The German Sparkassenstiftung for International Cooperation (DSIK), in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), successfully launched a series of training programmes aimed at increasing the financial literacy and climate change awareness of smallholder farmers and businesses in Azerbaijan. The first training session was conducted in the Gakh region on January 21-22, 2026, for 21 male and 2 female local agricultural entrepreneurs.

These training programmes are designed to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, including limited knowledge about good agricultural practices, sustainable farming methods, and inadequate infrastructure. The effects of climate change further threaten agricultural productivity and food security, making these training sessions crucial for the economic development of rural areas.

The training sessions utilize “Managing Climate Resilience for Farmers and MSME” Business Game developed by DSIK in collaboration with a game development company. This agricultural business simulation provides a playful environment tailored to the needs and financial literacy levels of the target groups, including employees of financial institutions, entrepreneurs, farmers, youth, women, and minorities. The interactive and practical exercises within the games help break down complex financial and entrepreneurial concepts, leading to high learning success.

The main objective of board-based Managing Climate Resilience simulation is to increase farm resilience while maintaining economic efficiency in the face of worsening climatic condition. Participants take on the management of a fictitious agricultural business, making smart investment decisions producing sustainable products, responding to unpredictable events, and competing with other teams. The game aims to teach smallholders, aspiring farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs what options they have to effectively minimize climate risks and business risks.

The specific objectives of the training include:

•  Raising awareness that climate change is a real social and economic problem affecting personal economic performance and future prospects.
• Spreading awareness that while climate change cannot be stopped by individuals, everyone can contribute to alleviating it through their actions.
• Identifying the advantages and disadvantages of different climate change adaptation strategies.
• Developing an understanding of appropriate operational measures and investments for specific circumstances.
• Becoming familiar with funding opportunities and methods of accessing appropriate funding.
• Understanding the need for ongoing risk management and being able to design an action plan.

The training sessions are part of a grant agreement between DSIK and GIZ, with further sessions planned in various regions of Azerbaijan by April 2026. These initiatives aim to equip farmers and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing economic landscape, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of rural areas in Azerbaijan.