In the heart of Bulgaria, a pressing need for climate-resilient agricultural practices is emerging, and a recent study led by Petar Borisov from the Agricultural University of Plovdiv is shedding light on the training required to meet this challenge. The research, published in the ‘Journal of Bio-Based Marketing’ (translated as ‘Журнал на био-базиран маркетинг’), reveals a strong interest among professionals in climate adaptation strategies, precision agriculture, and regenerative farming.
The study involved 42 individuals deeply invested in the sustainable development of agriculture amidst a changing climate. A significant majority of these participants have already engaged in training related to climate change impacts on agriculture and are eager to continue their education in this critical sector.
“Climate Adaptation Strategies, such as drought-resistant crops, are of paramount interest,” Borisov explains. “Precision Agriculture and Smart Technologies, along with Regenerative Farming or nature-based solutions, are also highly sought-after topics, with more than half of the respondents expressing a desire for additional training in these areas.”
Interestingly, the study found that interest in Renewable Energy Integration was significantly lower. This finding aligns with previous research indicating a weaker general interest in renewable energy within Bulgaria. However, nearly half of the respondents emphasized the importance of community-led policy frameworks and actions in building climate-resilient agriculture, expressing a keen interest in training on this topic.
The research suggests that improving climate-related agricultural education requires a shift from conventional training methods to context-driven, participatory, and future-ready learning. Borisov and his team propose several strategic suggestions for enhancing training programs, including making training farmer-centered and locally relevant, using hands-on, demonstration-based learning, integrating digital tools and climate services, and including climate literacy and systems thinking.
Strengthening institutional and extension capacity, as well as linking training to markets, finance, and policy, are also highlighted as crucial steps. These insights could significantly shape future developments in agricultural education and practice, particularly in regions grappling with the impacts of climate change.
As the agricultural sector continues to evolve, the findings from this study offer valuable guidance for training programs aiming to equip professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to build resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. The commercial impacts for the energy sector are also noteworthy, as the integration of climate-resilient practices can open new avenues for innovation and collaboration.