KIOF Training in Organic Farming
KIOF offers various courses according to prevailing demand. A complete overview can be downloaded here: kiofcourses.pdf
Generally our course-system can be divided into short-term courses/workshops (1 - 3 weeks) and long-term courses (1,5 - 2 years).
Our short-term workshops are being provided by the KIOF Farmers Training and Extension Department.
Organic farming creates awareness of the dangers of conventional farming which is based on mono-cropping and extensive use of agro-chemicals. Organic farming is seen as one of the valuable methods towards sustainability in agriculture. Thus the training program has the following objectives:
To train interested farmers (mainly in-groups), through theory and practical learning on organic farming techniques.
- To follow up trained farmers individually in order to vide encouragement and technical support.
- To provide answers to pressing issues, needs and requests for information through a question and answer service (QAS)
- To provide information on available alternative farming methods.
Target group
The training has been developed for the small scale farmers. The training is done in groups, the avarege number of farmers for the training is 20-35 farmers for each group.
Farmers’ course content
- Soil conservation using A-frame to determine the contour lines along which cultivation and terracing are done.
- Compost making to improve and maintain soil fertility.
- Making of liquid manure and plant teas for top dressing.
- Crop rotation to relief the nutrients and mineral drain.
- Mixed cropping to discourage pests build up and improve soil cover.
- Making of natural pesticides sprays using plant weeds and herbs with known insecticidal properties.
- Water harvesting methods in order to make the best use of the run off.
- Appropriate technologies that save energy, transport cost and labor.
- Seed production and harvesting.
- Housing needs for each animal.
- Breeding and reproduction.
- Specialized animals: fish farming and earthworm rearing, rabbits, pigs etc.
- Feeding problems and rationing.
- Internal and external parasites and their association.
- Fodder production and preservation, practical on haymaking and fodder hardens.
- Feeding young ones: calves, chicks, lambs and kinds.
- Herbal preparation.
- Marketing of organic produce.
Farmers’ exchange visits
After training the group is encouraged to visit another former group in another area. The group will learn other things it has not implemented yet. Often the visiting group exchanges seeds and other planting materials. After some time the visiting group also prepares to receive another new group. This visiting enhances farmer-to-farmer training and extension.
For the farmers who are already being trained KIOF is organizing tours (visits) to other farmers in Eastern Africa and thereby providing an opportunity for the Kenyan farmers to learn from other farmers in other countries.
The whole course is divided into three one-week courses, but participants are not obliged to take the second and third course but are very highly recommended to do so.
Each course carries a certificate of attendance and is normally followed by a 3-6 months of individual farmers follow up without extra costs except the group shares costs of providing accommodation to the extension worker or the student that is attached to the group.
Farmers’ group structure and contacts
During training and subsequent follow up, the group is encouraged to elect a chairman and a committee. The group is also encouraged to legally register with the ministry of culture and social service as a Self Help Group, ant to open an account. In this way, the group becomes properly structured and may attract assistance from other NGOs. The group is encouraged to meet regularly and to have a group project involving all members. The meeting place is often the group’s demonstration garden within their community where they show and learn various organic farming techniques.
KIOF maintains contact with the group through regular magazines e.g. “What’s about”, and through invitation to attend the farmers’ day in November/December of each year. Recently, KIOF is also promoting the process of marketing of organic produce and finally the certification process.
How to apply?
Farmers or persons interested in organic farming and wish to be trained should form a group of at least 20 farmers within their community. They should look for a convenient place within their village for a venue. They should then collect the training fees and send it to KIOF or inform KIOF. During the week of training, the group should organize their own lunches and teas. 
For further information please contact us on the About us page!
back to beginning
The long-term courses are being held at our campus in Juja. There are different entry requirements according to different target groups:
1. Certificate Courses in Organic Agriculture- requires a minimum of Grade D+ and above
2. Diploma Courses in Organic Agriculture - requires a minimum of Grade C- or prior certificate in organic Agriculture.
Intake and duration of the courses:
There are two intakes per year: one in March-April and another in September-October every year. The certificate course takes 18 months while the diploma courses take 2 years. Both courses are residential although there are possibilities for day scholars.
Value adding support courses:
KIOF offers computer training, mathematics and statistical training, enterpreneurship/ business skills training, extension methods and communication skills.
Application procedure:
Applications forms can be downloaded here. Completed forms can be sent via mail to our contact details given on the About us page. (To open the application form you need Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Alternatively, application forms are available by writing directly to the director of the Institute or the students' coordinator.
COURSE CONTENT
The course content include:
- Introduction to organic farming and environment
- Organic crop production
- Organic animal production
- Organic soil fertility and management
- Soil , water conservation & Agroforestry
- Rural development and gender issues
- Application of IT in rural development
- Organic soil tillage techniques and practices
- Ecological crop protection
- Ethnoveterinary
- Human nutrition and food security
- Biomedicine
- Organic farm planning and design
- Organic standards certification and marketing
- Extension
- Appropriate technology
- Project planning and management
- Entrepreneurship
- Farm management and agricultural economics
- Agricultural research agricultural law polices
Certificate in organic agriculture gives formal training leading to a recognized certificate in organic agriculture. It includes 9 months of intensive theoretical and practical training and 5 months field attachment.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER TRAINING
At the end of the courses, there are possible job placements which may include:
- Manager of organic farm
- Organic production supervisor
- Rural development trainer
- Organic production inspectors
- Organic farmers
- Organic processor and trader
University Education:
There are openings for further learning at Martyrs University in Uganda for bachelor’s degree in organic agriculture. KIOF can facilitate application to this university for students who qualify. Egerton University is also starting a similar degree in organic agriculture.
Distance learning Programme for diploma in organic agriculture
Agriculture is the mainstay of most African countries. It continues to play vital roles such as foreign exchange earning, and indirect employment, food provision and synthesizing processing and marketing activities of the many agro-based economies.
The organic sub sector of agriculture has been marketed growth primarily due to the increasing problems of food safety, environmental pollution, soil degradation and concerns on the social and economic aspects of the agricultural production systems.
This has led to the growing demand for this alternative agriculture method, which respect the environment while ensuring productivity and food security.
The course
The distance learning diploma course in organic agriculture is a window of opportunity for the prospective student to train while on another job. To the student, the course work is packaged to facilitate the initialization of hands- on experience. Rehearse topics are included to encourage the student to test the knowledge and skills at the place of work.
Duration
The course takes two years, each year having two semesters.
Award
Successful students who satisfy the institute examination requirements shall be awarded the diploma in agriculture. Course objectives
- To provide opportunities for middle level education and further learning on organic agriculture.
- To provide viable environmental safe and socially acceptable farming knowledge and skills.
- To provide opportunities for working students to access learning and education while continuing with their current jobs.
The course modules
The course will span two years each comprising two semesters. Each semester course work shall be reinforced by a thorough one-week long workshop to review and sit exams for the particular modules the are introduced to the following semester work. The workshop is held at KIOF of Juja campus premises. Each module is offered in bits of assignments spread over the semester with a lot of emphasis on practical to reinforce the learner’s knowledge and skills acquiring in every module.
Enrolment
Applicants qualifying for admission should have the following: KCSE certificate minimum C- with at least c in agriculture or biology. Posses a certificate in agriculture or equivalent Working in agricultural or CBOS or related field. Community development workers or agricultural extension staff. The student should then be able to find time to attend the one week review session and sit the semester exams.
Mode of study
The language of instruction will be in English and therefore prospective students need to be proficient in English language. The students will learn as they work. Each module will be organized in packages each with an assignment to be submitted on the specified date for marking and evaluation. The mark shall be 60%.
Graduation
The letter shall pass all the modules prescribed for the program so as to satisfy the examiners for the award of the diploma inorganic agriculture (distance) learning. To pass the student must score 60% in each of the assignments and also pass the end of semester examination. A student who fails any of the papers shall be required to resist before proceeding further. The final assignments for the award of the diploma shall be average grade mark for all the semester exams and assignments and shall be ranked as follows.
- Distinction …….75%
- Credit ……..…..60%
- Pass ……..……45-59%
- Fail……………..45%
How to apply
Application forms are available at KIOF free of charge. There is booking fee Kshs 2,000/=
Applicants must produce copies of identification documents, academic and professional certificates for registration purposes.
Student Program
a) Overall aim To empower the rural youth with a career in order to alleviate rural poverty.
b) Programme purpose Training the youth in organic agriculture as future careers for responsible citizens.
c) Programme objectives
- To offer intensive training to the rural youth in organic agriculture.
- To offer careers skills to the youth
- To mould the youth into responsible citizens
Course Content
The course content is equal to that of the regular diploma course.
Fur further information please contact us.