Despite significant shifts taking place in Bhutan’s agricultural landscape, significant gaps still exist in farmer and extension agent training programmes, according to the authors of a new report published by the EU-TACS project. For example, a lack of coordination across available programmes can sometimes result in lower impact at field level.

The report outlines a series of recommendations to help farmers and extension workers better deal with a slew of upcoming challenges, among them the impacts of climate change and an increasing shift towards commercial farming.

A new study on gender equality was released this month as part of the EU Technical Assistance Complementary Support (EU-TACS) Project. Through a mix of quantitative and qualitative data, gathered among 79 people – 40 women and 39 men – in 15 Gewogs within seven districts, report authors analysed the status of gender equity in Bhutan, and outline recommendations to address challenges in enhancing gender equality.

Launched in March 2019, the EU-TACS project has provided technical assistance focusing on rural development, climate change response, and support for local government and fiscal decentralisation. It provided advisory services, studies and communication-related support and direction for capacity-building, dialogue and policy change in key development themes within these priority sectors. It learned valuable lessons along the way, including on continuing to work entirely remotely.

As part of its support to the country’s 12^th Five-Year Plan’s Climate Change Response Programme, the EU-TACS project held a five-day training on green and climate smart technology and green business. Participants included local government officials and renewable natural resources planners as well as prospective and current business owners.

Building on a wealth of studies and reports produced over the past few years, the EU Technical Assistance Complementary Support Project for Bhutan (EU-TACS) produced ten policy briefs on agriculture, forestry and livestock-related issues. The briefs are part of a wider communications strategy developed to support the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests outreach efforts.