The Building Forward Better (BFB) Initiative applies an innovative approach to capacity development, which includes online administered and self-administered, blended, and face-to-face training programme to address existing knowledge gaps in countries affected by vulnerable conditions. The participatory process fosters the selection of topics according to national priorities, and the flexible approach allows the provision of multi-language courses.

Conflict and fragility are at the core of some of the biggest challenges today – they are able to hinder development progress and reverse any development gains. Moreover, global pandemics, such as COVID-19, can have further negative effects on vulnerable environments, beyond the traditional socio-economic and environmental crises.

A fundamental problem in fragile contexts is the loss of human capital. Without the contribution of knowledgeable professionals, the re-building process becomes even more complicated. Effective institutions are central to address both the “capacity deficit” and “legitimacy deficit” faced in fragile contexts. Natural resources management, in particular land and water resources, are becoming the most critical challenges under such dire situations.

A comprehensive and well-coordinated capacity development programme is, thus, instrumental to tackle such challenges and to address the knowledge gaps in natural resources management while aiming at rebuilding the human capital at different levels – individual and institutional.

Between May and July 2020, FAO Land and Water provided a series of e-nuggets (short e-learning courses), developed through 13 training modules on 7 thematic areas related to natural resources management, in both English and French to professionals from Libya, Mali and Niger.

More than 180 participants from relevant ministries and institutions attended the e-nuggets series. While attendees of the training directly benefitted from the short e-learning courses, all the training materials, e.g. presentations and recordings of the sessions, are converted into short modules that will be available on the Initiative website allowing for a wider reach of these resources within and beyond the current target countries.

The second phase of the capacity development programme – starting in November 2020 – consists of 10 administered online courses carried out along 2 to 4 full training days. The extended training provides a more in-depth knowledge through practical exercises on dedicated tools, interactive sessions, showcases from country experiences and videos including field demonstrations and on-field applications.

For more information on the Building Forward Better Initiative, visit the FAO Land and Water dedicated webpage.