Course Details

M&E for Agriculture and Food Security Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This essential training course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for designing and implementing robust Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) systems specifically for agriculture and food security programs. Recognizing the multi-faceted nature of these interventions, which span technical agricultural practices, market dynamics, nutrition, and resilience, this program equips participants with a systematic understanding of specialized indicators, data collection methodologies, and analytical approaches. Participants will gain deep insights into measuring crop yields, livestock productivity, household food security, market access, and adaptive capacities, all crucial for maximizing program effectiveness, improving livelihoods, and contributing to sustainable food systems. This course is ideal for M&E specialists, agricultural program managers, food security practitioners, researchers, and policymakers in the agricultural and development sectors.

DURATION

10 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for professionals involved in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of agricultural development, food security, and nutrition programs, including:

• M&E Specialists in agriculture and food security organizations.
• Agricultural Program Managers and Coordinators.
• Food Security and Livelihoods Specialists.
• Agronomists, Livestock Specialists, and Extension Workers.
• Researchers and Academics in agricultural economics and rural development.

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the specific M&E challenges and complexities in agriculture and food security.
• Design relevant indicators for tracking agricultural productivity, food security, and resilience outcomes.
• Select appropriate data collection methods for diverse agricultural and food security data.
• Navigate challenges of seasonality, climate variability, and market dynamics in M&E.
• Develop an M&E framework that effectively tracks progress and contributes to program improvement.

MODULES

Module 1: Foundations of M&E in Agriculture and Food Security

• Define the unique characteristics of agriculture and food security programs influencing M&E (e.g., seasonality, environmental factors, market fluctuations).
• Explore the purpose and importance of M&E for accountability, learning, and informing agricultural policy.
• Understand key global frameworks (e.g., SDGs 1, 2, 12, 13; Rome Declaration on Food Security) and their M&E implications.
• Discuss the concept of food systems and its components relevant to M&E.
• Examine ethical principles in collecting data from farmers and vulnerable populations.

Module 2: Developing a Theory of Change for Agriculture and Food Security Programs

• Understand how to articulate a Theory of Change (ToC) for complex agricultural and food security interventions.
• Discuss identifying the causal pathways from agricultural practices to improved yields, income, and food access.
• Explore how to integrate agronomic, economic, social, and environmental principles into the ToC.
• Examine articulating assumptions related to climate, market stability, farmer adoption, and policy support.
• Learn about designing ToCs that capture both short-term gains and long-term resilience.

Module 3: Designing Agriculture and Food Security Indicators

• Understand the types of indicators relevant to agricultural M&E (e.g., yield, production, input use, land area, livestock numbers).
• Discuss specific indicators for food security (e.g., Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), Coping Strategies Index (CSI), dietary diversity).
• Explore indicators for market access, value chain development, and income generation.
• Examine indicators for resilience, climate adaptation practices, and sustainable land management.
• Learn about disaggregating indicators by sex, age, wealth quintile, and other relevant factors.

Module 4: Data Collection Methods for Agricultural and Food Security Data

• Understand primary data collection methods tailored for agricultural contexts (e.g., household surveys, farmer group discussions, key informant interviews).
• Discuss the use of direct observation and physical measurements for crop yield, livestock health, and land use.
• Explore remote sensing (e.g., satellite imagery) for monitoring agricultural land use and vegetation health.
• Examine market price monitoring and value chain analysis data collection.
• Learn about integrating qualitative data on perceptions of food security and agricultural practices.

Module 5: Addressing Seasonality, Climate, and Market Dynamics in M&E

• Understand the impact of seasonality on data collection timing and indicator interpretation.
• Discuss strategies for conducting M&E in highly variable and unpredictable climate conditions.
• Explore methods for monitoring market price fluctuations and their effect on food security.
• Examine how to account for external factors (e.g., weather shocks, policy changes) in M&E analysis.
• Learn about adapting M&E plans to accommodate the dynamic nature of agricultural systems.

Module 6: Data Analysis and Interpretation for Agriculture and Food Security Programs

• Understand appropriate analytical techniques for agricultural and food security data.
• Discuss methods for calculating yield gaps, productivity changes, and return on investment.
• Explore how to analyze food security scales and indices over time.
• Examine the use of disaggregated data to reveal gender, age, and vulnerability-specific patterns.
• Learn about interpreting findings to inform agricultural extension services and food policy.

Module 7: Reporting and Communicating Agriculture and Food Security M&E Findings

• Understand how to effectively communicate complex agricultural and food security M&E findings.
• Discuss the use of compelling data visualizations, maps, and infographics.
• Explore strategies for translating technical agricultural data into accessible language for farmers and policymakers.
• Examine reporting requirements for national agricultural ministries, FAO, WFP, and donors.
• Learn about leveraging M&E findings for policy advocacy and promoting sustainable practices.

Module 8: Utilizing M&E for Adaptive Management and Sustainable Food Systems

• Understand how M&E findings inform adaptive management and program adjustments in agriculture and food security.
• Discuss the role of feedback mechanisms from farmers and communities in program refinement.
• Explore strategies for fostering a culture of data use and learning for improved agricultural outcomes.
• Examine the importance of M&E in identifying and scaling up successful agricultural innovations.
• Learn about institutionalizing M&E practices for long-term food security and resilient food systems.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com