CBM focuses on the process of enabling communities to secure their access to and control over genetic resources through increased decision-making power. Strengthening the management over a variety of resources, provides options that farmers can utilise in times of scarcity. Improving their access to and control over these resources, simultaneously contributes to the development of farmers’ autonomy and their capacity to respond to change.
The training is experience-based and task-oriented. It includes fieldwork in the Jeypore district, in one of the world’s most important agricultural heritage systems. The overall objective of the programme is to enhance your capability to apply state-of-the- art strategies for managing Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA).

Course objectives

Upon completion of the course you will:

• be familiar with contemporary approaches towards crop genetic resources management and conservation strategies;
• know the conceptual framework of CBM, its components and practices;
• understand integrated seed systems with special importance of farmer and community based seed system;
• know how to manage PGRFA in dynamic landscapes, unpredictable environments, climate hotspots and vulnerabilities;
• know how to empower communities and enhance their resilience;
• understand participatory learning and action research;
• be familiar with key PGRFA policies such as CBD, IT-PGRFA, IPR, WTO-TRIPS and UPOV.

Target audience
The training is designed for public, civil, research, education and/or development professionals working in a range of relevant programmes. Applicants should have at least a BSc degree, have three years of professional experience in a relevant field, and be proficient in English.

Information on the organisers
The training course is organised in cooperation with LI-BIRD Nepal.

For more information and online application: http://www.wur.nl/en/Expertise-Services/Research-Institutes/centre-for-development-innovation/short-courses/scholarships.htm

More on fellowships: http://www.wur.nl/en/Expertise-Services/Research-Institutes/centre-for-development-innovation/short-courses/scholarships.htm

How to apply: http://www.wur.nl/en/Expertise-Services/Research-Institutes/centre-for-development-innovation/short-courses/how-to-apply.htm