A training data set, based on data from Malawi, was prepared before the training. However, participants were invited to bring their own data so that they could be trained in handling specific issues that come up in their countries.

At the end of the training, the participants should be able to set up and technically operate a crop forecasting system at the national level - receiving only minor assistance on some of the more technical aspects such as calibrating yield functions. However, a crop forecasting system also requires a number of institutional arrangements that are beyond the scope of the workshop.

Trainers:
- Adams Chavula, an agrometeorologist form the Malawi Meteorological Services
- Dr. Riad Balaghi (FAO consultant)
- Dr. Oscar Rojas from the EU Joint Research Centre in Ispra, Italy