Agricultural Policy, Governance & Advocacy Training Course

Agricultural Policy, Governance & Advocacy Training Course

Introduction

Agricultural policy and governance are fundamental pillars for achieving food security, sustainable rural development, and economic growth. While technical advancements in farming are crucial, their widespread adoption and equitable benefits often depend on an enabling policy environment, effective institutional frameworks, and the active participation of diverse stakeholders in decision-making processes. Many agricultural communities and organizations struggle to effectively influence policy, understand governance structures, or advocate for their interests, leading to policies that may not adequately address their needs or market realities. This disconnect can result in fragmented support, inefficient resource allocation, limited market access, and a failure to adapt to pressing challenges like climate change. Conversely, well-designed agricultural policies, transparent governance, and robust advocacy can unlock significant potential, foster investment, protect vulnerable populations, and guide the sector towards greater resilience and profitability. Ignoring the intricacies of agricultural policy, governance, and advocacy can lead to missed opportunities for systemic change and perpetuate existing inequalities within the agricultural sector. Our intensive 5-day "Agricultural Policy, Governance & Advocacy" training course is meticulously designed to equip policymakers, government officials, agricultural sector leaders, civil society organizations, farmer representatives, researchers, and development practitioners with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to understand the policy-making process, analyze agricultural policies, engage in effective governance, and develop compelling advocacy strategies for a more favorable and sustainable agricultural landscape.

This comprehensive program will delve into the principles of agricultural policy analysis, different governance models, stakeholder engagement techniques, evidence-based advocacy methods, and the role of various institutions in shaping agricultural development. Participants will gain hands-on experience in analyzing policy documents, identifying policy gaps, developing advocacy campaigns, and understanding how to influence decision-making processes for equitable and sustainable agricultural outcomes. By the end of this course, you will be proficient in critically evaluating agricultural policies, participating effectively in governance structures, and advocating strategically for reforms and investments that support resilient and prosperous agricultural communities.

Duration

5 Days

Target Audience

The "Agricultural Policy, Governance & Advocacy" training course is crucial for a broad range of professionals and stakeholders involved in agricultural development, governance, and public policy. This includes:

  • Policymakers and Government Officials: Working in Ministries of Agriculture, Planning, Trade, and Environment.
  • Agricultural Sector Leaders: From farmer organizations, cooperatives, and agribusiness associations.
  • Civil Society Organization (CSO) Representatives: Involved in food security, rural development, and environmental advocacy.
  • Farmer Representatives and Union Leaders: Seeking to influence agricultural policies and protect farmer interests.
  • Rural Development Practitioners and NGO Staff: Designing and implementing agricultural development programs.
  • Researchers and Academics: Focused on agricultural economics, public policy, and food systems.
  • Donor Agency Program Officers: Involved in funding and supporting agricultural development initiatives.
  • Media Professionals: Reporting on agricultural issues and policy debates.
  • Students in Public Policy, Agriculture, and Development Studies: Gaining specialized knowledge in policy and advocacy.
  • Anyone interested in shaping the future of agriculture through policy and governance.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of the "Agricultural Policy, Governance & Advocacy" training course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the fundamental concepts of agricultural policy and governance and their impact on the sector.
  • Analyze the agricultural policy-making process, including key actors, stages, and influences.
  • Identify various types of agricultural policies (e.g., trade, land, subsidies, research) and their implications.
  • Apply tools and frameworks for agricultural policy analysis and impact assessment.
  • Comprehend principles of good governance in the agricultural sector (e.g., transparency, accountability).
  • Develop effective advocacy strategies and communication plans to influence agricultural policy.
  • Engage strategically with diverse stakeholders in policy dialogue and decision-making processes.
  • Advocate for policies that promote sustainable, equitable, and resilient agricultural development.

 Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Agricultural Policy and Governance

  • Defining agricultural policy: Objectives, instruments, and scope.
  • Importance of policy in shaping agricultural development outcomes.
  • Understanding governance in agriculture: Institutions, rules, power dynamics.
  • Interconnections between agricultural policy, food security, and rural livelihoods.
  • Overview of global and regional agricultural policy trends and challenges.

Module 2: The Agricultural Policy-Making Process

  • Stages of policy-making: Agenda setting, formulation, adoption, implementation, evaluation.
  • Key actors in agricultural policy: Government, parliament, private sector, civil society, research institutions.
  • Influence of political, economic, social, and environmental factors on policy decisions.
  • Role of evidence and data in informed policy-making.
  • Understanding policy cycles and windows of opportunity.

Module 3: Types of Agricultural Policies and Their Impacts

  • Production Policies: Subsidies, input support, extension services, technology adoption.
  • Trade Policies: Tariffs, quotas, export/import regulations, trade agreements.
  • Land Policies: Land tenure, land use planning, land reform.
  • Market Policies: Price stabilization, market information systems, commodity boards.
  • Environmental and Climate Policies: Sustainable land management, climate change adaptation/mitigation in agriculture.

Module 4: Agricultural Policy Analysis Frameworks

  • Tools for policy analysis: Stakeholder analysis, problem tree analysis, objective tree analysis.
  • Economic analysis of agricultural policies: Cost-benefit analysis, incentive structures.
  • Social impact assessment of agricultural policies: Equity, poverty reduction, gender.
  • Environmental impact assessment of agricultural policies: Sustainability, resource use.
  • Case studies in agricultural policy analysis and lessons learned.

Module 5: Good Governance in Agricultural Sector

  • Principles of good governance: Transparency, accountability, participation, rule of law, responsiveness.
  • Strengthening agricultural institutions and regulatory bodies.
  • Combating corruption in the agricultural value chain.
  • Decentralization of agricultural governance and local level participation.
  • Role of data and information systems in transparent governance.

Module 6: Stakeholder Engagement and Consensus Building

  • Mapping and analyzing agricultural stakeholders: Interests, power, influence.
  • Facilitating multi-stakeholder platforms and dialogues.
  • Negotiation and mediation skills for policy processes.
  • Building coalitions and alliances for common agricultural goals.
  • Effective communication for diverse audiences in policy debates.

Module 7: Advocacy for Agricultural Policy Change

  • Defining advocacy: Purpose, goals, and types of advocacy.
  • Developing an advocacy strategy: Problem identification, target audience, advocacy messages.
  • Advocacy tactics: Lobbying, public campaigns, media engagement, policy briefs.
  • Evidence-based advocacy: Using data and research to support policy arguments.
  • Monitoring and evaluating advocacy efforts.

Module 8: Practical Advocacy Planning & Future Directions

  • Workshop: Developing an advocacy plan for a specific agricultural policy issue.
  • Presentation and peer review of advocacy plans.
  • Role of international organizations and regional bodies in agricultural policy.
  • Emerging issues shaping agricultural policy: Digital agriculture, youth in agriculture, food systems transformation.
  • Strategies for continuous engagement and adaptation in policy and advocacy work.

 

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

 

Agricultural Policy, Governance & Advocacy Training Course in Cuba
Dates Fees Location Action
21/07/2025 - 25/07/2025 $1,250 Nairobi
04/08/2025 - 08/08/2025 $4,000 Johannesburg
25/08/2025 - 29/08/2025 $1,250 Nairobi
01/09/2025 - 05/09/2025 $2,900 Kigali
15/09/2025 - 19/09/2025 $1,500 Mombasa
22/09/2025 - 26/09/2025 $1,250 Nairobi
06/10/2025 - 10/10/2025 $4,000 Johannesburg
13/10/2025 - 17/10/2025 $4,950 Dubai
27/10/2025 - 31/10/2025 $1,250 Nairobi
03/11/2025 - 07/11/2025 $4,000 Johannesburg
10/11/2025 - 14/11/2025 $1,500 Mombasa
24/11/2025 - 28/11/2025 $1,250 Nairobi
01/12/2025 - 05/12/2025 $2,900 Kigali
08/12/2025 - 12/12/2025 $1,250 Nairobi
05/01/2026 - 09/01/2026 $2,900 Kigali
12/01/2026 - 16/01/2026 $1,750 Mombasa
26/01/2026 - 30/01/2026 $1,250 Nairobi
02/02/2026 - 06/02/2026 $2,900 Kigali
16/02/2026 - 20/02/2026 $1,500 Mombasa
23/02/2026 - 27/02/2026 $1,250 Nairobi
02/03/2026 - 06/03/2026 $2,900 Kigali
09/03/2026 - 13/03/2026 $1,750 Mombasa
23/03/2026 - 27/03/2026 $1,250 Nairobi
06/04/2026 - 10/04/2026 $4,000 Pretoria
13/04/2026 - 17/04/2026 $2,900 Kigali
20/04/2026 - 24/04/2026 $1,250 Nairobi
04/05/2026 - 08/05/2026 $2,900 Kigali
11/05/2026 - 15/05/2026 $1,250 Nairobi
01/06/2026 - 05/06/2026 $2,900 Kigali
08/06/2026 - 12/06/2026 $4,000 Pretoria
22/06/2026 - 26/06/2026 $1,250 Nairobi