INTRODUCTION

Agribusiness and post-harvest management are critical components of the agricultural value chain. Effective post-harvest management minimizes losses, ensures product quality, and maximizes profitability for farmers and agribusinesses. This 5-day training course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage agricultural produce from harvest to market, focusing on reducing post-harvest losses, improving quality, and enhancing market access.

This course combines theoretical knowledge with practical exercises and real-world case studies, ensuring that participants gain hands-on experience in agribusiness and post-harvest management. Participants are encouraged to bring their own projects or ideas to work on during the course.

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

COURSE OBJECTIVES

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

1.     Understand the principles of agribusiness management and their application to post-harvest processes.

2.     Identify key factors contributing to post-harvest losses and implement strategies to mitigate these losses.

3.     Apply best practices in handling, processing, storage, and transportation of agricultural produce.

4.     Develop and implement value addition strategies to enhance product quality and marketability.

5.     Understand the role of technology and innovation in post-harvest management.

6.     Create and manage agribusiness ventures with a focus on sustainability and profitability.

DURATION

5 Days

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This course is ideal for:

1.     Farmers and agricultural producers.

2.     Agribusiness entrepreneurs and managers.

3.     Extension officers and agricultural consultants.

4.     Post-harvest technologists and food processors.

5.     Agricultural researchers and academics.

6.     Policy makers and government officials involved in agriculture and rural development.

COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1: Introduction to Agribusiness and Post-Harvest Management

·      Overview of Agribusiness: Concepts and Opportunities

·      Introduction to Post-Harvest Management: Importance and Challenges

·      The Agricultural Value Chain: From Farm to Market

·      Understanding Post-Harvest Losses: Causes and Economic Impact

·      Introduction to Post-Harvest Handling and Quality Control

·      Case Studies: Successful Agribusiness Models and Post-Harvest Practices

Module 2: Post-Harvest Handling and Processing

·      Harvesting Techniques and Timing: Best Practices for Different Crops

·      Handling and Packaging: Maintaining Quality and Reducing Losses

·      Post-Harvest Treatments: Cleaning, Grading, and Sorting

·      Introduction to Processing: Value Addition Techniques

·      Hands-on Workshop: Packaging and Branding Agricultural Produce

·      Case Study: Value Chain Development in Post-Harvest Management

Module 3: Storage and Transportation of Agricultural Produce

·      Storage Solutions: Traditional vs. Modern Storage Techniques

·      Cold Chain Management: Ensuring Freshness and Quality

·      Pest and Disease Management in Storage

·      Transportation and Logistics: Best Practices for Minimizing Losses

·      Supply Chain Management: From Farm Gate to Retail

·      Hands-on Workshop: Designing an Efficient Post-Harvest Storage System

Module 4: Value Addition and Market Access

·      Introduction to Value Addition: Concepts and Benefits

·      Processing Techniques: Drying, Canning, and Preserving

·      Quality Assurance: Standards and Certifications

·      Market Access Strategies: Local, Regional, and International Markets

·      Product Branding and Marketing: Creating a Competitive Advantage

·      Hands-on Workshop: Developing a Value-Added Product

Module 5: Technology, Innovation, and Agribusiness Management

·      The Role of Technology in Post-Harvest Management: Innovations and Trends

·      Digital Tools for Agribusiness: Apps, Software, and Online Platforms

·      Sustainability in Agribusiness: Environmental and Social Considerations

·      Agribusiness Management: Planning, Financing, and Risk Management

·      Developing a Business Plan for Agribusiness Ventures

·      Final Project Presentation: Participants' Agribusiness and Post-Harvest Management Plan

·      Review and Wrap-Up: Key Takeaways and Next Steps

·      Course Evaluation and Certification

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: +254724592901

·      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.