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Within SAMIS, conducting training sessions to share the benefits of this agro-metrological information to farmers nationwide is a responsibility of the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI). Training sessions were leaded by NAFRI Climate Change Research Center Director Dr Thavone Inthavong, with participants from the Provincial Offices and District Officials from DONRE and DAFO offices.

The most recent training session, with 58 trainees, was held in March 23-24 in Savannakhet and attended by participants from Savannakhet and Khammuan provinces. The previous training session, with 84 participants, was held on March 18-19  in Paksong and was attended participants from the Provincial Offices and District Officials from DONRE and DAFO offices in Champasack, Xekong, Attapeu, and Salavan provinces.

Speaking at the most recent session in Savannakhet, Dr Thavone expressed the recommendations “the importance of using the concept of Dynamic Crop Calendar before the rainy season allow farmers to focus on climate adaptation.”

The training sessions have multiple objectives relating to the LaCSA system including lessons on system use, data uploading and improvements to crop recommendations.  Trainees were updated on the latest developments regarding agro-meteorology and LaCSA for the benefit of farmers. Local level technical staff learned the latest on agro-meteorology, and how to use this knowledge in the field. Trainees also learned about uploading input data in LaCSA, how to prepare crop recommendations and engage pest and disease modeling used in agro-meteorological systems. A representative from the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) joined the training to support aspects of LaCSA technical recommendation improvement.

Savannakhet province PAFO Deputy Director, Mr Khamseang Sorphapmisay, said that LaCSA strengthened the field level officials and supported Lao farmers as they confront climate change. “The government is strengthening efforts to support Lao farmers in climate change resilience with multiple actors and in various capacity development activities.” Welcoming participants from provinces in southern Laos, Champasack PAFO Deputy Director Mr Kham Nilavong said that by involving local experts, the training offered the chance for participants to become better informed and engaged with this innovative methodology, new and useful information and techniques.