Training Course on Biological Control and Pesticide Reduction for Sustainable Farming

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Sustainable Farming and Pest Management

ü  Global challenges of pesticide overuse

ü  Benefits of sustainable pest management

ü  Overview of agroecology and organic farming

ü  Case studies of successful pesticide reduction

ü  Practical Session: Assessing pesticide use on sample farms

Module 2: Principles of Biological Control in Agriculture

ü  Definition and history of biological control

ü  Types of biological control (classical, augmentative, conservation)

ü  Ecological principles behind biocontrol

ü  Risks and limitations of biological control

ü  Practical Session: Identifying biocontrol opportunities in different crops

Module 3: Beneficial Insects and Natural Predators

ü  Key predatory insects (ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps)

ü  Habitat management for natural enemies

ü  Augmentative release techniques

ü  Monitoring and conserving beneficial insects

ü  Practical Session: Field identification of beneficial insects

Module 4: Microbial Biocontrol Agents and Their Applications

ü  Types of microbial agents (fungi, bacteria, viruses)

ü  Mode of action and application methods

ü  Commercial microbial products and their efficacy

ü  Safety and regulatory considerations

ü  Practical Session: Preparing and applying microbial biocontrol agents

Module 5: Biopesticides: Types, Formulation, and Usage

ü  Plant-derived biopesticides (neem, pyrethrum)

ü  Mineral and fungal-based biopesticides

ü  Formulation and storage best practices

ü  Integrating biopesticides with other pest control methods

ü  Practical Session: Mixing and applying biopesticides

Module 6: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Strategies

ü  Components of a successful IPM program

ü  Cultural and mechanical control methods

ü  Economic thresholds and decision-making in IPM

ü  Farmer-led IPM adoption strategies

ü  Practical Session: Designing an IPM plan for a selected crop

Module 7: Agroecological Approaches to Pest Reduction

ü  Crop diversification and intercropping for pest suppression

ü  Soil health and pest resistance

ü  Agroforestry and habitat manipulation

ü  Farmer field schools and participatory learning

ü  Practical Session: Designing a diversified cropping system

Module 8: Monitoring and Evaluating Pest Control Success

ü  Tools for pest population monitoring

ü  Data collection and record-keeping

ü  Assessing economic and ecological impacts

ü  Adaptive management in pest control

ü  Practical Session: Setting up pest monitoring traps

Module 9: Policy and Market Incentives for Sustainable Farming

ü  Government policies supporting pesticide reduction

ü  Certification schemes for organic and sustainable produce

ü  Market demand for eco-friendly products

ü  Funding and grants for sustainable agriculture

ü Practical Session: Developing a proposal for sustainable farming incentives

Module 10: Developing a Farm-Specific Biological Control Plan

ü  Assessing farm-specific pest challenges

ü  Selecting appropriate biocontrol methods

ü  Cost-benefit analysis of pesticide reduction

ü  Implementation and monitoring framework

üPractical Session: Presenting a farm biocontrol action plan

About the Trainers

Our trainers are seasoned experts in sustainable agriculture, with over 15 years of experience in biological control, integrated pest management, and agroecology. They have worked with farmers, research institutions, and policymakers worldwide to promote eco-friendly farming practices.

Requirements

ü  Participants should be reasonably proficient in English. 

ü  Applicants must live up to Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

1. Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free
2. What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
3. Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.
4. The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.
5. Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training.

Or call us on +254720272325 / +254737566961

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

1. Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.
2. Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.
3. Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

1. Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.
2. Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.
3. No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Tailor Made Courses

This training course can also be customized for your institution upon request for a minimum of 5 participants. You can have it conducted at our Training Centre or at a convenient location.

For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737566961 or Email training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com  

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

Accommodation and Airport Transfer is arranged upon request and at extra cost. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737566961