaptation planning
• On-site visits to IIRR’s demonstration garden and farm featuring climate-smart agriculture principles
and other communities practicing climate adaptation farm production technologies
• Action planning

IIRR Regional Center for Asia
Y.C. James Yen Center
Km. 39, Aguinaldo Hi-Way, Silang, Cavite, 4118
Philippines
Tel: +63 46 4300016
Email: dulce.dominguez@iirr.org


How to register:

For more information and to receive an application form, contact:

Dulce Dominguez
Email: dulce.dominguez@iirr.org

Italy: Psychosocial interventions in migration, emergency and displacement - vi edition

0
0
Country: Italy
Organization: International Organization for Migration, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna
Registration deadline: 10 May 2017
Starting date: 03 Jul 2017
Ending date: 15 Jul 2017

The Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa, Italy & the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are offering the summer course:

"Psychosocial Interventions in Migration, Emergency and Displacement" - VI Edition

Pisa, Italy, 3-15 July 2017

Key facts:
Location: Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, main campus, Pisa (Italy)
Time commitment: 12 days, Monday-to-Saturday, 8hrs per day on average, full time
Working language: English
Scientific Board: Prof. Andrea de Guttry (Scuola Sant'Anna), Prof. Guglielmo Schininà (IOM Geneva), and Prof. Renos K. Papadopoulos (University of Essex)
Faculty: will include academics, renowned experts and practitioners with considerable field and research experience.
Available places: max. 30, of which 10 reserved for IOMers and 20 chosen through public selection.

Course description

The psychosocial approach responds to the threats brought by disruptive events, or predicaments of life to the notion of individual, group and collective identity. For this reason said approach proves especially useful in situations where individual, group and community identity and roles are questioned, challenged, annihilated, in need for reconstruction-readjustment, as is the case of migration and displacement forced by wars, disasters, collective socioeconomic vulnerabilities, and return. That is why psychosocial activities have become an indispensable component of humanitarian responses to emergency displacement.

Yet, a non-harmonized approach to and understanding of psychosocial support tend to characterize those interventions.

The course will provide a given frame of understanding of the psychosocial dimension of migration, displacement and crisis-affected societies, as well as of the processes within the migration cycle of vulnerable groups, all while presenting harmonized ethics, approaches and tools associated with psychosocial support.

The course will enable participants to acknowledge the complexity of MHPSS Interventions in crisis situations or during the migration process, conceptualize holistic responses, understand the interrelation of the different sectorial responses and gain advanced specific knowledge in each sector of intervention.

Contents
The course will consist of about 90 hours: sessions will be spread over 2 weeks, from Monday to Saturday for an average of 8 hours per day, in a residential fashion. The content will be divided into the following didactic modules:

  1. Epistemology, systems, international standards, legal framework, theories.

  2. Tools and standards for psychosocial consideration in basic services and security, including: IASC standards, psychological first-aid, inductions for general humanitarian workers, MHPSS considerations in Camp management and urban settings.

  3. Tools and standards for psychosocial considerations in family and community supports, including: IASC standards, family and systemic approaches, community messaging, community mobilization, rituals and recreation, sports interventions, social theatre, small scale conflict management.

  4. Tools and standards for psychosocial focused services: including counseling methods, systemic approaches, family counseling basics, arts-therapies.

  5. Understanding of specialized services: including protection for individuals with pre-existing disorders and the ones living in institutions, trauma and attachment, clinical responses to special needs.

Target group

The Course is open to psychologists, social workers, educators-teachers, medical doctors and psychiatrists, nurses, applied artists (e.g. dance therapists), humanitarian workers, emergency experts, development workers or similar, who meet the following minimum requirements:

• Have at least a 3 years University degree or equivalent in relevant disciplines, issued by a University institution or equivalent.

• Have at least 2 years of work experience in a related field.

• Have a proficient working knowledge of English.

Knowledge of any other language and/or any further relevant training, voluntary or professional experience would be an asset. Relevant publications are also an advantage.

Methodology
The Course has a practical orientation and relies heavily on case studies to enhance participants’ skills and abilities to effectively provide psychosocial support. Practical exercises will include advanced role-playing and simulations. Ample space will be devoted to testimonies and considerations drawn from the personal experience of trainers and participants.

Contact
E-mail: altaformazione@santannapisa.it

For additional info please visit: http://www.santannapisa.it/it/formazione/psychosocial-interventions-migration-emergency-and-displacement


How to register:

Application and selection process:

The application deadline is 10th May 2017

Applications shall be submitted ONLINE AT:http://www.santannapisa.it/psycho17/application/

IOM candidates

10 places will be assigned by IOM to qualified IOM professionals/consultants following an internal selection process.**
Interested IOM candidates shall refer directly to their Office **for applications and selection criteria, or contact: gschinina@iom.int and lyounan@iom.int

All other candidates

20 placeswill beassigned by the Scuola to qualified candidates following a public selection.

Applications shall be submitted ONLINE AT:http://www.santannapisa.it/psycho17/application/

World: Entérese sobre el Proceso de Paz

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0
Country: World
Organization: Government of Colombia, International Organization for Migration, US Agency for International Development

El Gobierno colombiano, a través de la Oficina del Alto Comisionado de Paz (OACP), puso en marcha el curso virtual Entérese sobre el Proceso de Paz, el cual tiene como objetivo acercar la información de lo que sucede en las conversaciones de paz que actualmente se desarrollan con la guerrilla de las Farc en La Habana. El curso está dirigido a la ciudadanía en general, tanto colombianos como extranjeros.

Las inscripciones están abiertas de manera permanente y pueden realizarse a través de este enlace (curso virtual – inscripciones). El curso está dividido en ocho módulos, guiados mediante videoconferencias, presentaciones de diapositivas, documentos escritos y foros virtuales, a través de los cuales se busca transmitir la información de una manera didáctica. Inicialmente solo es posible realizarlo en español.

Entérese sobre el Proceso de Paz es una iniciativa de la Red de Territorios por la Paz, que es una división de la OACP cuyo propósito es generar pedagogía de paz en el país, y cuenta con el apoyo de la Agencia de Estados Unidos para el Desarrollo Internacional (USAID) y de la Organización Internacional para las Migraciones (OIM), en el marco de una estrategia integral a través de la cual se busca que la ciudadanía se informe sobre las conversaciones de paz y conozca los mecanismos mediante los cuales puede enviar sus propuestas al equipo negociador.

“Para nosotros es muy importante que los ciudadanos se enteren de qué es el proceso de paz, pues de llegar a un acuerdo exitoso este será el evento más importante de nuestras vidas. Lo que ha querido hacer este curso es poner a disposición del país, de una manera sencilla, los elementos básicos del proceso: el contexto, cuál es la estructura de las conversaciones y cómo se desarrollan, y sobretodo cuáles son los puntos que hasta ahora hemos acordado”, afirmó Sergio Jaramillo, Alto Comisionado de Paz y actual negociador plenipotenciario en La Habana.

De momento, el curso tiene cerca de 4.400 inscritos de todos los departamentos del país e inclusive cuenta con la participación de colombianos en el exterior y extranjeros interesados en el proceso de paz. Igualmente están representados diferentes sectores de la sociedad como la institucionalidad nacional y territorial, las universidades, las organizaciones sociales, miembros de las Fuerzas Militares, miembros de grupos étnicos y la comunidad en general.

Por su parte, Alejandro Guidi, Jefe de Misión de la OIM Colombia, afirmó que “creemos que la participación y el fortalecimiento de la ciudadanía es fundamental en la transición de Colombia hacia paz y precisamente por eso estamos apoyando la creación de herramientas pedagógicas que le permitan al país tener un conocimiento más profundo de lo que se ha acordado hasta la fecha en La Habana”.

“Lo que buscamos es que la ciudadanía cuente con todos los elementos para que forme su propia opinión sobre el proceso y pueda enviarnos sus recomendaciones, sugerencias y críticas al equipo negociador del Gobierno, siempre sobre la base de información verídica”, concluyó Jaramillo.

Mas informacion: http://territoriosporlapaz.gov.co/


How to register:

Curso virtual – inscripciones

Italy: Psychosocial interventions in migration, emergency and displacement - VII edition

0
0
Country: Italy
Organization: International Organization for Migration, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna
Registration deadline: 10 Apr 2018
Starting date: 02 Jul 2018
Ending date: 14 Jul 2018

The Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa, Italy & the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are offering the summer course:

"Psychosocial Interventions in Migration, Emergency and Displacement" - VII Edition

Pisa, Italy, 2-14 July 2018

Key facts:
Location: Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, main campus, Pisa (Italy)
Time commitment: 12 days, Monday-to-Saturday, 8hrs per day on average, full time
Working language: English
Scientific Board: Prof. Andrea de Guttry (Scuola Sant'Anna), Prof. Guglielmo Schininà (IOM Geneva), and Prof. Renos K. Papadopoulos (University of Essex)
Faculty: will include academics, renowned experts and practitioners with considerable field and research experience.
Available places: max. 30, of which 15 reserved for IOMers and 15 chosen through public selection.

Course description

The psychosocial approach responds to the threats brought by disruptive events, or predicaments of life to the notion of individual, group and collective identity. For this reason said approach proves especially useful in situations where individual, group and community identity and roles are questioned, challenged, annihilated, in need for reconstruction-readjustment, as is the case of migration and displacement forced by wars, disasters, collective socioeconomic vulnerabilities, and return. That is why psychosocial activities have become an indispensable component of humanitarian responses to emergency displacement.

Yet, a non-harmonized approach to and understanding of psychosocial support tend to characterize those interventions.

The course will provide a given frame of understanding of the psychosocial dimension of migration, displacement and crisis-affected societies, as well as of the processes within the migration cycle of vulnerable groups, all while presenting harmonized ethics, approaches and tools associated with psychosocial support.

The course will enable participants to acknowledge the complexity of MHPSS Interventions in crisis situations or during the migration process, conceptualize holistic responses, understand the interrelation of the different sectorial responses and gain advanced specific knowledge in each sector of intervention.

Contents
The course will consist of about 90 hours: sessions will be spread over 2 weeks, from Monday to Saturday for an average of 8 hours per day, in a residential fashion. The content will be divided into the following didactic modules:

  1. Epistemology, systems, international standards, legal framework, theories.

  2. Tools and standards for psychosocial consideration in basic services and security, including: IASC standards, psychological first-aid, inductions for general humanitarian workers, MHPSS considerations in Camp management and urban settings.

  3. Tools and standards for psychosocial considerations in family and community supports, including: IASC standards, family and systemic approaches, community messaging, community mobilization, rituals and recreation, sports interventions, social theatre, small scale conflict management.

  4. Tools and standards for psychosocial focused services: including counseling methods, systemic approaches, family counseling basics, arts-therapies.

  5. Understanding of specialized services: including protection for individuals with pre-existing disorders and the ones living in institutions, trauma and attachment, clinical responses to special needs.

Target group

The Course is open to psychologists, social workers, educators-teachers, medical doctors and psychiatrists, nurses, applied artists (e.g. dance therapists), humanitarian workers, emergency experts, development workers or similar, who meet the following minimum requirements:

• Have at least a 3 years University degree or equivalent in relevant disciplines, issued by a University institution or equivalent.

• Have at least 2 years of work experience in a related field.

• Have a proficient working knowledge of English.

Knowledge of any other language and/or any further relevant training, voluntary or professional experience would be an asset. Relevant publications are also an advantage.

Methodology
The Course has a practical orientation and relies heavily on case studies to enhance participants’ skills and abilities to effectively provide psychosocial support. Practical exercises will include advanced role-playing and simulations. Ample space will be devoted to testimonies and considerations drawn from the personal experience of trainers and participants.

Contact
E-mail: altaformazione@santannapisa.it

For additional info please visit: http://www.santannapisa.it/it/formazione/psychosocial-interventions-migration-emergency-and-displacement-0


How to register:

Application and selection process:

The application deadline is 10th April 2018

IOM candidates

15 places will be assigned by IOM to qualified IOM professionals/consultants following an internal selection process.**
Interested IOM candidates shall refer directly to their Office **for applications and selection criteria, or contact: gschinina@iom.int and lyounan@iom.int

All other candidates

15 placeswill beassigned by the Scuola to qualified candidates following a public selection.

Applications shall be submitted ONLINE AT:http://www.santannapisa.it/domandeSssup/login.jsp

Uganda: Making Markets Work for the poor - ‘Facilitating Propoor Value Chain Development & Actor Empowerment

0
0
Country: Uganda
Organization: International Institute of Rural Reconstruction
Registration deadline: 31 Jul 2018
Starting date: 13 Aug 2018
Ending date: 17 Aug 2018

The future of African small-scale producers depends on their ability to play an active and meaningful role in market dynamics. By effectively participating in and influencing the value chains that link them to suppliers, traders and consumers, smallholders will be able to earn more from their crops, livestock and small businesses.

This 5 days training programme equips researchers, trainers, rural development practitioners and service providers with the competencies needed to assist small-scale farmers, traders and businesses to strengthen their position in value chains and, by so doing, contribute to economic development and poverty reduction.

Overall the workshop consists of a mixture of:

  • Brief interactive lectures to introduce various concepts, principles and approaches (questions and discussions encouraged during the presentation)
  • Plenary exercises
  • Brainstorms
  • Role plays
  • Group work, followed by presentations and plenary discussions
  • 1 day of field work for Value Chain mapping and analysis on a selected value chains located near the training centre.

The Learning Programme

Making Markets Work For The Poor - course addresses the issues related to the empowerment of small producers and traders for them to become more involved in their value chains by participating in activities such as bulk sourcing of supplies, processing, quality control and grading produce, and by becoming involved in accessing and managing information, markets, contracts and cooperation with other actors.

More specifically, it aims at enhancing the capacity of researchers, rural development practitioners and service providers to assist smallholder farmers strengthen their position in value chains and by so doing, contribute to economic development and poverty reduction.
Participants learn innovative approaches to value chain and stakeholder analysis, monitoring and evaluation. The programme also addresses issues such as the identification of potential value chains and the design of chain development trajectories. Participants will not only increase their knowledge of value chain analysis but also enhance their operational skills. Developed and implemented by the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction () and the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), the uniqueness of the course lies in the fact that it is fully based on real-life examples of value chains in Africa.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After this course participants will be able to: Explain the Value Chain, its concepts, principles and approaches and its role in sustainable economic development
Explain pro-poor Value Chain Development and Actor Empowerment (VCD&AE)
Analyze the Value Chain using a variety of tools and steps, identifying constraints and opportunities for innovation
Identify the steps for building engagement among and between chain actors and between chain actors and chain supporters
Elaborate and Design an effective chain development strategy and develop the related action plan,
Set up an effective monitoring, evaluation and impact assessment plan for a VCD&AE process

Develop or strengthen their role as professional Value Chain Development Trainers, Researchers or Facilitators

FACILITATION METHODS

The training workshop uses a competency based approach. This implies that content as well as facilitation methods are used that contribute to the participants learning processes. “Learning by doing” and “Learning from each other” are the principles underlying the training and learning processes.
Facilitation is highly interactive with the facilitators aiming to link the contents to the participants’ personal experiences and expertise. All examples and cases for plenary exercises are from real life African origin. They are drawn from the -KIT book series on value chains:

  • Chain empowerment: Supporting African farmers to develop markets (2007) that focuses on farmer organizations and their support agencies

  • Trading up: Building Cooperation between Farmers and Traders (2008) that addresses the role of traders in value chains.

  • Beyond microfinance: financing the rural value chain (2010) that presents innovative financing models from around the world. The “running cases” for group work are the value chains selected by participants and which they are familiar with.

MODULE OVERVIEW
Module 1 Introduction to propoor value chain development, gives an introduction to the value chain approach. It defines the concept of a value chain, pro-poor development and gender in relation to pro-poor value chain development. It outlines how the value chain approach can contribute to poverty reduction and sustainable development. Finally, it discusses how the Value Chain approach can be integrated in the African development context.

Module 2, Chain Selection, starts with explaining the five steps of the value chain development process. It then zooms in on Step 1: Selecting the product or market from among the various development options in a community or target area, that is likely to contribute significantly to its development. Subsequently, Module 2.1 addresses the basic components of Step 2: Value chain analysis and focuses on chain mapping.

Module 3, Economic sustainability of Value Chains, introduces the financial analysis of a value chain and the concepts of gross margins, added value and value shares for each of the actors. It explains how insight in chain economics can help identifying where the chain can be strengthened to meets its potential. It also explains how the information derived from this analysis can be used for lobbying purposes among chain actors and with actors operating in the enabling environment.

Module 4, Analyzing the market and market development talks about the factors that influence the supply and demand for products, and how supply and demand, on their turn, influence price. It addresses how to analyze the markets that are currently supplied by the value chain and identify which market segment a chain actor should focus on. Different market segments require different product standards and qualities. The pros and cons of selling to domestic and export markets are discussed and the importance of standardization and certification in these markets will be taken a closer look at.

Module 5, Chain Relations and Governance analyzes the relationships between actors within the value chain and the level of organization in a value chain, its strengths and weaknesses. It identified governance issues in a value chain and the opportunities for strengthening value chain organization and governance

Module 6, Business services and value chain financing, reiterates the role of chain supporters. It makes a distinction between Business services and their providers (which includes the VCD facilitators that are the target group of this learning programme) and financing services. Various innovative financing models that lean on the merits of the actor relationships within a chain are discussed.

Module 7, The Macro environment, addresses the wider political, legal, economic and social context of chains. Value chain actors are directly and indirectly influenced by this (enabling) environment. The module not only looks at the influences of the macro environmental factors on value chain development but also discusses how VCD facilitators influence such factors through advocacy in terms of policy influencing to implementation and enforcing. Special emphasis is placed on social inclusion and equity in value chain development.

Module 8, Developing strategies for chain empowerment, gives an overview of the four main strategies for chain empowerment. It describes how the current situation in which an actor group finds itself, their skills and ambitions, determine their best strategy for progressing in the chain. The module also outlines what skills and assets actors need to implement the strategy and what the interventions are that VCD facilitators would need to focus on.

An essential element of strategy implementation and facilitator involvement is building engagement and obtaining the necessary “buy-in” from other chain actors and from services providers.
Module 8.1 discusses how such engagement October be stimulated and structured. In a simulation game participants play the roles of the various stakeholders, analyzing their core interests and activities, and explore possibilities for interaction and cooperation between the chain actors. Once the individual contributions of chain actors and supporters are known, a value chain development plan can be elaborated.

Module 9: M&E in value chain development. The concept of pro-poor value chain development implies that there should be an impact beyond income increases and economic sustainability. The VCD&AE process should lead to the involvement of farmers in management activities within a sector. This is called “empowerment”. Module 8 presents the importance of M&E in this process and discusses M&E indicators and analytical tools for a pro-poor value chain development programme.

Module 10: Chain learning and Innovation. This module explains how learning and innovation is important to sustain competitiveness. It answers questions as to what extent new ideas and concepts are valued by chain actors, how willing actors share information, learn market trends and how innovative they are to meeting changing consumer preferences. It emphasizes that the extent to which an industry is constantly reading and responding with ongoing innovation is a direct factor for increased competitiveness

Module 11: The competencies of market development facilitators and coaches. Experienced sustainable development facilitators will possess many of the skills required for the VCD&AE processes. However, most of them have been mainly addressing the needs of one of the chain actor groups: the producers, or rather the small holder farmers. Module 10 discusses the specific knowledge and skills that VCD facilitators require to successfully institute, implement, monitor and exit a VCD process. It reiterates the dos and don’ts of chain development facilitators and includes a self assessment of current levels of key competencies. Some short exercises to practice communication and perception skills complement the discussions. The module ends with the preparations for a personal action and learning plan to guide the participants’ further involvement in VCD&AE.

Field work, under the title “Application of acquired skills to a real life situation” covers most of the VCD process components. Participants selected enterprises for which they will try to map and analyze the value chain and search for bottleneck and opportunities. Subsequently they will present results and recommendations (in the form of an empowerment strategy, to the other group in a plenary discussion. The field work has a two-fold objective: 1) Practicing some of the tools learned during the class room and group work sessions and 2) Experiencing how the VCD&AE approach can contribute to Sustainable development. 6.


How to register:

Email training@iirr.org

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