GUWAHATI: The ENACT-Assam project, a joint initiative of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) India and the Government of Assam, conducted a two-day Training of Trainers (ToT) programme for Agricultural Development Officers (ADOs) in Nagaon district on May 21 and 22.
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The training programme was organised under the project titled “Enhancing Climate Adaptation of Vulnerable Communities through Nature-based Solutions and Gender-transformative Approaches in Assam, India (ENACT),” which was launched in Guwahati on March 6, 2024, with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi.
Currently being implemented in the Raha, Pakhimoria and Kathiatoli blocks of Nagaon district, the project aims to strengthen climate resilience among vulnerable communities, particularly women smallholder farmers. The initiative focuses on promoting climate-resilient farming practices, nature-based solutions, diversified livelihoods and gender-responsive institutional systems.
As part of efforts to expand the project through government outreach mechanisms, 35 Agricultural Development Officers from seven districts — Morigaon, Nagaon, Hojai, Sonitpur, Golaghat, East Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong — participated in the orientation programme.
The sessions covered various aspects of climate adaptation and resilience-building strategies and included field visits to project intervention sites for hands-on learning. Experts from Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Seven Sisters Development Assistance (SeSTA) and WFP conducted the technical sessions.
The ENACT-Assam project is anchored by the Department of Agriculture, Government of Assam, in collaboration with several partner institutions, including the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission Society (ASRLMS), AAU and SeSTA.
Senior officials attending the inaugural session included the Director of Agriculture, Government of Assam; the Director of Horticulture and Food Processing; the Director of Research (Agriculture), AAU; the Chief Scientist of the Zonal Research Station, Shillongani; and district-level officials from Nagaon. Representatives from WFP were also present at the event.
Speaking remotely during the programme, WFP India Deputy Country Director Nozomi Hashimoto appreciated the support extended by the Assam government and district administration in implementing the project effectively.
In his keynote address, the Director of Agriculture Ratul Chandra Pathak highlighted the need for convergence among departments and government schemes to address climate change challenges and improve resilience in rural communities. He also stressed the important role of Agricultural Development Officers in strengthening outreach and ensuring effective delivery of government services to farmers.
