Crop losses due to pests and diseases account for about one-third of agricultural production costs in terms of chemicals, equipment and manpower.
Crop losses due to pests and diseases account for about one-third of agricultural production costs in terms of chemicals, equipment and manpower. However, skills in identification of pests, diseases and available management strategies are largely lacking. There is, therefore, an established need to train manpower in all aspects of crop protection. This diploma course is designed for staff in the private sector, government and nongovernmental organizations in the agricultural industry: agricultural extension workers, farm
managers and field technologists, staff in agricultural/education institutions, staff engaged in crop protection research, pesticide delivery service, and as a bridging course for high school graduates wishing to pursue degree programmes.
Holders of KCSE with mean grade of C plain and C- pass in any of the following subjects: biology, chemistry, agriculture, or physics.
KCE with division II and at least a pass in biology or chemistry, or physics or agriculture, or physical science or mathematics.
KACE with at least one Principal level pass and one subsidiary pass in biology or chemistry or physics or
mathematics.
Certificate in Crop Protection, Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Environmental Sciences or related Plant or Biological Sciences.
Diploma, Higher diploma or degree in any natural or biological sciences
Course Title
Introduction to Microbiology I
Maths, Biometry and Computer use I
Introduction to Agriculture and Principles of Crop Production
Introduction to Plant Pathology
Introduction to Agri. Entomology I
Weeds and their Management II
Pest and Disease Management II
Application of Biotechnology in Crop Protection II
Entrepreneurship in Agriculture III
Diagnostics of Crop Diseases, Arthropod Pests and Weeds III
Environmental Health, Phytosanitary Regulations and Standards III
Communication Skills and Seminars I
Special Project (2 course unit equivalent) II & III
Field/Industrial Attachment (3 course unit equivalent) IV
