Course Overview
This 5-module training course equips agricultural professionals, water managers, sustainability officers, and farmers with the knowledge and tools to assess, reduce, and optimize the water footprint of agricultural operations. With global agriculture accounting for the largest share of freshwater use, this course empowers stakeholders to adopt water-smart practices, improve water-use efficiency, and integrate sustainability metrics into farm decision-making.
DURATION
5 Days
Target Audience
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Farm Managers and Irrigation Planners
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Agricultural Extension Officers
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Environmental Sustainability Experts
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Agribusiness and Supply Chain Professionals
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Researchers and Policy Advisors
Course Level: Intermediate
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will:
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Understand the components of water footprint in agriculture
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Measure and analyze water use in different farming systems
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Apply water-saving technologies and agronomic practices
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Integrate water footprint metrics into certification and reporting
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Develop strategies to optimize water use and support climate resilience
COURSE OUTLINE
Module 1: Introduction to Water Footprint in Agriculture
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What is water footprint? Green, blue, and grey components
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Water footprint vs. water use efficiency
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Global benchmarks and sector-specific footprints
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Case Study: Assessing water footprint in irrigated vs. rainfed farming
Module 2: Measuring and Monitoring Water Use
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Data needs and measurement techniques (remote sensing, field logs)
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Farm-level water audits and flow mapping
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Digital tools and decision-support systems for monitoring
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Activity: Conducting a water footprint calculation for a sample crop
Module 3: Water Efficiency and Agronomic Interventions
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Crop selection and planting strategies for water optimization
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Soil management, mulching, and conservation agriculture
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Smart irrigation technologies and deficit irrigation techniques
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Exercise: Designing a water-efficient farm production plan
Module 4: Policy, Certification, and Supply Chain Pressures
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Water footprint standards (ISO 14046, Water Stewardship)
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Role of buyers and retailers in driving water efficiency
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Linking water metrics with sustainability certifications (Rainforest Alliance, GLOBALG.A.P.)
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Group Discussion: Incentivizing water optimization in contract farming
Module 5: Strategy Development and Climate Resilience
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Integrating water planning into climate-smart agriculture
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Economic analysis of water-saving investments
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Communication and reporting of water footprint progress
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Final Project: Drafting a water footprint optimization strategy for a farming enterprise
Customized Training
This training can be tailored to your institution needs and delivered at a location of your choice upon request.
Requirements
Participants need to be proficient in English.
Training Fee
The fee covers tuition, training materials, refreshments, lunch, and study visits. Participants are responsible for their own travel, visa, insurance, and personal expenses.
Certification
A certificate from Ideal Workplace Solutions is awarded upon successful completion.
Accommodation
Accommodation can be arranged upon request. Contact via email for reservations.
Payment
Payment should be made before the training starts, with proof of payment sent to outreach@idealworkplacesolutions.org.
For further inquiries, please contact us on details below:
