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Summary of Training Modules

Module  1.1            Introduction to Crop Production in semi arid areas
Module  1.2            Introduction to Livestock Production in semi arid areas
Module  2.1            Fruit Production in semi arid areas
Module  2.2            Field Crops and Vegetables for semi arid areas
Module  3.1            Dairy Management in semi arid areas
Module  3.2            Poultry Production
Module  3.3            Beekeeping ​

​Detailed description of Training Modules

Module  1.1   Introduction to Crop Production in semi arid areas

​Crop  production in the semi arid areas must meet the challenges of low and erratic rainfall patterns, high temperatures and differing levels of soil fertility. This will limit the production potential for some types of crops a but can be a positive production advantage for other crops, varieties and types of livestock. With almost 30 years of practical experience the Cheptebo RDC farm has identified crops types and varieties  which are particularly suited to the semi arid areas. To support these activities a range of production methods have been developed to make the best use of available resources and to exploit the comparative advantages of the condition experienced in the semi arid areas.


This module will present an overview of crop  production in semi arid areas. Time will not permit detailed instruction and training in all aspects of production but the course will introduce all the main crops  being demonstrated on the Centre farm as well as appropriate production methods. As with all modules on offer, about 1/3 of the total module time will be devoted to classroom instruction while the remaining time will offer course participants practical 'hands on' experience on the farm.
The module will also include instruction on the Farming God's Way programme, on value addition in agricultural production, life skills and raising the family economy.


Course participants who wish to develop their understanding and practical skill in any part of what is presented in this introductory course can the go on to take other specialist modules to meet their requirements.

Learning Outcomes


Course participants will be able to:

• Identify the main types of soil , their characteristics and management
• Understand the  requirements and utilisation of water in semi arid agricultural production
• Know the main categories of crops (field, vegetable and fruit) which can be grown in semi arid areas and their production requirements
• Have an understanding of tree nursery establishment and management
• Be aware of specialist production systems such as greenhouse technology, fruit tree grafting and budding, tissue culture bananas and the        Farming God’s Way system.
• understand the possibilities of value addition in agricultural production.
• have a basic understanding of small business management
• have an understanding of how to raise the family economy
• have a better understanding of life skills.

Duration of module   5 days

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Module  1.2    Introduction to Livestock Production in semi arid areas

Until fairly recently the semi arid areas of Kenya were considered to be suited only to extensively grazed indigenous cattle and goats, local poultry and honey production. Livestock  production in the semi arid areas must meet the challenges of low and erratic rainfall patterns, high temperatures and the necessity of providing adequate year round fodder and other feeds. With about 30 years of practical experience, the Cheptebo RDC farm has demonstrated that with carefully selected breeds and appropriate management systems these areas can successfully support a wide range of improved animals. The  farm now specialises in dairy production (cattle and goats) as well as poultry and beekeeping. To support these activities a range of production methods have been developed to make the best use of available resources and to exploit the comparative advantages of the semi arid areas.
This module introduces participants to the main types and breeds which have proved well suited to semi arid areas. The module will consider management requirements such as housing, nutrition, breeding, health and production. Value addition to livestock produce such as milk products, honey and beeswax will also be included.

Module Description
This module introduces participants to the main types and breeds which have proved well suited to semi arid areas. The module will consider management requirements such as housing, nutrition, breeding, health and production. Value addition to livestock produce such as milk products and honey and beeswax will also be demonstrated.
This module will present an overview of livestock  production in semi arid areas. Time will not permit detailed instruction and training in all aspects of production but the course will introduce  the main types of livestock being demonstrated on the Centre farm as well as appropriate production methods. This will include dairy cattle, dairy goats, poultry (broilers and layers and also beekeeping. As with all modules on offer, about 1/3 of the total module time will be devoted to classroom instruction while the remaining time will offer course participants practical 'hands on' experience on the farm.
The module will also include instruction on value addition in agricultural production, life skills and raising the family economy.

Course participants who wish to develop their understanding and practical skill in any part of what is presented in this introductory course can the go on to take other specialist modules to meet their requirements.



Learning Outcomes
Course participants will be able to:

• Identify the main types of dairy cattle, dairy goats and poultry , their characteristics and management
• Establish a bee apiary and successfully manage honey production.
• Establish a dairy unit and manage dairy cows and goats.
• Establish a poultry unit for eggs or broiler production.
• Understand the feed requirements for each livestock type.
• Know and identify pests and diseases which affect each category of livestock.
• Understand the requirements and utilisation of water in semi arid agricultural production
• Understand the possibilities of value addition in agricultural production.
• Have a basic understanding of small business management
• Have an understanding of how to raise the family economy
• have a better understanding of life skills.

Duration of module   5 days
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Module 2.1​​​​             Fruit Production in semi arid areas

Module Description
The module will cover fruit production suited to the semi arid areas. This will include the selection of suitable varieties,  field management, harvesting and marketing. The main fruit crops include in the module are described below.  Cheptebo Centre farm has a large tree nursery and demonstration areas representing all the main varieties suitable for semi arid areas. The training will include classroom instruction but a major emphasis in the module will be on learning through practical activities. Course participants should be prepared to spend a substantial proportion of the time performing all the activities required for successful fruit  production.

Mango 
Mango production has become a major cash crop in some parts of Kenya. Mature mango trees are highly drought tolerant and relatively disease free. Mango fruit of high quality finds a ready market both internally and increasingly as an export crop. A large number of varieties are now available to suit different growing conditions and to extend the traditional mango harvesting season.
​A fruit processing factory at the Centre now dries mango and other fruit,                                                     thus providing a ready market for fruit and adding value to the final                                                              product.

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  Citrus 
Citrus fruits include orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit and tangerine. Overall production has been of minor importance in semi arid areas but a good market exists for quality citrus fruit. The centre farm maintains an orchard of Orange tree plus a few lemon trees for demonstration, training and production. The tree nursery raises budded citrus seedlings using lemon rootstock and scions from the farms mature trees. The main varieties grown are Washington Navel and Valencia.

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 Banana 
Banana production is increasing in importance in semi arid areas with the introduction of new early maturing varieties of improved quality.
To improve the availability of high quality banana planting material, the Centre farm receives consignments of tissue culture banana plantlets from the laboratories of Jomo Kenyatta University. These are grown on and then hardened off for sale to local farmers. The plants are guaranteed disease free. All these new varieties are now being grown on the Centre farm and by neighbouring farmers.

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 Pawpaw Pawpaw has traditionally been grown mainly for domestic consumption. However there is potential to increase production to meet an increasing demand for high quality fruit. As a fast maturing tree with only a limited productive lifespan, pawpaw is well suited to intercropping with slower maturing crops such as mango.
Mature fruit is difficult to transport over long distances so marketing is an important consideration. The centre farm maintains a stand of pawpaw and uses the trees in an intercropping system.

​Other crops now included in this module are Watermelon, Avocado and Macadamia.

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Learning Outcomes

Course participants will be able to:

• Identify the main fruits and varieties and know their characteristics
• select suitable soils and locations to establish fruit trees
• graft mango and citrus seedlings and care for them in the nursery
• correctly space and plant fruit tree seedling in the field
• prune growing trees
• identify pests and diseases and take appropriate action
• maintain soil fertility and irrigate as necessary
• identify mature fruit, harvest and store appropriately
• undertake general management of a fruit orchard
• transport and market fresh fruit
• understand the importance of ‘value addition’
• understand the financial costs and benefits associated with fruit production.

Duration of module  5 days
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Module 2.2      Field Crops and Vegetables for semi arid areas
This module is currently being revised

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Module 3.1        Dairy Management in semi arid areas

Dairy Cattle.  Traditionally, milk yields in semi arid areas were typically very low due to the harsh climatic conditions. Local  breeds of cattle and goats were well adapted to these conditions, and could survive on poor quality fodder and unreliable water supplies. However milk yields were low and obtainable only during the rainy season.The Cheptebo farm has introduced improved dairy breeds and this, combined with a cross breeding programme and improved management systems, has resulted in very significant increases in milk yields being achieved. ​
​This module will present the various breeds of dairy cattle suited to the semi arid areas, based on the experience at Cheptebo.   Participants will learn about the construction of dairy buildings, acquiring suitable animals, the provision of fodder and concentrates as well as all aspects of  breeding, nutrition, health, milking and general care of these valuable animals. At the end of the module participants will be able to plan a  dairy enterprise and provide all the requirements and management for a  successful dairy unit.
Course participants should be prepared to spend a substantial proportion of the module time performing all the activities required to establish and manage a successful dairy enterprise.

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 Dairy Goats Goats are widely distributed and well adapted to many different environments in Africa.
They can survive in harsh conditions and can live off poor vegetation and withstand water shortages. They have been kept mainly for meat, with their milk production usually being very low.
The introduction of improved milk breeds has substantially increased milk yield from both pure bred and cross bred animals. Goats’ milk is in high demand and is also important for people who are allergic to cows’ milk. With potential milk yields of up to 5 litres per goat per day, a higher level of management is necessary but the potential for increased income from this enterprise is significant.
The module will consider the various breeds of dairy goat available and their suitability for different climatic conditions and farming systems. Participants will learn about the construction of goat housing and provision of fodder as well as all aspects of breeding, health, milking and general care of these valuable animals. Course participants should be prepared to spend a substantial proportion of the time performing all the activities required to establish and manage a successful dairy goat enterprise.

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​Learning Outcomes.
Participants will be able to;

• understand the characteristics of the various dairy  breeds and their suitability of different areas and farming systems
• plan and construct a building for dairy cattle and for dairy goats
• plan and provide for adequate fodder and other feeds for each stage of the  productive cycle
• plan and implement a breeding programme
• manage the dairy animal  through each stage of the productive cycle
• care for young animals from birth to weaning
• carry out milking in a professional and hygienic way
• carry out all the regular management practices require for dairy production
• identify and treat common diseases
• keep records and calculate the financial factors relating to the enterprise

Duration of module     5 days
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Module 3.2              Poultry management ​

Poultry production can be successfully undertaken in many different environments in Africa, including the semi arid areas. Poultry meat and eggs provide a valuable addition to the diet and family income. Production can be small scale to provide for the family or on a much larger scale as a commercial enterprise. At present this module only deals with hens (layers and broilers)  and not with other types of poultry.


Module Description
The module will consider the various breeds of poultry available and their suitability for different climatic conditions and farming systems. Participants will learn about the construction of poultry housing and provision of feeds as well as all aspects of breeding, health, egg and poultry meat production and general care of the birds. Course participants should be prepared to spend a substantial proportion of the time performing all the activities required to establish and manage a successful poultry enterprise.

Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to

•   understand the importance of poultry production as a business
•  know the breeds available and their characteristics
•   provide suitable housing and sanitation
•   manage brooding 
•   understand the requirements of feeding 
•   understand poultry diseases and undertake disease control
•   undertake vaccinations
•   understand and implement bio-security measures
•   undertake marketing of poultry products
•   keep records and calculate the financial factors relating to the enterprise

•   undertake marketing of poultry products

Duration of module    3 days
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Module 3.3              Beekeeping              ​

Harvesting wild honey has been a traditional activity practised in semi arid areas over many centuries and has provided a valued supplement to local diets as well as for medicinal purposes. More recently, traditional log hives have been used to attract bees and eliminate the need to go hunting for this valuable commodity.
Modern bee hives and management techniques build on this local knowledge and enable farmers to increase production and produce  high quality honey for local consumption and increasingly for sale. Bees wax is an important by-product which can be used to produce a wide range of products.

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Module Description

​The module will include a detailed presentation of the establishment and management of a modern top bar beehive unit.  Participants will  learn how a bee colony functions and how honey is produced. The module will explain the construction of a top bar hive, suitable locations for a colony, the importance of flowering plans and all aspects of the management of the colony. Pests and diseases will be identified and appropriate precautions and treatments explained. Honey harvesting and storage, the production of beeswax and beeswax products and sales of  these products will also be considered within the module. 
A major emphasis in the module will be on learning through practical activities. Course participants should be prepared to spend a substantial proportion of the time performing all the activities required for successful honey production.

Learning Outcomes
Course participants will be able to;

• understand the construction, care and use of a modern top bar hive
• identify and understand the function of queen, worker and drone bees within the colony
• understand the process of honey production including the range and importance of     flowering plants
• establish a honey bee colony in a top bar hive
• undertake all aspects of management throughout the year
• identify and take appropriate precautions against pests and diseases
• harvest honey and produce honey, beeswax and beeswax products for sale

Duration of module  5 days

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