Who qualifies?

Anyone who can read and write/COMPREHEND

Languages used are:

• Spoken instruction in English,
• Emphasis and Explanation in Kiswahili, Dholuo; and any other local language
• Written materials in English
• Videos in English, Swahili or any language with translation

Training timings

1. 14-week program, meeting twice weekly
2. Two 1-week breaks (Week 7 & Week 14)
3. Each training day includes: 2 hours: Practical (Maisha Agroforestry Center)

)2 hours: Theory (Maisha Tech Lab)

(We can insert enough classroom photos and field practical photos

Assessment & Evaluation and certification

1. Pre-, mid-, and post-assessment to track knowledge and skill growth
2. Weekly quizzes and practical checklists
3. Final project: Design and presentation of an agroforestry-based farm and business model

Grading Ideas (Simple & Measurable)

1. 30% Practical Skills (weekly demonstrations)
2. 25% Theory Quizzes and Worksheets
3. 25% Final Project (ag plan + pitch)
4. 20% Participation and Collaboration

This is what you learn in the 14 weeks

Week 1: Introduction to Agro forestry and Regenerative Farming, Intro to Record keeping-Understanding principles of Regenerative/agroforestry/Agroecology farming

Week 2: Understanding Soil Health and the Farm as a Living System

• Performing VESS tests, infiltration tests, and basic microbial observation ,Soil sample collection a and comparison(Practicals) , Intro to soil biology and the soil food web,soil fungi etc(theory)

Week 3: Composting & Soil Amendments

• Practical-Build a compost piles, all possible methods- Practical guides to heating, cooling, and maturing phases
• Theory -Composting science: carbon-nitrogen ratios, moisture, air Comparing compost to synthetic fertilizer (cost, health, sustainability)

Week 4: Designing Agroforestry Systems

• Practical -Plot mapping and basic agroforestry layout Spacing and stratification exercise (plant layers and heights)
•  Theory -Understanding succession and natural forest models Why multi-species systems improve resilience

Week 5: Propagation, Nursery Management & Seedling Care

• Practical -Seed trays, potting mix preparation, transplanting demos Grafting and cutting propagation overview
• Importance of traditional varieties
• Theory -Seed types: open pollinated vs hybrid Germination rates and planning for failures How to time nursery work with rain cycles

Week 6: Irrigation, Mulching, and Water Use

• Practical -Drip line setup demo
• Mulching techniques using local materials Low-technology water collection and planning
• Theory -Water budgeting: How much is wasted? Low-cost water harvesting methods
• Salinization and risks of poor irrigation design 

Week 7: BREAK WEEK 1

• Field Observation & Community Interviews Student Assessment and written tests/evaluation

Week 8: Tree Management and System Maintenance

• Practical -Tree pruning and coppicing, Intercropping and rotation demos on demo plots Pathway and windbreak planning, Value-addition product workshop of forestry systems
• Theory -Agro forestry tree types and their roles (fertility, fodder, fuel, income) Tree maturity planning: managing time, space, and yields

Week 9: Pest, Disease, and Weed Control

• Practical -Scouting: signs of stress, insect damage, weed competition Organic control options: ash, neem, traps, etc.
• Theory -Life cycles: when pests are most vulnerable IPM (Integrated Pest Management) for low-cost control Livestock integration potentials: chickens, goats, cattle

 Week 10: Financial Planning and Enterprise

• Practical and theory -Tracking income/expenses for a single crop Creating a logbook entry for demo plot work
• Introduction to enterprise budgeting Understanding inputs, outputs, and margins

Week 11: Marketing, Value Addition, and Product Quality

• Practical -Practice packaging, grading, and post-harvest handling Storytelling exercise: market your product as if at a stall
• Theory -What is value addition? Examples in western Kenya Branding and trust in the local market

Week 12: Livelihood Planning and Micro-enterprise

• Practical -Team brainstorm: income ideas from small landholdings Value-addition methods: drying, pulverizing, fermentation, etc.
• Theory- Understanding business registration and licensing basics Introduction to local financing options (SACCOs, table banking, mobile loans)

Week 13: Scaling Up and Diversifying

• Practical -Planning for expansion: how to use more land, people, or ideas ,Second crop planning: intercropping or rotation systems
• Theory -Diversification strategies: food security, cash flow, resilience Risk: drought, price drops, pests—and how to prepare

Week 14: BREAK WEEK 2 – Final Project Planning & Peer Interviews Student Final Evaluation and presentation.

1. Create a visual or written business plan for your agroforestry enterprise
2. Conduct peer interviews to give feedback
3. Prepare a 5-minute final presentation or story Certification and Graduation Ceremony follows