Climate Smart Agriculture: Fundamentals

This microcredential introduces the main sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in agriculture and will assist learners in identifying farm management practices to reduce GHG emissions and sequester carbon through alternatives to fossil fuels, land management and water management. Based on current research and best practices, learners will develop farm-specific strategies for their farm operations that reduce GHG emissions and increase carbon sequestration.  

Note: Successful completion of the Climate Smart Agriculture Fundamentals microcredential is a pre-requisite for our Cropping Systems and Livestock Systems Climate Smart microcredentials.

Learners will investigate and analyze evidence and best practices that reduce GHG emissions and increase carbon sequestration, including a transition to cleaner fuel, precision agriculture, soil carbon enhancement, agroforestry, wetland restoration, precision irrigation, and rainwater harvesting.   

​​By the end of the microcredential, learners will develop farm-specific strategies for their operation that reduce GHG emissions and increase carbon sequestration. Creating the plan will require participants to: 

• ​Examine current assets, challenges, and opportunities in their operation
• ​Create Climate Smart agricultural goals for their operation
• ​Justify the choice of farm-specific strategies to reduce GHG emissions and increase carbon sequestration, using research and existing best practices
• Develop an implementation plan for chosen strategies

In completing this microcredential, participants are contributing to global efforts to address climate change and foster sustainable practices. 

• Climate Smart Agriculture: Livestock Systems
• Climate Smart Agriculture: Cropping Systems