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GREENHOUSE TECHNOLOGY IN HORTICULTURAL CROPS PRODUCTION - COURSE CURRICULUM/OUTLINE Introduction

Outdoor crop growth is susceptible to a myriad of varying climatical elements. In most instances, the climatical elements have adverse effects on the general crop growth and ultimate productivity. The situation is exacerbated by the emergence of climate change that is increasingly making outdoor crop growing unpredictable. To ameliorate the negative effects of climatical elements on outdoor growing of crops/plants, green house technology offers an effective alternative intervention. This course endeavors therefore to impart practical skills and expertise on prudent application of green house technology in attaining maximum yields from selected horticultural crops towards food sufficiency, income generation, wealth creation and overall poverty reduction in tandem with aspirations of Kenya Vision 2030. 1.2 Course Objectives

By the end of the course training, the participants should be able to: i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. 1.3 Explain the importance of green house in horticultural crops production Identify and describe various materials ( local and modern) used in green house construction Design simple green house Identify appropriate and suitable horticultural crops for green house production Carry out husbandry practices for selected green house horticultural crops Analyze economic investment in green house horticultural crops production

Target Groups Extension Service Providers in Public and Private Sectors Farmer Groups Farm Managers Small Holders Irrigation Managers Interested Stakeholders

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Methodology

The course shall be delivered through: Lectures Practical Demonstration Field Work

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 Group Discussions Field Trip 1.5 Course Duration

Two Weeks or 80 hrs. 1.6 Course Fees 1.7 1.7.1 Full Board Accommodation - Ksh. 42,200 per participant Half Board Accommodation Ksh. 30,000 per participant

Course Contents/Outline Introduction 2 hrs - Definition and importance of a Green House - Types of Green Houses - Local Materials for Green House Construction - Modern Materials for Green House Construction - Siting of Green House - Sizing of Green House - Structural Frame, Roof, Floor, Gutters, Doors & Ventilation - Irrigation Infrastructure Layout Green House Crops Identification - Technical Capacity - Market Availability - Environmental Compatibility - Size of Green House - Previous Crop History - Gross Margin Analysis General Green House Crop Husbandry Practices 2 hrs Class Session

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2 hrs - Class 6 hrs Practical

- Soil Analysis and Treatment - Seed Bed Preparation - Nursery Establishment - Irrigation Scheduling - Temperature Control - General Principles of Diseases & Pest Management 1.7.4 Specific Green House Crop Husbandry Practices i. Tomatoes Varieties (Determinate & Indeterminate) 2 of 4 2 hrs Class Session 8 hrs Practical

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Transplanting/Sowing Spacing Fertilizers Application Supporting Twisting Desuckering Defoliation Truss Pruning Vigor Management Common Pest and Diseases and their control Harvesting and Post Harvest Handling Capsicum 2 hrs Class Session 6 hrs Practical Varieties (Yolo wonder, California wonder etc) Transplanting/Sowing Spacing Fertilizers Application Supporting Defoliation Vigor Management Common Pest and Diseases and their control Harvesting and Post Harvest Handling Spinach 2 hrs Class Session 4 hrs Practical Varieties (Early Hybrid No.7, Giant Nobel etc) Transplanting/Sowing Spacing Fertilizers Application Common Pest and Diseases and their control Harvesting and Post Harvest Handling 2 hrs Class Session

Investment Analysis Costing Gross Margins Analysis (GMA) Payback Period (PP) Course Evaluation

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2 hrs Class Session

Collaborators Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) Green House Manufacturers ( G. North, Amiran, Agro Tunnel International,etc)

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Universities ( UON, JKUAT) Agricultural Information Resource Centre (AIRC) Ministry of Agriculture Small Scale Horticulture Development Project ( SHDP ADB) Kilimo Osho Chemicals Ltd Twiga Chemicals Ltd Ace Agricultural Management Services

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