Climate smart farmer field school catalogue: Cocoons

The Climate Smart FFS initiative for smallholder farmers in Jordan is being launched under the project "Building Resilience to Cope with Climate Change in Jordan through Improving Water Use Efficiency in the Agriculture Sector" (BRCCJ). A set of training materials, as part of the Climate Smart FFS curriculum, has been developed for different crops, cropping systems, and climate-smart agriculture technologies. The curriculum consists of six modules:

1. Module 1: Climate Smart Integrated Homestead Gardening
2. Module 2: Climate Smart Hydroponic Leafy Vegetables
3. Module 3: Climate Smart Integrated Fruit Orchard
4. Module 4: Climate Smart High-Value Vegetables Agribusiness
5. Module 5: Climate Smart Rainfed Wheat and Barley
6. Module 6: Climate Smart Livestock Fodder Bank

In support of the modules, a set of catalogues of smart agriculture technology has been developed for facilitators and farmers. The publication "Climate Smart Farmer Field School Catalogue - Cocoons" explores the potential of cocoons as a sustainable planting technology to combat climate change and enhance agricultural resilience, particularly in arid and water-scarce regions like Jordan.

Cocoons, biodegradable structures that provide consistent moisture and protection to young saplings, offer numerous benefits, including increased tree survival rates, reduced irrigation needs, and improved resilience to harsh weather conditions. The catalogue highlights the potential of cocoons to revolutionize reforestation efforts, restore degraded land, and contribute to carbon sequestration. It also addresses the challenges and limitations associated with cocoon technology, emphasizing the importance of proper installation, maintenance, and species selection.

The catalogue concludes by advocating for the adoption of cocoons as a climate-smart agricultural practice and underscores the need for further research, development, and capacity-building to unlock their full potential in building a more sustainable and resilient agriculture sector.