The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has opened applications for its free agriculture and rural development learning opportunities through the FAO eLearning Academy, providing students, graduates, researchers, agricultural professionals, policymakers, and development practitioners worldwide with access to internationally recognized training courses.
The programme offers free online courses with certificates, allowing participants to build practical knowledge in agriculture, food security, climate resilience, nutrition, rural development, sustainable farming, fisheries, and natural resource management.
About the FAO eLearning Academy
The FAO eLearning Academy is an online learning platform developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization to strengthen global knowledge and capacity in agriculture, food systems, nutrition, climate action, and sustainable development.
Courses are designed and peer-reviewed by international experts to ensure high-quality learning and are available in multiple languages.
Participants can learn at their own pace from anywhere in the world.
Programme Benefits
Successful participants will enjoy:
- Free online training
- Self-paced learning
- Internationally recognized certificates upon completion
- Flexible study schedule
- Expert-developed course materials
- Practical knowledge applicable to real-world agriculture and development challenges
- Access to multilingual learning resources
- No tuition fees
Available Learning Areas
The FAO eLearning Academy offers courses across a wide range of disciplines, including:
- Agriculture
- Food Security
- Nutrition
- Climate Change
- Sustainable Development
- Rural Development
- Fisheries
- Aquaculture
- Forestry
- Biodiversity
- Land Management
- Soil Conservation
- Water Resources
- Agribusiness
- Gender Equality
- Livestock
- Food Systems
- Value Chains
- Disaster Risk Reduction
- Agricultural Policy
Featured Agriculture and Development Courses
Developing Gender-Sensitive Value Chains
This course explores how gender equality can strengthen agricultural value chains and improve economic opportunities for women and men.
Participants will learn about:
- Gender-sensitive value chain analysis
- Agricultural value chain development
- Women’s economic empowerment
- Inclusive agribusiness
- Gender-responsive agricultural planning
Climate-Smart Fisheries
Designed for professionals working in fisheries and aquaculture, this course examines the impacts of climate change and strategies for building resilient aquatic food systems.
Topics include:
- Climate change adaptation
- Sustainable fisheries
- Aquaculture resilience
- Marine ecosystems
- Climate-smart management
Home-Grown School Feeding
This programme focuses on using locally produced food to improve nutrition while supporting smallholder farmers and strengthening local economies.
Participants will study:
- School feeding programme design
- Nutrition-sensitive agriculture
- Local food procurement
- Community development
- Food security
Sustainable Food Chains for Nutrition
Learn how sustainable agricultural value chains contribute to improved nutrition and healthier food systems.
Key topics include:
- Sustainable food systems
- Nutrition-sensitive agriculture
- Value chain development
- Food security planning
- Agricultural project management
Climate-Smart Soil and Land Management
Participants gain practical knowledge on protecting soils while improving agricultural productivity and resilience.
Course topics include:
- Soil conservation
- Sustainable land management
- Climate-smart agriculture
- Carbon sequestration
- Soil health
- Land restoration
Reducing Rural Poverty
Explore global approaches to reducing poverty through inclusive rural development policies.
Subjects covered include:
- Rural livelihoods
- Economic inclusion
- Agricultural development
- Community resilience
- Poverty reduction strategies
- Local economic development
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open worldwide.
The courses are suitable for:
- University students
- Recent graduates
- Agricultural professionals
- Researchers
- Government officials
- Development practitioners
- NGO professionals
- Farmers
- Extension officers
- Policymakers
- International development specialists
- Anyone interested in agriculture and sustainable development
Eligibility
Most courses have no formal entry requirements.
Applicants simply need:
- Access to the internet
- Interest in agriculture or sustainable development
- Basic computer skills
Some advanced courses may recommend prior knowledge in specific subject areas.
Learning Format
Participants benefit from:
- 100% online learning
- Self-paced modules
- Interactive lessons
- Videos
- Reading materials
- Knowledge assessments
- Practical exercises
- Final evaluations
- Downloadable certificates
Certificate
Participants who successfully complete course requirements receive an official FAO Certificate of Completion, which can strengthen professional profiles, CVs, and LinkedIn portfolios.
Why Study with FAO?
The FAO eLearning Academy supports lifelong learning while helping build expertise in global food systems and sustainable agriculture.
The courses are designed to contribute to international development priorities, including:
- Zero Hunger (SDG 2)
- Climate Action (SDG 13)
- Life on Land (SDG 15)
- Gender Equality (SDG 5)
- Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
Participants gain valuable knowledge that can be applied across agriculture, environmental management, food security, humanitarian work, and international development.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should:
- Visit the official FAO eLearning Academy.
- Browse the available course catalogue.
- Create a free learner account.
- Enrol in the course(s) of your choice.
- Complete the learning modules.
- Download your certificate upon successful completion.
Applications remain open throughout the year for many courses, allowing learners to start whenever they are ready.
Conclusion
The FAO Agriculture eLearning Programme offers an outstanding opportunity for learners around the world to gain internationally recognized knowledge in agriculture, climate resilience, food security, nutrition, and sustainable rural development. With free access, flexible online learning, and certificates upon completion, these courses provide valuable professional development for anyone interested in building a career in agriculture or international development.
SEO Keywords: FAO Agriculture Courses 2026, FAO eLearning Academy, FAO Free Online Courses, FAO Certificate Courses, Agriculture Training Programme, Food Security Courses, Climate Smart Agriculture Training, FAO Online Learning, Sustainable Agriculture Courses, Rural Development Training, FAO Certificates, United Nations Agriculture Courses.
