Training Course on Agroforestry for Nutrition and Public Health

In recent years, the interconnectedness between agriculture, nutrition, and human health has become increasingly evident. Poor dietary diversity, declining soil fertility, and the overdependence on monocropping have led to malnutrition, food insecurity, and ecosystem degradation — challenges that disproportionately affect rural communities across Africa and the developing world.

Agroforestry, the intentional integration of trees and shrubs with crops and livestock, provides a holistic approach to addressing these challenges. Beyond improving soil fertility and ecosystem stability, agroforestry systems enhance the availability of diverse, nutrient-rich foods while supporting livelihoods and resilience to climate change.

The Agroforestry for Nutrition and Public Health training course offered by Kincaid Development Center explores how sustainable land-use systems can improve food and nutrition security, promote dietary diversity, and support public health outcomes. Participants will learn how trees and agroforestry practices can contribute to micronutrient supply, reduce health risks from degraded environments, and support climate-smart, nutrition-sensitive agriculture.

Through evidence-based learning, practical field exercises, and interactive discussions, this course equips professionals with tools and strategies to integrate agroforestry into nutrition, food security, and health programs effectively.

Participants who successfully complete the course will receive Certificate of Participation.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the linkages between agroforestry, nutrition, and public health.
2. Identify agroforestry species and systems that enhance dietary diversity and nutrition outcomes.
3. Analyze how tree-based foods contribute to micronutrient intake and food security.
4. Assess the environmental and health co-benefits of agroforestry practices.
5. Design nutrition-sensitive agroforestry interventions for rural and urban communities.
6. Integrate gender, youth, and cultural considerations in food and nutrition strategies.
7. Apply tools for monitoring and evaluating nutrition-sensitive agroforestry projects.
8. Strengthen policy and institutional frameworks supporting agroforestry and public health integration.
9. Promote behavioral change communication strategies for nutrition and ecosystem health.
10. Develop community action plans linking agroforestry with sustainable diets and wellbeing.

Duration

5 Days – combining lectures, group discussions, case studies, and practical field sessions on nutrition-sensitive agroforestry.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for:

• Nutrition and public health professionals
• Agricultural and forestry officers
• Food security and livelihood program managers
• Development practitioners and NGO staff
• Environmental health officers and researchers
• Policy makers in agriculture, health, and environment sectors
• Community-based organization leaders and extension workers
• University students and academics in agriculture, nutrition, or environmental health

Course Outline

Module 1: Foundations of Agroforestry, Nutrition, and Health

• Concepts of agroforestry and its relevance to human nutrition
• Understanding malnutrition and food insecurity: global and African context
• Linkages between agricultural biodiversity and dietary diversity
• Role of ecosystem services in supporting public health

Module 2: Tree Foods, Nutrient Sources, and Food Systems

• Nutritional composition of tree-based foods (fruits, nuts, leaves, and oils)
• Agroforestry species that contribute to micronutrient security
• Integration of tree foods into local and regional food systems
• Value chains for nutritious tree crops (moringa, baobab, shea, etc.)
• Food safety and post-harvest handling of agroforestry products

Module 3: Agroforestry Systems for Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture

• Designing agroforestry systems for diversified diets
• Homestead and school-based agroforestry for nutrition improvement
• Role of livestock and trees in nutrient cycling and food supply
• Soil fertility and water conservation for healthy food production
• Integrating traditional knowledge in food system resilience

Module 4: Public Health and Environmental Co-Benefits

• Reducing exposure to zoonotic and vector-borne diseases through agroforestry
• Improving air and water quality via tree-based systems
• Climate change mitigation and health resilience in agroforestry landscapes
• Agroforestry’s role in mental and community health (green spaces, clean environments)

Module 5: Gender, Equity, and Social Inclusion

• Gender-sensitive approaches in nutrition and agroforestry planning
• Empowering women and youth in nutrition-focused agriculture
• Cultural factors influencing food choices and nutrition outcomes
• Case studies of community-driven, inclusive agroforestry programs

Module 6: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Policy Frameworks

• Tools and indicators for assessing nutrition outcomes of agroforestry projects
• Integrating nutrition indicators into agricultural M&E systems
• Policy instruments linking agriculture, environment, and health
• Aligning agroforestry with SDGs, national nutrition, and climate strategies

Module 7: Field Practicum and Action Planning

• Field visit to agroforestry sites contributing to nutrition and community health
• Group work: designing nutrition-sensitive agroforestry models
• Developing institutional or community action plans for integrating health and agriculture initiatives

General Notes

• The instructor led trainings are delivered using a blended learning approach and comprises of presentations, guided sessions of practical exercise, web-based tutorials and group work. Our facilitators are seasoned industry experts with years of experience, working as professional and trainers in these fields.
• The participants should be reasonably proficient in English as all facilitation and course materials will be offered in English.
• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a certificate.
• The training will be held at Kincaid Training Centre. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments and lunch.
• All participants will additionally cater for their, travel expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
• Accommodation and airport pickup are arranged upon request. For reservations contact the Training coordinator at Email: training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org or Tel: +254 724592901
• This training can also be customized to suit the needs of your institution upon request. You can have it delivered in our Kincaid Training Centre or at a convenient location.

For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254 724592901 or send mail to training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org

Payments are due upon registration. Payment should be sent to our Bank account before commencement of training and proof of payment sent to training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org