Training of Young African Professionals (French-speaking countries), Efficient Irrigation and Agricultural Water Management Solutions Enabling Water Saving and Cost Reduction for Agricultural Transformation in Africa. 17-27 October, 2022, Ben Guerir, Morocco

AU-SAFGRAD, in collaboration with Arab League (AFTAAC) organized an 11-day capacity building training for 18 early and mid-career irrigation and agricultural water management (AWM) professionals selected from 15 francophone Africa Union Member States. The theme for the 2022 training was “Efficient Irrigation and AWM Practices for resilient agricultural livelihoods in Africa”.  The training targeted researchers, technical and field staff from Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as National Agricultural Research Institutions (NARIS) who are actively involved in irrigation agriculture planning and implementation in their countries. A total of 18 trainees from 15 countries participated in the 11day training. The expectation is that the professionals will utilize the knowledge acquired during the training to improve on their on-the-job performance in their countries. The course module was designed to support knowledge delivery in participatory planning, infrastructure operation and maintenance (O&M), good water use about water scarcity and productivity, prevention or mitigation of environmental problems (e.g. salinity, water quality and small dams planning management), as well as related governance issues critical to scheme operation. The course adopted a mix of methods based on adult-learning approaches to capacity development. The training also, included knowledge sharing by subject matter experts, group work, participatory games and tools, and field visits to relevant case studies.