Building climate-resilient rural communities

A comprehensive and practical learning experience

In the context of climate change increasingly exerting profound impacts on rural livelihoods, strengthening adaptive capacity is not only an urgent priority but also a critical pathway toward sustainable development.

From April 27 to May 2, 2026, in Hyderabad, India, the NIRDPR & CIRDAP Collaborative International Training Programme on “Building Resilient Rural Communities in a Changing Climate”, jointly organized by the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) and the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP), brought together participants from 10 member countries including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, Malaysia, Lao PDR, Vietnam, Philippines, and India, along with representatives from both organizations, creating a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, experience sharing, and the promotion of new approaches to developing climate-resilient rural communities.

Dr. P Chandra Shekara, Director General CIRDAP, in his keynote address, emphasized that climate change is a shared responsibility and highlighted the importance of sustainable practices, natural farming, community mobilization, and disaster preparedness.

He also shared inspiring examples such as Mission Kakatiya and Haritha Haram which demonstrate effective climate resilience initiatives.

Over the course of six days, the programme delivered a rich and well-structured series of sessions, ranging from theoretical frameworks to practical applications, all centered on the theme of building climate-resilient rural communities. The training covered key topics such as climate change awareness, its impacts on rural areas, and a range of intervention strategies through technology, ecological approaches, financial mechanisms, and policy frameworks.

Notably, the programme adopted an interdisciplinary approach-integrating science, governance, and local practices - which provided participants with a more holistic and comprehensive understanding of sustainable rural development in the face of climate challenges.

One of the most valuable aspects of the programme was the opportunity to learn from the diverse experiences shared by participants from different countries. These included adaptation models such as water resource management in drought-prone areas, community-based sustainable agriculture, and policy initiatives that support farmers in responding to climate change. These real-life case studies not only offered comparative insights but also inspired practical ideas that could be adapted to the specific context of Vietnam.

Beyond classroom learning, the programme also featured a series of field visits to leading research institutions in India, including the Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR), ICAR Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), the Rural Technology Park (RTP-NIRDPR), and the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)... These visits provided participants with first-hand exposure to innovative models and technologies in climate-resilient agriculture, enabling them to observe how theoretical concepts are translated into real-world practices.

Sharing experiences - Connecting action

A key highlight of the programme was the country presentations and interactive discussions, where participants shared their national experiences, challenges, and approaches to climate change adaptation.

In India, various practical solutions have been successfully implemented, such as the development of drought-resilient crop varieties, improved water resource management systems, and the use of climate information services to support agricultural production. Meanwhile, other countries introduced models such as block farming, livelihood diversification, and Smart Village initiatives, all of which contribute to enhancing resilience and reducing climate-related risks.

A common feature among these successful models is the strong emphasis on community participation, supported by capacity building, financial mechanisms, and effective technology transfer. These experiences offer valuable lessons for Vietnam in designing and implementing context-specific climate adaptation strategies.

In Vietnam, several adaptation models have already been developed and implemented, including climate-smart agriculture practices, crop restructuring, integrated rice–shrimp farming systems, and the application of digital technologies in agricultural management. These experiences not only enrich the overall regional knowledge base but also create opportunities for further cooperation and mutual learning among countries.

In addition, sessions on remote sensing, geo-informatics, and climate impact assessment tools enabled participants to access advanced methodologies, contributing to more effective planning, management, and sustainable livelihood development.

The final day of the programme was dedicated to sharing learning outcomes and developing Back at Work Plans. This session served not only as a conclusion to the training but also as a commitment from each participant to translate knowledge into concrete actions in their respective countries.

Key recommendations emerging from the programme emphasized the importance of strengthening knowledge exchange among countries, promoting the application of science and technology, and, importantly, supporting farmers in accessing information, technical solutions, and essential resources.

Overall, the programme goes beyond being a training course - it serves as a catalyst for regional cooperation, fostering stronger connections and contributing to the development of more resilient and sustainable rural communities in the face of climate change.