CABI Academy
Online agriculture courses designed for farmer advisors
Description
CABI Academy is an online learning platform designed to build capacity in agriculture through structured courses focused on plant health, crop production and sustainable farming practices. The platform provides digital training materials developed by agricultural scientists and experts, supporting knowledge transfer on topics such as pest management, integrated crop management and climate-resilient agriculture. All courses are guided by the Skills for Agriculture Framework, which identifies the key skills required by those working in agriculture to perform their roles successfully. Apart from the Academy, other solutions offered by CABI are CABI Library, CABI BioProtection Portal, and Bioscience Services, among others.
Technology
The learning environment operates through a web-based platform that hosts interactive training courses and multimedia educational materials. Users can follow structured modules that include videos, quizzes, case studies and downloadable resources. Digital tools support self-paced learning and remote training. The courses are hosted on the Moodle platform and are also available offline through the Moodle mobile app. They have been translated into multiple languages to support learning in local languages.
Target
The main users include agricultural advisors, extension workers and others working with smallholder farmers, including researchers, agro-input dealers and farmers themselves, seeking to improve knowledge of crop production and plant health management. Training resources are also relevant for development organizations and public institutions implementing agricultural capacity-building programmes.
Business model
The platform operates under a mixed access model. Courses are offered free of charge to learners in target countries and have been developed and delivered through donor funding. A payment mechanism has been introduced for learners in non-target countries, and the platform is also exploring hosting, consultancy and course customization services to support long-term sustainability beyond the donor funding period.
Impact
The courses aim to strengthen technical skills and improve agricultural advisory services in farming systems worldwide. As of June 2026, there are available 12 courses on the platform. In 2025, the CABI Academy grew significantly, with over 16 500 new users and nearly 20 000 course enrolments, strengthening its role as a key learning platform for agricultural advisors reached by PlantwisePlus. More than 2100 users completed courses in their chosen languages, helping address barriers identified in user surveys. According to end-of-course surveys, learners gave the courses an average rating of 4.43 out of 5, and around 80 percent reported that they felt ready to apply their skills in practice.
Partners
Directorate-General for International Cooperation (DGIS), Netherlands; Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), UK; European Commission Directorate-General for International Partnerships (INTPA, EU); PlantwisePlus; Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
Four Betters
Better life
Better environment
Better production
