Training Opportunity

Apply For Training

Advanced Certification Program for Master Trainers

Climate-Resilient Agroforestry and Sustainable Agricultural Land Management (SALM) Adapted from Vi Agroforestry’s Internationally Validated Model with Pakistan-Specific Arid and Hilly Zone Applications

Organized by: Rural Development Foundation (RDF) In Technical Collaboration with: National Centre for Rural Development (NCRD) and African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO)

Program Dates: 02-09 February 2026 (5  Days) Location: NARC, Islamabad, with Field Immersion in Chakwal (Arid Barani Zone) and Murree (Hilly Terrain)

Technical Program Highlights This rigorous certification course equips professionals with advanced competencies in Sustainable Agricultural Land Management (SALM), a methodology validated through decades of implementation by Vi Agroforestry, achieving documented outcomes of 35–100% household income augmentation, 20–30% enhancement in soil organic matter and fertility, and scalable carbon sequestration under Plan Vivo/Verified Carbon Standards.

Core Technical Modules:

  • Multi-strata agroforestry systems and tree-crop-livestock integration tailored to local species (e.g., Ziziphus mauritiana, Olea ferruginea, Moringa oleifera, Dalbergia sissoo).
  • Advanced soil and water conservation techniques: biochar application, contour bunding, rainwater harvesting, and minimum tillage for erosion mitigation in arid/semi-arid contexts.
  • Participatory farmer-to-farmer extension methodologies, adult learning frameworks, and conflict resolution in community-based natural resource management.
  • Green value chain development, nursery establishment, market linkages, and community carbon project design.

Innovative Experiential Component:

  • Day 3: Immersive field exposure at government and private demonstration plots in Chakwal, analyzing SALM applications in arid zones (drought-tolerant species, erosion control metrics).
  • Day 4: Site visits in Murree/Ghora Gali for hill-specific models (terracing, watershed rehabilitation, multi-layer canopy systems).

 Detailed 5-Day Technical Agenda

Date Day Activity/Location Key Technical Content (Adapted SALM Modules) Facilitation & Methods
02 Feb 1 Classroom (NARC) Introduction to SALM principles; multi-strata agroforestry systems; tree-crop-livestock integration; local species selection (e.g., Ziziphus mauritiana, Olea ferruginea, Moringa oleifera, Dalbergia sissoo); climate adaptation frameworks Lectures, case studies, group exercises; AARDO online expert session for regional perspectives
03 Feb 2 Classroom (NARC) + On-Site Exposure (NARC) Advanced soil nutrient management (composting, biochar, mulching); soil & water conservation (contour bunding, rainwater harvesting, erosion control); farmer-to-farmer participatory extension methodologies and adult learning techniques Practical demonstrations, soil testing labs, role-plays, simulations
04 Feb 3 Field Visit (Barani Farm Govt + Izhar Farm Private, Chakwal)/Attock agroforestry model Arid land agroforestry applications: drought-tolerant species, erosion metrics, rainwater harvesting systems, SALM in dryland contexts Guided technical exposure, on-site measurements, farmer interactions, visual/practical analysis
06 Feb 4 Field Visit (Murree/Ghora Gali/Muree Horticulture sites near trait) Hill land models: terracing, multi-layer canopy systems, watershed rehabilitation, climate resilience in mountainous agro-ecologies Visual/practical observations, group reflections on terrain-specific adaptations
09 Feb 5 Classroom (NARC) Green value chains & enterprise development; community carbon project design, geo-tagging, dashboards); ToT techniques; field reflections synthesis; certification exam & closure Business planning exercises, hands-on digital sessions, international expert inputs, certification

Expert Facilitation:

  • Lead Resource Person: Mr. Syed Mehmood Nasir (Former Inspector General of Forests, Pakistan; International Consultant on Climate-Resilient Forestry).
  • Supporting Specialists: From NARC and PMAS-Arid Agriculture University.
  • International Inputs: Online sessions with AARDO experts from partner countries sharing South-South adaptations in comparable agro-ecologies.

Target Professionals Senior and mid-level practitioners from NGOs, development organizations, research institutions, and technical agencies engaged in natural resource management, climate adaptation, livelihoods, and rural resilience programming.

Certification & Deliverables Successful participants receive a co-issued professional certificate from RDF and NCRD, plus practical toolkits, localized SALM manuals in USB, and commemorative resources.

Investment & Limited Enrollment

  • Fee per Participant: PKR 70,000 (inclusive of all sessions, field logistics, materials, certification, and meals/teas).
  • Seats: Strictly limited for interactive quality – priority on first-come, first-served basis.

If nominating more than one participant, please attach a separate list (Excel or Word) with the following details for each participant:

    • Full Name (as per CNIC)
    • Designation/Position
    • Years of Relevant Experience (NRM/Climate Resilience/Agroforestry)
    • Email & Mobile Number
    • Short Professional Profile (100–150 words max per person, highlighting expertise in natural resource management, climate adaptation, rural development, or related fields)

Registration Deadline: 20 January 2026 (Last day for registration – no extensions)

Payment: Via crossed cheque payable to Rural Development Foundation

Muhammad Ibraheem, Director Projects directorproject@rdf.org.pk |muhammad.ibraheem.pm@gmail.com| 0333-5159098

Tel. 051-2251492, 051-2260373

Secure Your Professional Advancement in Climate-Smart Agroforestry Register immediately to gain cutting-edge expertise for leading resilient interventions in Pakistan’s vulnerable landscapes.

Rural Development Foundation (RDF) – Advancing Evidence-Based Rural Transformation Since 1978