Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) Training Course

Module 1: Introduction to Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM)

• Defining IPDM and its core principles
• Understanding the ecological basis of pest and disease management
• Economic, environmental, and social benefits of IPDM
• Historical overview of pest and disease management approaches
• The role of IPDM in sustainable agriculture and food security in Kenya
• Practical session: Analyzing a local farming system from an IPDM perspective.

Module 2: Pest and Disease Identification and Monitoring

• Principles of pest and disease identification
• Common pests and diseases of major crops in Kenya (maize, beans, tea, coffee, etc.)
• Scouting and monitoring techniques: sampling methods, trapping, visual inspection
• Record-keeping and data analysis for pest and disease management decisions
• Using field guides and online resources for identification
• Practical session: Field visit: Identifying common pests and diseases on local crops.

Module 3: Biological Control Methods in IPDM

• Understanding the concept of biological control
• Natural enemies of pests: predators, parasitoids, and pathogens
• Augmentative, classical, and conservation biological control
• Introducing and managing beneficial organisms in the field
• Case studies of successful biological control programs in Kenya
• Practical session: Identifying beneficial insects and learning how to attract them to the farm.

Module 4: Cultural and Physical Control Methods in IPDM

• Crop rotation and diversification
• Sanitation and hygiene practices in the field and storage
• Soil health management and its impact on pest and disease resistance
• Water management and its role in pest and disease development
• Physical barriers, traps, and other mechanical control methods
• Practical session: Implementing a cultural control practice (e.g., proper pruning) in a demonstration plot.

Module 5: Understanding Pest and Disease Life Cycles and Epidemiology

• Insect metamorphosis and life stages
• Disease cycles and pathogen development
• Factors influencing pest outbreaks and disease epidemics (climate, host susceptibility)
• Predicting pest and disease risks using weather data and models
• The concept of economic thresholds and action levels
• Practical session: Charting the life cycle of a common pest or disease in the local area.

Module 6: Judicious Use of Chemical Pesticides in IPDM

• Principles of selective and targeted pesticide application
• Understanding pesticide modes of action and resistance management
• Safe handling, storage, and application of pesticides
• Legal and regulatory aspects of pesticide use in Kenya
• Minimizing the environmental impact of pesticide applications
• Practical session: Demonstrating the safe use and calibration of spraying equipment.

Module 7: Agro-ecosystem Analysis for IPDM

• Understanding the interactions between crops, pests, diseases, beneficial organisms, and the environment
• Identifying key factors influencing pest and disease dynamics in the local agro-ecosystem
• Enhancing biodiversity to promote natural pest and disease control
• The role of landscape management in IPDM
• Systems thinking in developing IPDM strategies
• Practical session: Conducting a basic agro-ecosystem analysis of a local farm.

Module 8: Developing and Implementing IPDM Programs

• Steps in developing an IPDM program for a specific crop
• Setting goals and objectives for IPDM implementation
• Selecting appropriate IPDM tactics based on pest/disease and context
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of IPDM programs
• Adapting IPDM strategies based on field observations and data
• Practical session: Developing a basic IPDM plan for a key local crop.

Module 9: IPM for Specific Crops and Farming Systems in Kenya

• IPDM strategies for maize and beans
• IPDM strategies for tea and coffee production
• IPDM strategies for horticultural crops (vegetables, fruits)
• IPDM in smallholder farming systems
• Addressing emerging pest and disease challenges in Kenyan agriculture (e.g., Fall Armyworm)
• Practical session: Group work: Developing an IPDM strategy for a locally important crop.

Module 10: Communication and Extension of IPDM Practices

• Effective communication strategies for sharing IPDM information with farmers
• Farmer training and participatory learning approaches for IPDM adoption
• The role of agricultural extension services in promoting IPDM
• Developing extension materials and resources on IPDM
• Farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing and networks
• Practical session: Designing a simple extension message on an IPDM practice for farmers.

Requirements:

·       Participants should be reasonably proficient in English.

·       Applicants must live up to Armstrong Global Institute 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@armstrongglobalinstitute.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 / +254725012095 / +254724452588

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: Armstrong Global Training & Development Center 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 / +254725012095 / +254724452588 or Email training@armstrongglobalinstitute.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@armstrongglobalinstitute.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588