Delivery strategies to enhance the sustainability of training: lessons from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Abstract

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) utilizes training as a major component of the support it provides to its member countries in Africa. In the past, standalone training events targeting individual actors were the norm. However, an external evaluation indicated that this type of training scores low in terms of sustainability. The FAO has recently adopted a more sustainable approach to training and learning as part of its new corporate approach to capacity development. Drawing on four recent experiences implemented in Africa from 2010 to 2014, this paper discusses the concept of training sustainability as adopted in the FAO's operations, looking at the extent to which both learning results and processes are transferred to country and/or regional organizations. Lessons learned are presented for consideration in the design and delivery of future learning activities in Africa.r Cecilia de Rosa is Capacity Development Officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

MooSciTIC: Training of trainers in West African research and higher education

“…True capacity building implies a shift in ownership and leadership [27,28], and thus it is now up to our West African partners and alumni to take over and disseminate the MooSciTIC initiative further. However, no lasting transformation can be achieved without commitment from governments and local policy makers [1,2].…”

Capacity development of small-scale farmers in developing countries: Analysis of preferences and the role of information and communication technologies

“…The UN defines CD as a 'process through which individuals […] obtain, strengthen and maintain the capabilities to set and achieve their own development objectives over time' (UNDP 2008, 4). In the context of small-scale agriculture in developing countries, training activities are crucial for developing and enhancing farmers' capacities and ultimately improving their livelihoods (de Rosa et al 2016;Horton et al 2003).…”

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