Regenerative Agriculture Practices: Restore Soil & Ecosystems

Introduction:

Regenerative Agriculture Practices equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to restore soil health, enhance carbon sequestration, and revitalize ecosystems. This course focuses on implementing sustainable farming techniques that go beyond minimizing harm, aiming to actively improve environmental conditions. Participants will learn to apply practices like no-till farming, cover cropping, and holistic grazing to build resilient agricultural systems. By mastering regenerative agriculture, professionals can contribute to climate change mitigation, improve farm productivity, and enhance biodiversity.

Target Audience:

This course is designed for farmers, agricultural extension officers, environmental consultants, policymakers, and sustainability professionals. This includes Farmers, Agricultural Consultants, Environmental Scientists, Land Managers, Sustainability Officers, Agricultural Extension Officers, Farm Managers, Policy Makers, Researchers, and NGO Staff. These individuals require expertise in regenerative agriculture to implement sustainable farming practices and improve ecosystem health.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the principles and benefits of regenerative agriculture.
• Implement no-till and minimum tillage techniques to improve soil structure.
• Utilize cover cropping to enhance soil fertility and reduce erosion.
• Apply holistic grazing practices to restore grasslands and enhance biodiversity.
• Develop strategies for building soil organic matter and sequestering carbon.
• Understand the role of composting and biofertilizers in regenerative agriculture.
• Implement agroforestry systems to integrate trees into farming landscapes.
• Analyze the impact of regenerative agriculture on water management and conservation.
• Develop strategies for integrating livestock into regenerative farming systems.
• Understand the role of biodiversity and ecosystem services in regenerative agriculture.
• Implement techniques for monitoring and assessing soil health.
• Understand the economic benefits and market opportunities for regenerative agriculture products.
• Develop strategies for transitioning to regenerative agriculture practices.

DURATION

10 Days

COURSE CONTENT

Module 1: Introduction to Regenerative Agriculture: Foundational Principles

• Defining and differentiating regenerative agriculture.
• Exploring core principles: soil health, biodiversity, context, integration, feedback loops.
• Understanding ecological, social, and economic benefits.
• Setting the stage for a holistic approach.

Module 2: The Living Soil: Building a Foundation for Regeneration

• Understanding the soil food web.
• Analyzing soil health indicators.
• Importance of soil organic matter (SOM) for carbon sequestration.
• Assessing and diagnosing soil degradation.

Module 3: Minimizing Disturbance: No-Till and Reduced Tillage Practices

• Implementing no-till and minimum tillage techniques.
• Selecting appropriate equipment.
• Managing crop residues and weed control.
• Measuring impact on soil structure and water infiltration.

Module 4: Enhancing Fertility: Cover Cropping and Crop Rotations

• Selecting diverse cover crop species.
• Designing effective rotations and mixes.
• Implementing termination methods.
• Integrating cover crops into rotations.

Module 5: Restoring Grasslands: Holistic Planned Grazing

• Understanding holistic planned grazing.
• Developing grazing plans.
• Monitoring and managing livestock.
• Integrating livestock into landscapes.

Module 6: Natural Amendments: Composting and Biofertilizers

• Creating high-quality compost.
• Understanding and applying biofertilizers.
• Enhancing nutrient cycling.
• On farm input production.

Module 7: Integrating Trees: Agroforestry Systems

• Designing diverse agroforestry systems.
• Selecting appropriate tree species.
• Integrating trees with crops and livestock.
• Harvesting and processing tree products.

Module 8: Water Management: Conservation and Resilience

• Implementing water harvesting techniques.
• Utilizing regenerative irrigation.
• Building soil water holding capacity.
• Water management in arid climates.

Module 9: Livestock Integration: Synergies and Benefits

• Understanding livestock's role in regenerative systems.
• Implementing rotational grazing.
• Managing livestock manure.
• Addressing animal welfare.

Module 10: Biodiversity Enhancement: Ecosystem Services

• Creating habitats for pollinators.
• Promoting natural pest control.
• Understanding native plant species.
• Measuring on farm biodiversity.

Module 11: Soil Health Monitoring and Assessment

• Conducting visual soil assessments.
• Utilizing soil testing.
• Developing soil health management plans.
• Using technology for monitoring.

Module 12: Economics of Regeneration: Market Opportunities

• Analyzing economic benefits.
• Identifying market opportunities.
• Navigating certification programs.
• Developing farm business plans.

Module 13: Transitioning to Regenerative Practices: Planning and Implementation

• Developing a transition plan.
• Overcoming challenges.
• Utilizing adaptive management.
• Building supportive networks.

Module 14: Case Studies: Successful Regenerative Farms and Systems

• Analyzing real-world examples.
• Highlighting innovative techniques.
• Documenting impacts.
• Farmer interviews and tours.

Module 15: The Future of Regeneration: Innovation and Policy

• Exploring emerging trends.
• Understanding policy and incentives.
• Discussing technology and research.
• Building resilient food systems.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.