Module 1: Introduction to Permaculture Ethics and Principles

• Definition and history of permaculture.
• The three core ethics: Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share.
• The 12 permaculture design principles: Observation, energy cycles, self-regulation, etc.
• Thinking in systems: Interconnectedness and holistic design.
• The role of permaculture in building sustainable food systems.
• Practical session: Group discussion and application of the 12 permaculture principles to everyday scenarios.

Module 2: Understanding Natural Systems and Ecological Literacy

• Reading the landscape: Contours, slopes, aspect, microclimates.
• Understanding climate patterns: Rainfall, temperature, wind.
• Ecological succession and natural patterns (e.g., spirals, branching).
• Biodiversity and its importance in resilient systems.
• Zone and sector analysis: Tools for site assessment.
• Practical session: Outdoor observation exercise of a local site, identifying natural patterns and features for design.

Module 3: Permaculture Design Process and Tools

• The SADIM design process: Survey, Analyze, Design, Implement, Maintain.
• Mapping techniques: Base maps, overlay maps, flow diagrams.
• Design tools: Bubble diagrams, flow charts, scale drawing.
• Client interviews and goal setting for design projects.
• Site analysis checklist and data collection.
• Practical session: Creating a base map of a hypothetical site and conducting a preliminary zone and sector analysis.

Module 4: Water Management and Earthworks

• Water in the landscape: The hydrological cycle, understanding flow.
• Water harvesting techniques: Swales, diversion drains, check dams, raingardens.
• Water storage solutions: Ponds, tanks, keyline design.
• Greywater and blackwater recycling in a permaculture context.
• Minimizing water use: Mulching, efficient irrigation.
• Practical session: Sketching earthwork designs (e.g., swales) on a contour map to manage water flow.

Module 5: Soil Building and Fertility Strategies

• Understanding the living soil: Soil food web, soil structure, organic matter.
• Composting techniques: Hot composting, vermicomposting, trench composting.
• Mulching: Types, benefits, and application.
• Green manures and cover cropping for soil improvement.
• Nutrient cycling and remineralization strategies.
• Practical session: Hands-on demonstration of building a small hot compost pile and discussing various mulching materials.

Module 6: Guilds, Stacking, and Forest Gardens

• What are plant guilds? Companion planting and beneficial relationships.
• Stacking functions: Maximizing output from each element.
• Designing polycultures and diverse cropping systems.
• Principles of forest gardening: Layers (canopy, understory, shrub, groundcover, rhizome, vertical).
• Selecting plants for specific functions and climate zones.
• Practical session: Designing a simple plant guild for a common fruit tree, including beneficial companions.

Module 7: Integrated Animal Systems in Permaculture

• The role of animals in permaculture: Nutrient cycling, pest control, weeding.
• Design considerations for chickens, ducks, small ruminants, and other livestock.
• Fodder systems and rotational grazing.
• Integrating aquaculture (fish ponds) into the design.
• Ethical considerations for animal welfare in permaculture.
• Practical session: Discussing and sketching how chickens could be integrated into a garden system for pest control and fertility.

Module 8: Appropriate Technology and Renewable Energy

• Identifying appropriate technologies for permaculture systems.
• Solar energy applications: Solar dryers, water heaters, small-scale PV.
• Biogas digesters for energy and nutrient production.
• Passive solar design for buildings.
• Tools for sustainable living (e.g., broadforks, efficient cooking stoves).
• Practical session: Analyzing the energy needs of a hypothetical small farm and identifying suitable appropriate technology solutions.

Module 9: Designing for Social and Economic Permaculture

• Community building and group dynamics in permaculture projects.
• Economic permaculture: Alternative currencies, local economies, ethical enterprises.
• Marketing and selling permaculture produce.
• Legal frameworks and land tenure for sustainable projects.
• Education and outreach for permaculture.
• Practical session: Brainstorming ideas for a community-based permaculture project and identifying potential social and economic benefits.

Module 10: Developing Your Permaculture Design Project

• Bringing all elements together: The integrated design.
• Refining your base map and overlays.
• Developing a phased implementation plan for your design.
• Creating a maintenance schedule for your permaculture system.
• Presenting your design and receiving feedback.
• Practical session: Participants work on their individual or group permaculture design projects, applying all learned principles to a chosen site.

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