From Learning to Application: Evidence of Climate Information Services Competencies and Use Among AGNES Alumni under AICCRA

This evaluation report examines the post-training outcomes of the AGNES Advanced Course on Climate Information Services (CIS), implemented in collaboration with the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT under the AICCRA program. The course, conducted between July and August 2025, aimed to strengthen the capacity of African professionals to interpret, apply, and communicate climate information for decision-making. A follow-up survey conducted in October 2025 gathered responses from 31 alumni—approximately 21% of total course participants—two months after completion, to assess how acquired competencies in Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes (KSA) were being applied in practice. Results demonstrate significant improvement in participants’ understanding and use of CIS tools and data interpretation, with 96% (74% greatly, 23% moderately) reporting increased confidence and 65% already applying CIS knowledge and tools in their professional work. The findings reveal early evidence of institutional and behavioural change, with 61% of respondents observing informal organizational shifts and 11% reporting formal institutional changes integrating CIS into planning and advisory frameworks. The survey also highlights a strong knowledge-sharing multiplier effect: 48% of alumni formally shared course content and 32% shared informally, reaching an estimated 155–620 secondary beneficiaries within three months of course completion. Additionally, the evaluation identifies emerging South–South collaboration and sustained peer learning across African subregions, reflecting the establishment of a dynamic alumni network and community of practice. These outcomes align closely with key AICCRA MELIA indicators, including PDO3 (use of enhanced CSA/CIS practices), PDO4 (enhanced CIS for resilience), and IPI 2.2 (strengthened regional capacity to deliver CIS). The report concludes with actionable recommendations to sustain learning outcomes through alumni networks, institutional embedding, and strategic engagement with regional partners such as ICPAC and ACMAD to institutionalize and scale the training across Africa.