The Agricultural Microentrepreneur Program (AMP) is designed for one purpose - to help participants become successful, profitable farmers. The program is specifically designed to accommodate those looking at entering farming later in their careers. These include mid to senior-level working professionals, retirees, and those seeking secondary sources of income. The goal of the program is to help individuals who have no experience (but significant interest) to learn what they need to know to become agricultural microentrepreneurs.
Led by highly experienced instructors and practitioners, the program emphasizes hands-on, practical learning. Furthermore, the program provides students a buyback option on the crops they grow (via a participating offtaker), so market access ceases to be a problem. That way, they focus on running efficient and proficient farming operations.
The 6-month Certificate in Agricultural Microentrepreneurship is organized along two tracks; one track is for those interested in staples and root crops (e.g. cassava, yam, rice, etc.) while the second track is for those interested in vegetables, fruits and exotics. Both tracks offer the buyback option so as to ensure that upon completion of their program, trainees are able to start commercial operation in a timely and seamless manner. The program also provides some guidance on the potential for export of the agricultural products drawing from our International Trade & Export Development Program. (Interested students may also wish to consider our Aquaculture Enterprise Development Program.)
The 6-month AMP provides students the skills and the operational assets to start and operate thriving farms. The program is designed to provide the necessary grounding for new entrants to go from absolute novices to confident commercial farmers. It is also very helpful to current or aspiring owners of farm operations who are seeking to better manage or expand their enterprises. The program is specifically designed to include those looking to enter agriculture, possibly as a second or latter-stage profession. So it provides the tools for working professionals, retirees, and practicing entrepreneurs (in other fields) to start their agricultural enterprise.
Not only does the program provide training, it also provides ONGOING advice and technical support for students as they grow their agricultural microenterprises. This includes access to remote consultations with experts, as well as interaction with other trainees and colleagues via collaborative platforms that foster shared learning and experiences, WELL BEYOND the base training period.
The details of the program are described below.
AMP assumes NO knowledge of agriculture on the part of registrants, only the interest and desire to start a successful commercial farming operation. (The emphasis is on COMMERCIAL farming as distinct from gardening or subsistence farming.) The course is designed to train participants to become competent agricultural entrepreneurs. To that end, a good fraction of the available modals cover the BUSINESS of agriculture and helps trainees learn how to run successful agricultural businesses. The buyback option mentioned earlier is intended to ensure that there is an available offtaker such that trainees become successful commercial farm operators as soon as possible. (The offtaker is provided as an OPTION. Trainees do NOT have to utilize that service and may sell their produce where, when, and to whom they freely choose.)
Incoming students are expected to have a grasp of basic mathematics and rudimentary writing skills. This is necessary to enable students to complete the writing and basic calculations involved in the development and management of their fledgling enterprises.
The outline for the Agricultural Microentrepreneur Program is shown below (broken down by month):
Track 1: Root Crops and Staple Foods
Month 1: Introduction to Agriculture and Crop Selection
Week 1-2: Basics of Agriculture and Crop Selection
- Introduction to farming practices, soil types, and climate considerations.
- Understanding the importance of crop selection and suitability for the local environment.
Week 3-4: Introduction to Root Crops and Staple Foods
- Overview of popular root crops and staple foods in West Africa (e.g., cassava, corn, yams).
- Factors influencing crop selection, such as market demand and soil requirements.
Month 2: Weed Management and Soil Health
Week 1-2: Weed Identification and Control Techniques
- Identifying common weeds in West Africa and understanding their impact on crops.
- Implementing cultural, mechanical, and chemical weed control methods.
Week 3-4: Soil Health and Fertility Management
- Understanding soil structure, nutrients, and pH levels.
- Techniques for soil testing, fertilization, and organic matter management.
Month 3: Pricing of Agricultural Inputs and Labor
Week 1-2: Cost Analysis of Agricultural Inputs
- Understanding the cost factors of seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and equipment.
- Evaluating the quality and effectiveness of agricultural inputs.
Week 3-4: Labor Management and Cost Calculation
- Estimating labor requirements for various farm operations.
- Calculating labor costs and optimizing workforce efficiency.
Month 4: Pricing of Agricultural Produce and Market Access
Week 1-2: Market Analysis and Crop Pricing
- Conducting market research to understand demand and pricing trends.
- Strategies for setting competitive prices for agricultural produce.
Week 3-4: Market Access and Distribution Channels
- Identifying potential buyers and market opportunities.
- Exploring different distribution channels, including local markets and cooperatives.
- Potential export opportunities for agricultural products.
Month 5: Crop Management and Pest Control
Week 1-2: Crop Care and Management Practices
- Understanding crop growth stages and cultural practices (e.g., planting, irrigation, and pruning).
- Implementing strategies to optimize crop yield and quality.
Week 3-4: Pest and Disease Management
- Identifying common pests and diseases affecting root crops and staple foods.
- Integrated pest management (IPM) techniques for effective pest control.
Month 6: Harvesting, Post-Harvest Handling, and Business Skills
Week 1-2: Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling
- Best practices for harvesting, handling, and storing root crops and staple foods.
- Minimizing post-harvest losses through proper handling and storage techniques.
Week 3-4: Introduction to Business Skills for Farmers
- Basics of record-keeping, financial management, and budgeting.
- Exploring opportunities for value addition and diversification in agriculture.
Track 2: Vegetables and Greens
The structure for Track 2 will follow a similar outline to Track 1, with modules tailored to the specific needs of vegetable and greens growers. Topics will include crop selection, weed management, soil health, pricing of agricultural inputs and labor, pricing of agricultural produce, crop management, pest control, and business skills. The content will be adapted to address the unique characteristics and requirements of vegetable and greens production in West Africa.
By providing comprehensive training in these key areas, both tracks aim to equip new farmers in West Africa with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their chosen agricultural enterprises.
Students meet online via our world-class digital instructional platform. Where there is a need, IDMANN may organize special classes for groups or cohorts that are unable to access the internet at their given location. Classes are held weekly in LIVE, interactive online sessions led by highly experienced practitioners and trainers. Classes are scheduled for evenings and weekends to accommodate working professionals. Students are assigned to cohorts based on a balance between availability in a given cohort and indicated preference of students during the application process.
- Training cohorts typically start the first (working) Monday of every month.
- Registration for new cohorts closes 1 month in advance of the start date. (For instance, students who want to participate in a program starting in January need to be registered by the end of November.) This is to ensure proper planning and management of cohort sizes.
- Classes typically meet twice a week; registered students have access to study and test material on the online platform every day of the week.
- Special classes for organizations, groups or associations may be arranged outside of this standing schedule. (For group schedules, send email to )
The cost of the program is as shown below.
