Training Course on Forests, Agroforestry, and Emerging Zoonotic Diseases

The rapid expansion of agricultural frontiers, unsustainable forest exploitation, and the intensification of land use are increasingly bringing humans, wildlife, and livestock into closer contact. This has created fertile ground for the emergence and re-emergence of zoonotic diseases such as Ebola, COVID-19, Nipah virus, and avian influenza. Forest ecosystems play a crucial role in regulating biodiversity, maintaining ecological balance, and acting as natural buffers against disease transmission. However, deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and poor agroforestry practices accelerate the risk of pathogen spillovers from animals to humans.

The Forests, Agroforestry, and Emerging Zoonotic Diseases training course is designed to equip professionals with a One Health perspective, linking environmental health, agricultural productivity, and human well-being. The course combines science, policy, and practice to build capacities that help prevent zoonotic disease outbreaks while promoting sustainable forest and agroforestry systems.

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

Course Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the ecological, agricultural, and social drivers of zoonotic disease emergence.
2. Assess the role of forests, agroforestry systems, and biodiversity in mitigating disease risks.
3. Analyze case studies of zoonotic outbreaks linked to land-use change and deforestation.
4. Apply One Health approaches to forestry and agroforestry management.
5. Integrate zoonotic disease prevention into agricultural and forestry policies.
6. Strengthen skills in disease risk mapping, surveillance, and monitoring.
7. Promote sustainable land-use practices that balance productivity with ecological safety.
8. Collaborate across disciplines—environment, agriculture, veterinary, and public health sectors—for effective disease control.
9. Evaluate socio-economic trade-offs of forest exploitation and conservation.
10. Develop action plans for ecosystem-based solutions to zoonotic threats.

Duration

5 Days – intensive and practical training.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Forestry and agroforestry professionals
• Public health experts and veterinarians
• Environmental conservationists
• Agricultural researchers and practitioners
• Policy makers and government regulators
• NGOs and development agencies
• Climate change and biodiversity specialists
• Community leaders and extension officers

Course Outline

Module 1: Foundations of Zoonotic Diseases

• Definition and classification of zoonotic diseases
• Overview of global and regional zoonotic threats
• Forests and agroforestry as critical interfaces for disease transmission
• Human–animal–environment interactions

Module 2: Forests, Land Use, and Zoonotic Emergence

• Deforestation and habitat fragmentation
• Encroachment into wildlife habitats
• Logging, mining, and infrastructure development impacts
• Case studies: Ebola in Central Africa, Nipah virus in Asia

Module 3: Agroforestry and Disease Dynamics

• Traditional vs modern agroforestry systems
• Role of agroforestry in biodiversity conservation
• Livestock integration and zoonotic risk pathways
• Agroforestry practices that reduce spillover risks

Module 4: One Health Approach and Ecosystem Services

• Linking human, animal, and ecosystem health
• Ecosystem services in disease regulation
• Multidisciplinary collaboration for surveillance and response
• Global and African frameworks supporting One Health

Module 5: Tools, Techniques, and Monitoring

• Zoonotic disease risk mapping and GIS tools
• Early warning systems and surveillance mechanisms
• Participatory approaches for local communities
• Indicators for monitoring forest health and disease risk

Module 6: Policy, Governance, and Sustainable Practices

• National and international policy frameworks
• Role of forestry and agriculture policies in zoonotic prevention
• Integrating zoonotic risk management into development planning
• Certification standards and sustainable land management

Module 7: Case Studies and Practical Exercises

• Case study: COVID-19 and environmental degradation
• Case study: Ebola and forest fragmentation
• Group exercises on developing prevention strategies
• Simulation: Cross-sectoral response to a zoonotic outbreak

Module 8: Action Planning and Way Forward

• Designing community-level interventions
• Scaling up sustainable agroforestry solutions
• Mainstreaming zoonotic prevention in climate and biodiversity programs
• Group presentations and feedback

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