Module 1: Introduction to Urban Agriculture and Food Security

• Defining urban agriculture: Scope, types, and benefits.
• The role of urban agriculture in enhancing food security in cities.
• Challenges and opportunities for urban farming (e.g., space, pollution, water).
• Historical context and global trends in urban agriculture.
• Contributions of urban agriculture to sustainable urban development.
• Practical session: Group discussion on the potential for urban agriculture in participants' own cities or communities.

Module 2: Principles of Urban Permaculture and Ecological Design

• Core permaculture ethics: Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share.
• Design principles for urban spaces: Zone planning, stacking functions, efficient energy planning.
• Observing urban ecosystems: Sun paths, wind patterns, existing resources.
• Maximizing space and productivity in limited areas.
• Integrating diverse elements for resilience (e.g., edible landscapes, green walls).
• Practical session: Sketching a basic permaculture design for a small urban plot or balcony, incorporating key principles.

Module 3: Urban Farming Techniques and Technologies

• Container gardening and raised beds.
• Vertical farming systems: Hydroponics, aquaponics, aeroponics.
• Rooftop farming and green roofs.
• Community gardens and allotment systems.
• Indoor farming and controlled environment agriculture.
• Practical session: Hands-on demonstration of setting up a simple container garden or a small vertical growing system.

Module 4: Soil Health and Nutrient Management in Urban Settings

• Understanding urban soils: Compaction, contamination, nutrient deficiencies.
• Building healthy soil: Composting, vermicomposting, mulching.
• Organic matter and its importance in urban growing.
• Sustainable nutrient cycling: Liquid feeds, compost teas.
• Addressing heavy metal contamination in urban soils.
• Practical session: Analyzing soil samples (simulated or real) and discussing appropriate amendments and composting methods.

Module 5: Water Management and Irrigation for Urban Farms

• Efficient water use in urban agriculture.
• Rainwater harvesting systems for urban gardens.
• Greywater recycling for irrigation.
• Drip irrigation and other water-saving technologies.
• Understanding water quality for urban food production.
• Practical session: Designing a basic rainwater harvesting system for an urban garden and calculating potential water savings.

Module 6: Pest and Disease Management in Urban Agriculture

• Identifying common urban pests and diseases.
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles for urban farms.
• Organic pest control methods: Companion planting, beneficial insects, biological sprays.
• Crop rotation and intercropping for disease prevention.
• Recognizing and addressing nutrient deficiencies.
• Practical session: Identifying common urban garden pests from images and discussing non-chemical control methods.

Module 7: Policy, Planning, and Governance for Urban Agriculture

• Urban planning regulations and zoning for urban agriculture.
• Land access and tenure issues for urban farmers.
• Role of local governments in promoting urban agriculture.
• Health and safety regulations for urban food production.
• Developing supportive policies and incentives for urban farming.
• Practical session: Analyzing a hypothetical city's zoning map to identify potential areas for urban agriculture and policy barriers.

Module 8: Economic Models and Value Chains in Urban Agriculture

• Diverse economic models for urban farms: CSAs, farmers' markets, restaurants, direct sales.
• Developing sustainable business plans for urban agriculture ventures.
• Local food value chains and reducing food miles.
• Marketing and branding urban agriculture products.
• Micro-enterprise development through urban farming.
• Practical session: Developing a simple business canvas for a proposed urban agriculture initiative.

Module 9: Community Engagement and Social Aspects of Urban Agriculture

• Building community gardens and fostering social cohesion.
• Educational programs and workshops in urban agriculture.
• Addressing food deserts and promoting food equity.
• Health and well-being benefits of urban green spaces.
• Youth engagement and skills development through urban farming.
• Practical session: Brainstorming strategies for engaging diverse community members in an urban agriculture project.

Module 10: Developing an Urban Agriculture Project Plan

• Steps in urban agriculture project planning: Vision, goals, site assessment.
• Budgeting and resource allocation for urban farm projects.
• Identifying funding opportunities and partnerships.
• Monitoring and evaluation for urban agriculture initiatives.
• Presenting a comprehensive urban agriculture project proposal.
• Practical session: Participants work individually or in groups to develop a preliminary urban agriculture project plan for a specific urban 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