Train the Trainers Networks
To build the capacities of a new generation of biodynamic multipliers – trainer and advisors – is essential to support the growth and development of biodynamics in different regions across the world. Through direct support for local initiatives and projects, and/or by offering capacity building to build specific skills and knowledge among multipliers, the Community Development area is committed to support the local development of biodynamics.
Building and strengthening train-the-trainer networks in emerging regions is one of the strategic pillars of the Community Development area to build biodynamic capacity locally.
The Africa Train-the trainer networks in Africa for example has greatly contributed building an expanded BD community across many Africa countries, including Kenya, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Uganda, Ethiopia, Botswana, Ghana and Gambia. Involving Biodynamic trainers and farmers, the networks meet at least once a year in a constructive process of peer exchange, collaboration and mutual learning, which has led to numerous impacts at the local level. As shared by local actor it has contributed to nurture local communities and to ensuring a culturally rich and sustainable new ways of farming thanks to the new generation of equipped and knowledgeable trainers, and the merging of the Indigenous ways of knowing with the principles of Biodynamics farming.
Also, the first Asian Training of Trainers programme (ToT) will take place this year in India in September. With a focus on human-centred and experiential learning approaches, the ToT will seek to equip the next generation of biodynamic multipliers with the qualifications and skills needed to engage new Asian farmers and awaken their genuine interest in the biodynamic approach.
The programme is organised in collaboration with leader trainers from Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan and Indonesia.
In Latin America, the Train-the-Trainer network has been supporting the development of biodynamic across eleven countries for already five years. In the first year, an online course was held for trainers from across the region, focusing on the methodological foundations of adult education. In the second year, the trainers supported the planning, implementation and evaluation of a series of introductory biodynamic courses in the different countries – in many of them for the first time. The year ended with a face-to-face Biodynamic Trainers & Teachers Conference in Lima, which contributed to the ongoing process of building a network of learning and mutual support among Latin American trainers. With the main aim of strengthening the local group of trainers in the different countries, this train-the-trainer impulse continued in 2024 with experienced trainers travelling to neighbouring countries to offer support and guidance to colleagues.
These four years of training have brought many benefits to the development of the movement in the region. The network of biodynamic trainers in eleven countries has been strengthened and expanded. Local trainers – especially a younger generation – have deepened their knowledge and expanded their skills in adult education. Local teams of trainers have grown and been empowered. As part of the process, local biodynamic associations have also developed their organizational capacity. Many young associations now have the capacity for the first time to offer biodynamic training programs according to their different needs and socio-cultural contexts. A wider range of introductory and advanced biodynamic courses is now available throughout the region than four years ago. At the same time, this has provided local organizations with a new source of income and economic sustainability.
