Agricultural Training: Cultivating Sustainable Farming Skills for Refugees, Displaced Persons, and Local Farmers
Introduction/Overview
Agricultural Training refers to the comprehensive programs designed to provide refugees and displaced persons with the skills, tools, and knowledge needed to engage in sustainable farming practices.
At Refugee Pathways & Integration Canada (RefPIC), we focus on empowering refugees to contribute to local agricultural economies by offering hands-on training, access to resources, and education on climate-resilient farming techniques. These programs not only promote food security but also help refugees establish sustainable livelihoods and integrate into their host communities.
Through our agricultural training initiatives, refugees gain practical skills in crop cultivation, livestock care, and natural resource management, enabling them to contribute to local economies and secure stable sources of income. These programs also emphasize environmental sustainability, ensuring that refugees adopt climate-smart practices that protect ecosystems and promote long-term agricultural productivity.
Our approach aligns with several key international frameworks:
Global Compact on Refugees (2018), which promotes the economic inclusion of refugees through access to sustainable livelihoods and integration into local economies.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2, 8 & 13), focusing on zero hunger, decent work and economic growth, and climate action by promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Guidelines, which emphasize sustainable agriculture as a key driver of food security and economic empowerment for vulnerable populations.
A Vision for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security
At Refugee Pathways & Integration Canada (RefPIC), we envision a future where refugees and displaced persons are active contributors to local agricultural economies, empowered with the skills and resources needed to engage in sustainable farming. Our agricultural training programs aim to promote food security, economic self-sufficiency, and environmental sustainability, helping refugees establish productive livelihoods in their new communities.
By providing hands-on training, access to farming tools, and education on climate-resilient agricultural practices, RefPIC equips refugees with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in agriculture. These initiatives not only enhance refugees' ability to support themselves and their families but also contribute to the overall food security of their host communities.
How We Deliver This Vision: Comprehensive Agricultural Training Programs
RefPIC’s Agricultural Training Programs focus on providing refugees with the skills, knowledge, and tools required to engage in sustainable agriculture. Our initiatives include practical training, access to farming resources, and education on environmentally sustainable practices that promote long-term productivity and resilience in the face of climate change.
Key components of our Agricultural Training Programs include:
Hands-On Training: Providing refugees with practical skills in crop cultivation, livestock care, and land management through field-based training programs.
Access to Farming Tools and Resources: Ensuring refugees have the tools, seeds, and other resources needed to start and maintain successful agricultural operations.
Climate-Resilient Practices: Educating refugees on climate-smart farming techniques, such as water conservation, soil management, and crop diversification, to enhance sustainability and resilience in agriculture.
Market Integration: Supporting refugees in accessing local markets to sell their produce and participate fully in the agricultural economy.
Community-Based Agricultural Projects: Encouraging collaboration between refugees and host communities through shared agricultural projects that promote social cohesion and mutual benefit.
Why Agricultural Training Matters
For refugees and displaced persons, agriculture often represents a crucial pathway to economic self-sufficiency and food security. However, many refugees face significant barriers to engaging in local agricultural economies, such as a lack of access to farming tools, knowledge of local farming practices, or land rights.
By providing targeted agricultural training, RefPIC ensures that refugees can overcome these challenges and contribute meaningfully to local food production. Sustainable agricultural practices not only provide refugees with the skills to support themselves and their families but also contribute to the overall food security and economic development of their host communities.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Agricultural Training for Refugees
As RefPIC continues to expand its Agricultural Training Programs, we are committed to providing refugees with the skills, tools, and support needed to engage in sustainable agriculture and contribute to local food security. By focusing on climate-resilient practices, market integration, and access to resources, we aim to help refugees build sustainable livelihoods and enhance their ability to thrive in their new environments.
Our Triple Nexus Approach—integrating humanitarian relief, development, and peacebuilding—ensures that our agricultural training programs not only address immediate needs but also foster long-term resilience and self-sufficiency for refugees.
What We Aim to Achieve
Our primary goals in supporting refugee agricultural training include:
Providing Practical Agricultural Skills: Equip refugees with the skills needed to engage in crop cultivation, livestock care, and land management.
Facilitating Access to Farming Tools: Ensure refugees have the seeds, tools, and other resources needed to start successful agricultural operations.
Promoting Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Educate refugees on sustainable farming practices that enhance resilience to climate change and protect the environment.
Supporting Market Integration: Help refugees access local markets to sell their produce and participate in the agricultural economy.
Enhancing Community Collaboration: Encourage community-based agricultural projects that promote social cohesion between refugees and host communities.
How We Deliver Impact
Hands-On Training: RefPIC provides field-based training programs that teach refugees practical skills in farming, livestock care, and natural resource management.
Access to Farming Tools and Resources: We ensure that refugees have access to seeds, tools, and other essential resources needed to establish productive farms.
Climate-Resilient Practices: Our programs focus on climate-smart agriculture, teaching refugees how to conserve water, manage soil, and adapt to changing environmental conditions.
Market Integration: RefPIC helps refugees connect with local markets, enabling them to sell their produce and achieve economic independence.
Community-Based Agricultural Projects: We facilitate collaborative projects between refugees and host communities to promote shared benefits and social cohesion.
Who Benefits
Refugees and Displaced Persons: Refugees benefit from agricultural training that equips them with the skills and resources needed to establish sustainable livelihoods and achieve economic self-sufficiency.
Host Communities: Host communities benefit from increased food production, greater economic activity, and enhanced social cohesion as refugees contribute to local agricultural economies.
International Stakeholders: Governments, NGOs, and international organizations benefit from fostering sustainable agriculture that promotes food security, economic development, and climate resilience for displaced populations.
Governance, Oversight, and Accountability
At Refugee Pathways & Integration Canada (RefPIC), we uphold the highest standards of governance, oversight, and accountability across all our programs. As a registered nonprofit, we operate in full compliance with the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act and adhere to guidelines set by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for charities. This ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment with national laws.
In addition to federal compliance, RefPIC adheres to provincial nonprofit regulations where we operate, both within Canada and internationally. Where necessary, we incorporate separately in different jurisdictions to ensure we meet local legal requirements. This enables us to operate effectively across regions while maintaining the highest levels of accountability and legal compliance.
National and Provincial Compliance: RefPIC strictly follows Canadian laws governing nonprofit organizations, ensuring transparency, financial accountability, and ethical standards. By complying with federal and provincial nonprofit regulations, we meet all legal requirements in the regions we serve.
International Standards and Frameworks: RefPIC's work is further guided by international laws and frameworks that protect refugee rights and promote sustainable development. We align our programs with global best practices to ensure our initiatives serve refugees and displaced persons effectively.
Strong Accountability Practices: We collaborate with local, national, and international stakeholders to ensure responsible resource management and effective service delivery. Through regular evaluations, transparent reporting, and continuous improvement, RefPIC ensures that our programs meet the immediate needs of refugees while contributing to long-term sustainable outcomes.
For more details, visit our Governance, Oversight, and Accountability page to learn more about our commitment to ethical practices, program evaluation, and compliance with legal frameworks.
Get Involved/Call to Action
Support Refugee Agricultural Training: Advocate for sustainable farming and food security by supporting RefPIC’s agricultural training initiatives.
Volunteer: Join our agricultural training programs by offering expertise in sustainable agriculture, climate-smart farming, or community-based projects.
Partner with Us: Collaborate with RefPIC to provide farming tools, resources, and training for refugees participating in agricultural projects.
Donate: Your contributions help fund agricultural training programs, ensuring that refugees have the tools and resources needed to establish sustainable livelihoods.