In the rugged uplands of Myanmar’s Shan region, a critical study has shed light on the nuanced training needs of smallholder farmers, particularly through the lens of gender and climate resilience. Published in *Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems*, the research led by Kyaw Min from the Division of Agricultural Extension at ICAR – Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India, reveals that tailored training programs could significantly boost agricultural resilience and productivity in the face of climate change.
The study, conducted in 2024, compared farmers from Climate-Smart Villages (CSVs) and Non-Climate-Smart Villages (Non-CSVs), uncovering stark differences in training needs. Using a Training Need Index (TNI) across five key domains—climate-resilient crop cultivation, water management, pest and disease control, resilient livestock practices, and technology adoption—the researchers found that while most farmers had “medium” training needs, those in Non-CSV areas required more support. This disparity underscores the effectiveness of CSV initiatives in bridging knowledge gaps but also highlights the urgent need for gender-specific and contextually relevant training programs.
One of the most compelling findings was the identification of gender-based predictors for training needs. For men, local ecological knowledge emerged as a significant factor, while for women, educational level played a crucial role. “This suggests that we can’t approach training with a one-size-fits-all mindset,” said Kyaw Min. “Men bring valuable ecological insights to the table, but women often need more formal education to fully benefit from climate-smart practices.”
The commercial implications of this research are profound. By tailoring training programs to the specific needs of men and women, agricultural extension services can enhance the adoption of climate-smart practices, ultimately improving crop yields and livestock resilience. This could translate into higher incomes for smallholder farmers and greater food security for communities in the Shan region and beyond.
The study also emphasizes the importance of leveraging existing ecological knowledge, particularly among male farmers, to create more effective and culturally relevant training programs. “We need to build on what farmers already know and integrate that knowledge into our training approaches,” Kyaw Min added. “This not only makes the programs more effective but also ensures that they are more likely to be adopted by the community.”
As the agriculture sector grapples with the impacts of climate change, this research offers a roadmap for developing more inclusive and resilient farming practices. By prioritizing gender-responsive programs and tailoring training to local contexts, agricultural extension services can empower farmers to adapt to changing climates and secure their livelihoods for the future. The findings suggest that future capacity-building programs must be designed with these nuances in mind to foster equitable and resilient agricultural systems.