A workshop on Integrating Climate Change in Local Agricultural Planning was conducted from 25-27 April 2023 at the Namthong Hotel in Nan City, Nan Province. The workshop aimed to enhance the understanding of climate change planning in the agricultural sector and the application of technology to improve community resilience.
Day 1 (25 April 2023)
The workshop was led by Dr. Nathsuda Pumijumnong, the Team Leader of the TA. She began the first presentation session titled “Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions – Global Context – Thailand.” Dr. Nathsuda provided an overview of the definition, sources, and various impacts of greenhouse gases on global climate change, emphasizing the rising trend. She also highlighted the need for significant efforts to reduce GHG emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Dr. Nathsuda identified the top three global greenhouse gas emitters, which contribute to 41.5% of total global emissions, and explained the breakdown by sector: 75% from the energy sector, 15% from the industrial sector, and only 10% from the agriculture and forestry sector. She also introduced the concept of “Climate-Smart Agriculture” (CSA), explaining its objectives, approach, and functions.
The workshop also featured a case study from Indonesia titled “Integrating adaptation into REDD+: Potential impacts and social return on investment in Setulang, Malinau District, Indonesia.” This case study was part of the GIZ-supported Community Forest Project, which conducted pilot activities for “Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and enhancing forest carbon stocks” (REDD+). The case study provided valuable insights into the practical application of climate change adaptation strategies in a real-world context.
The workshop concluded with an evaluation, which showed significant improvement in participants’ knowledge and understanding of climate change impacts and the application of technology to improve community resilience. The participants recommended organizing another workshop and inviting the same participants to work on the integrated plan. They also requested financial and technical support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to organize another workshop. This feedback underscores the value and impact of the workshop in fostering a deeper understanding of climate change and its implications for local agricultural planning.
Day 2 and Day 3 (26 and 27 April 2023)
The recently held seminar on precision agriculture technologies fostered active engagement, creating networking opportunities among Nan local government agencies and facilitating knowledge sharing on digital platforms. The event was successful in raising awareness about these technologies and highlighting the need for integrative and collaborative approaches to agricultural policy development.
The role of digital platforms in transitioning to data-driven agriculture was acknowledged, with participants understanding their potential to enhance productivity and environmental sustainability. Notably, the Land Development Department expressed interest in leveraging their existing data for planning.
The materials presented by experts Dr. Rassarin and Dr. Honda were well-received, with participants committing to support the ongoing digital technology demonstration in Bua Yai Subdistrict. The need for continuous stakeholder engagement, rather than mere financial support, was emphasized to address yield gaps and fragmented agricultural data.
The field visit to Village 2 was successful, demonstrating the farmers’ willingness to adopt the user-friendly mobile application for their farming operations. The onboarding of a local teacher to the digital demonstration was suggested to further enhance the community’s awareness of digital farming tools and support provision to farmers.
Workshop Output
The final output of the workshop was the “Integrated plan of climate change concerns and adaptation into Nan provincial agricultural development plan.” This plan would be developed using the most relevant existing plan at the provincial level as a base and would address the gaps related to climate change concerns and adaptation. The integrated plan is expected to undergo editing, processing, and consultation with the Nan Governor and be included in the upcoming event called the “Revised Nan Provincial Development Plan,” scheduled for July 2023.
The workshop was a significant step towards integrating climate change adaptation into local agricultural planning, and it is expected to have a lasting impact on the sustainability of highlands agriculture. The participants are looking forward to the next workshop and the continued collaboration towards a more sustainable future. The success of this workshop underscores the importance of ongoing education and collaboration in addressing the challenges of climate change, particularly in the context of local agricultural planning.