30 April 2026, Mullaitivu, Sri Lanka. Farmers in Sri Lanka’s Mullaitivu District are facing difficulties in pursuing their agricultural livelihoods due to the adverse impacts of climate change in the region. With changing rainfall patterns, prolonged dry periods and poor soil conditions, farming communities are experiencing lower crop production, resulting in reduced household incomes and food security.

As a solution to these challenges, UN-Habitat in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Mullaitivu District Secretariat, Department of Agriculture and Farmer Organizations, is conducting training programmes for farmers on climate resilient, sustainable agricultural methods. Funded by the Adaptation Fund, through the project “Build resilience to climate change and climate variability of vulnerable communities in Mullaitivu District of Sri Lanka”, these trainings aim to support 580 farmers, including 295 female farmers, to better adapt to climate change and improve their livelihoods. The initiative is expected to enhance household food security, increase agricultural productivity, and strengthen long-term climate resilience in coastal farming communities.

From early April 2026, a series of training and capacity-building programmes were held in Welioya, Maritimepattu, and Puthukkudiyiruppu Divisional Secretariat Divisions of Mullaitivu District. They helped farmer groups to understand the impacts of climate change on agricultural production and learn simple adaptation measures such as better land use practices, water conservation techniques, and climate-smart farming methods. Participants were also trained in nature-based soil management techniques such as composting, vermicomposting, and organic pest control. These methods encourage the use of natural, local materials to improve the soil conditions, minimizing the use of chemicals and pesticides.

P. Pirasanthan, Technical Assistant, Department of Agriculture in Mullaitivu, discussing the training programmes, said “The training programme was practical and well organized. Farmers actively participated and gained useful knowledge that will help them improve their farming practices and adapt to climate change more effectively”.

This programme is also supporting home gardening efforts. Farmers are being provided with basic tools and planting materials to maintain home gardens and small nurseries. They are also provided with training INmethods such as intercropping and selection of the most resilient crops to suit prevailing climatic conditions. This helps improve food supply whilst providing an extra income.

Mrs. Mayilvakanam Kamalam, a resident of Vallipunam Grama Niladhari Division, said “This training has given us simple and practical solutions for local farming. I am now much better prepared to face climate-related challenges”.

Overall, the intervention directly supports 250 farming households across Welioya, Maritimepattu, and Puthukkudiyiruppu DS Divisions in strengthening climate-resilient home gardening practices and improving livelihoods through sustainable agricultural methods.