Course Description
This training course provides a comprehensive exploration of Precision Agriculture (PA) technologies and their application as powerful tools for enhancing agricultural resilience in the face of climate change. Participants will learn how data-driven, site-specific management practices enabled by PA can optimize resource use (water, nutrients, energy), improve crop performance, and reduce environmental impact, thereby strengthening the capacity of farming systems to adapt to climate variability and extremes. The course bridges the gap between advanced agricultural technology and practical climate adaptation strategies.
The curriculum covers the fundamentals of Precision Agriculture, including core technologies such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing (drones and satellites), and various in-field sensors. It delves into data management and analysis, Variable Rate Technology (VRT) for inputs, and specific applications tailored to climate adaptation challenges like water scarcity, nutrient management under stress conditions, and managing shifting pest and disease pressures. Emphasis is placed on practical implementation, economic feasibility, and integrating PA into broader farm management strategies for long-term sustainability and climate resilience.
Course Objectives
Upon the successful completion of this Training Course on Precision Agriculture for Climate Adaptation, participants will be able to:
ü Understand the principles and components of Precision Agriculture systems.
ü Identify and describe the functions of key PA technologies (GPS, GIS, Remote Sensing, Sensors, VRT).
ü Interpret data collected from various PA sources for farm management decisions.
ü Analyze how PA tools can be specifically applied to address climate change challenges (e.g., water stress, heat, pests).
ü Evaluate the potential of PA for improving resource use efficiency (water, nutrients, pesticides) as an adaptation strategy.
ü Assess the economic considerations and practical challenges of implementing PA for climate adaptation.
ü Develop strategies for integrating PA technologies into farm management for enhanced climate resilience.
ü Recognize current trends and future potential of PA in the context of climate change.
Training Methodology
The course is designed to be highly interactive, challenging and stimulating. It will be an instructor led training and will be delivered using a blended learning approach comprising of presentations, discussions, guided sessions of practical exercise, case study review, web-based tutorials, group work, exploration of relevant issues collaborative strength training, performance measurement, and workshops of participants’ displays, all of which adhere to the highest standards of training. The training technique is built on learning by doing, with lecturers using a learner-centered approach to engage participants and provide tasks that allow them to apply what they’ve learned. Experiential knowledge is also given equal importance within the format of training. Our facilitators are seasoned industry professionals with years of expertise in their chosen fields. All facilitation and course materials will be offered in English.
Who Should Attend?
This Training Course on Precision Agriculture for Climate Adaptation would be suitable for, but not limited to:
ü Progressive farmers and farm managers seeking to adopt advanced technologies
ü Agricultural Consultants and Advisors
ü Agronomists and Soil Scientists
ü Agricultural Engineers and Technology Specialists
ü Extension Service Professionals
ü Researchers working on agricultural technology, climate change, and sustainable agriculture
ü Representatives from agricultural technology companies
ü Policymakers involved in agricultural innovation and climate adaptation planning
Personal benefits
ü In-depth knowledge of cutting-edge Precision Agriculture technologies.
ü Enhanced skills in agricultural data collection, interpretation, and application.
ü Ability to leverage technology for improved farm efficiency and climate resilience.
ü Capacity to advise on or implement PA strategies for climate adaptation.
ü Improved decision-making skills based on data analysis.
ü Career advancement opportunities in the growing fields of ag-tech and climate-smart agriculture.
Organizational benefits
ü Increased capacity to advise on, support, or implement PA solutions for climate adaptation.
ü Potential for improved resource management and productivity on supported farms/projects.
ü Enhanced ability to integrate technology into climate adaptation and sustainable agriculture programs.
ü Stronger data-driven approaches to agricultural planning and monitoring.
ü Better understanding of the opportunities and challenges of technology adoption in agriculture.
ü Contribution to organizational goals related to innovation, sustainability, and climate resilience.
Course Duration: 5 Days
Training Fee: USD 1,300
Course Outline:
Module 1: Introduction to Precision Agriculture and Climate Adaptation Needs
ü Defining Precision Agriculture: Concepts and Goals
ü Overview of Key Climate Change Impacts on Agriculture
ü How PA can Enhance Adaptive Capacity and Resilience
ü The PA Management Cycle: Data Collection, Analysis, Decision, Implementation
ü Practical Session: Group exercise: Identifying climate risks for local agriculture and brainstorming potential PA solutions
Module 2: Foundations: GPS, GIS, and Farm Management Zones
ü Principles of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Accuracy Levels
ü Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Farm Mapping
ü Creating Management Zones based on Soil, Topography, and Yield Data
ü Auto-Guidance Systems and Controlled Traffic Farming Benefits
ü Practical Session: Hands-on introduction to GIS software: Importing farm data and delineating basic management zones
Module 3: Remote Sensing Technologies (Drones & Satellites) for Monitoring
ü Principles of Remote Sensing in Agriculture
ü Satellite Imagery: Platforms, Sensors, Indices (NDVI, NDRE), and Applications
ü Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs/Drones): Platforms, Sensors (RGB, Multispectral, Thermal)
ü Image Processing and Interpretation for Crop Monitoring
ü Practical Session: Analyzing sample satellite or drone imagery to identify spatial variability in crop health/stress
Module 4: In-Field Sensing: Soil, Crop, and Weather Monitoring
ü Types of Soil Sensors (Moisture, EC, pH, Nutrients)
ü Crop Canopy Sensors and Plant Health Monitoring
ü On-Farm Weather Stations and Microclimate Monitoring
ü Sensor Networks, Data Transmission, and Real-Time Data Access
ü Practical Session: Interpreting data outputs from various soil moisture, nutrient, and weather sensors
Module 5: Variable Rate Technology (VRT) for Site-Specific Management
ü Concept and Benefits of VRT (Inputs: Seed, Fertilizer, Pesticides, Water)
ü Components of VRT Systems (Sensors, Controllers, Actuators)
ü Developing Prescription Maps based on Data Layers (Soil, Yield, Imagery)
ü VRT Application Equipment Overview
ü Practical Session: Software demonstration: Creating a simple VRT prescription map for fertilizer application
Module 6: Data Management, Analytics, and Decision Support Systems in PA
ü Importance of Data Quality, Standards, and Integration
ü Farm Management Information Systems (FMIS)
ü Data Analysis Techniques for PA (Spatial Statistics, Mapping)
ü Cloud Computing and Data Platforms in Agriculture
ü Practical Session: Exploring the features and data integration capabilities of a sample FMIS software
Module 7: Precision Water Management for Climate Resilience
ü Using Soil Moisture Sensors and ET Models for Precise Irrigation Scheduling
ü Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI) Systems
ü PA for Drainage Management and Waterlogging Mitigation
ü Assessing Water Use Efficiency using PA Data
ü Practical Session: Scenario exercise: Using sensor data and weather forecasts to make irrigation scheduling decisions
Module 8: Precision Nutrient Management and Stress Detection Adaptation
ü Site-Specific Soil Sampling and Analysis
ü Using Sensors and Remote Sensing for Nutrient Status Assessment
ü Variable Rate Fertilizer Application for Optimal Use and Reduced Loss
ü Early Detection of Crop Stress (Water, Nutrient, Heat) using PA Tools
ü Practical Session: Analyzing remote sensing indices (e.g., NDVI) or sensor data for early signs of crop stress
Module 9: PA for Managing Pests, Diseases, and Weeds under Climate Change
ü Using Drones and Sensors for Early Pest/Disease Scouting and Detection
ü Site-Specific Pest and Disease Management (Targeted Spraying)
ü Precision Weed Mapping and Management (e.g., Spot Spraying)
ü Integrating PA Data into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Programs
ü Practical Session: Simulation: Making targeted spraying decisions based on spatial pest/weed maps
Module 10: Implementing PA for Adaptation: Economics, Challenges & Future Outlook
ü Cost-Benefit Analysis of Adopting PA Technologies
ü Data Ownership, Privacy, and Security Issues
ü Technical Skills, Training Needs, and Interoperability Challenges
ü The Role of Policy and Extension in PA Adoption for Adaptation
ü Practical Session: Group discussion and framework development: Creating an initial adoption plan for a specific PA technology considering costs and benefits
About the Trainers
Our trainers are leading experts with deep knowledge and practical experience in Precision Agriculture technologies, agronomy, agricultural engineering, data science, GIS/remote sensing, and climate change adaptation. They possess experience in implementing and evaluating PA systems in various agricultural contexts and are adept at translating complex technical information into practical applications for improved farm management and resilience.
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
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:
Cancellation Policy
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
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