Small-Scale Livestock Development and Extension Techniques Course


INTRODUCTION

Given the escalating population growth, intensified cropping, widespread land degradation and shrinking agricultural land, sustaining agricultural production through improved soil management is critical to the issue of food security and poverty alleviation in developing countries.

Limited availability of additional land for crop production along with declining yield growth for major food crops have heightened concerns about agriculture's ability to feed the world population. Much currently cultivated land is being lost through soil erosion, nutrient depletion, desertification, deforestation, and salinization or overgrazing. As agricultural areas become even more crowded, arable land is likely to come under increasing pressure. This also sets the livelihoods of millions of subsistence farmers at risk.

Integrated soil health and fertility management (ISHFM) is the key in raising productivity levels while maintaining the natural resource base. This training course aims to guide participants on how to replenish soil nutrient pools, maximize on-farm recycling of nutrients, and reduce nutrient losses to the environment and improving the efficiency of external inputs.

DURATION

5 days

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This course is intended for various actors in the Agriculture Extension (Agricultural extension officers, senior agricultural officials and policy makers) working with communities, in governments, funding agencies, Research organizations and non-government organizations among others for Agriculture support activities and other development programmes.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of the course, learners will be able to:

  • Understand validated and participatory approach to designing and implementing effective ISHFM programs
  • Apply a participatory approach to designing and implementing an ISHFM program.
  • Understand soil fertility concepts and factors that make a soil fertile and productive.
  • Gain knowledge on how to identify soil nutrient problems and opportunities.
  • Understand soil fertility enhancing strategies that maximize profits and agronomic use efficiency.
  • Understand the methodologies and tools to assess suitability, economic feasibility, and impacts of ISHFM on agricultural production, soil fertility, and the environment.
  • Understand how to promote ISHFM to farmers and other stakeholders.

TOPICS TO BE COVERED

  • Introduction to ISHFM and basic concepts
    • Soil Fertility and soil health
    • Physical, chemical and agronomic characteristics of soils
    • Problem Soils (Saline, sodic, saline-sodic, and acid sulfate soils)
    • Remedial measures and management techniques for selected problem soils
  • Soil Fertility Management
    • Overview of nutrition and plant growth
    • Diagnosis of nutrient deficiencies and corrective measures
    • Organic and inorganic fertilizers
    • Livestock integration
    • Criteria for fertilizer recommendations
    • Roles of organic matter and its maintenance
    • Integrated plant nutrition systems
  • Soil Conservation
    • Mechanics of soil erosion
    • Soil erosivity and erodibility
    • Maximizing on-farm recycling of nutrients
    • Mechanical and biological measures for erosion control
    • Tillage management
    • Crop management practices
  • ISHFM Strategies to Maximize Profits and Agronomic Use Efficiency
    • Reducing nutrient losses - blocking nutrient flows from leaving the farm
    • Better management of available resources - managing internal flows of nutrients
    • Improving the efficiency of nutrient uptake
    • Economic considerations
    • Computer-based decision support tools
  • Extension Techniques
    • Overview of agricultural extension approaches
    • Conceptual framework for agricultural extension campaign
    • Extension program planning and implementation
    • Farmer training
  • Non Agronomic Soil Components
    • Support for rural credit systems
    • Market-oriented institutional changes
    • Improving linkages between research and extension support institutions

Enroll for this Course

We are proud to offer this course in a variety of training formats to suit your needs.

IRES

Enroll to In-Person (Face to Face)

We use the highest quality learning facilities to make sure your experience is as comfortable as possible.

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Enroll for a Virtual Zoom Class

Join a scheduled class with a live instructor and other delegates.

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Enroll for Online Self-paced Class

Keep track of your own progression throughout your course and ensure continuous improvement.

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Benefits of Taking a Course at IRES

LEARN

Our courses are carefully curated to keep you abreast of latest industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices. We employ a variety of teaching methodologies, including hands-on workshops, case studies, and interactive sessions, all aimed at fostering an engaging and effective learning environment. Our expert instructors bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience, providing our clients with insights that can be immediately applied in their professional lives.

NETWORK

Our courses serve as a vibrant platform for professionals to connect and engage with a diverse community of peers, industry leaders, and experts. By participating in our programs, you gain access to an invaluable network that spans across various sectors and geographical boundaries. This networking aspect is not just about forming professional relationships; it's about creating a supportive ecosystem where ideas, opportunities, and collaborations can flourish.

GROW

Our courses are designed to challenge and inspire professionals to step out of their comfort zones and explore new horizons. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, our programs help professionals refine their existing skills and acquire new ones, making them more versatile and competitive.

FAQs & Course Administration Details:

This training can also be customized to suit the needs of your institution upon request. You can have it delivered in our IRES Training Centre or at a convenient location. For further inquiries, please contact us on Phone: +254 715 077 817 or Email: [email protected].
The instructor led trainings are delivered using a blended learning approach and comprise of presentations, guided sessions of practical exercise, web-based tutorials and group work. Our facilitators are seasoned industry experts with years of experience, working as professional and trainers in these fields. All facilitation and course materials will be offered in English. The participants should be reasonably proficient in English.
Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with an Indepth Research Institute (IRES) certificate certified by the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).
Payment should be transferred to IRES account through bank on or before start of the course. Send proof of payment to [email protected].
Accommodation and airport pickup are arranged upon request. For reservations contact the Training Officer. Email: [email protected] Phone: +254 715 077 817.