KENYA COFFEE SCHOOL (KCS)

Diploma in Coffee Agronomy, Extension & Regenerative Inputs (KCS-DIP-CAI)

Programme Status

Professional Diploma Programme

Awarding Institution

Kenya Coffee School (KCS)

Programme Duration

12 Weeks (Intensive Diploma)

Total Contact Hours

360 Contact Hours

Theory: 240 Hours
Practical / Fieldwork: 120 Hours

Mode of Delivery

Face-to-face lectures
Practical farm demonstrations
Field visits & farmer field schools (FFS)
Project-based learning

Entry Requirements

KCSE Mean Grade C- (minus) or equivalent
OR Certificate in Agriculture / Coffee / Agribusiness with relevant experience

PROGRAMME RATIONALE

This diploma equips learners with advanced coffee agronomy knowledge, regenerative and restorative farming practices, on-farm input production skills, and participatory extension methods. The programme responds to climate change, soil degradation, youth unemployment, and the need for farmer-led value addition in Kenya’s coffee sector.

PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion, the learner will be able to:

Apply advanced coffee agronomy and soil fertility management practices.
Design and implement regenerative coffee farming systems.
Produce compost, vermicompost, biofertilisers, and fermented inputs at farm level.
Implement Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM).
Conduct farmer extension and advisory services using participatory approaches.
Develop farm-based regenerative inputs enterprises.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE & WEEKLY TIMETABLE (12 WEEKS)

WEEK 1

Unit Code: KCS-CAI201
Unit Title: Advanced Coffee Physiology & Varieties
Contact Hours: 30 (20 Theory / 10 Practical)

Topics:

Coffee plant physiology
Growth stages & phenology
Arabica varieties & site suitability
Climate influence on coffee growth

WEEK 2

Unit Code: KCS-CAI202
Unit Title: Soil Science & Soil Fertility Management
Contact Hours: 30 (20 Theory / 10 Practical)

Topics:

Soil physical & chemical properties
Soil testing & interpretation
pH management & liming
Organic matter dynamics

WEEK 3

Unit Code: KCS-CAI203
Unit Title: Regenerative Coffee Farming Systems
Contact Hours: 30 (18 Theory / 12 Practical)

Topics:

Principles of regenerative agriculture
Agroforestry & shade systems
Cover crops & mulching
Biodiversity in coffee farms

WEEK 4

Unit Code: KCS-CAI204
Unit Title: Compost Science & Production
Contact Hours: 30 (15 Theory / 15 Practical)

Topics:

Compost materials & C:N ratio
Composting methods
Temperature & moisture control
Compost quality assessment

WEEK 5

Unit Code: KCS-CAI205
Unit Title: Vermiculture & Vermicompost Production
Contact Hours: 30 (15 Theory / 15 Practical)

Topics:

Earthworm species
Vermicompost systems
Harvesting & application
Vermicompost enterprise basics

WEEK 6

Unit Code: KCS-CAI206
Unit Title: Biofertilisers & Microbial Inputs
Contact Hours: 30 (20 Theory / 10 Practical)

Topics:

Beneficial soil microorganisms
Biofertiliser types
Preparation & application
Safety & quality control

WEEK 7

Unit Code: KCS-CAI207
Unit Title: Fermented & Liquid Organic Inputs
Contact Hours: 30 (15 Theory / 15 Practical)

Topics:

Bokashi & fermented manures
Plant-based liquid fertilisers
Dosage & foliar application

WEEK 8

Unit Code: KCS-CAI208
Unit Title: Integrated Pest & Disease Management (IPDM)
Contact Hours: 30 (20 Theory / 10 Practical)

Topics:

Coffee pests & diseases
Monitoring & thresholds
Biological & botanical controls

WEEK 9

Unit Code: KCS-CAI209
Unit Title: Climate Smart Coffee Production
Contact Hours: 30 (18 Theory / 12 Practical)

Topics:

Climate risks in coffee
Water harvesting
Shade & microclimate management
Carbon-smart practices

WEEK 10

Unit Code: KCS-CAI210
Unit Title: Coffee Extension & Advisory Services
Contact Hours: 30 (20 Theory / 10 Practical)

Topics:

Farmer Field Schools (FFS)
Adult learning principles
Extension communication tools

WEEK 11

Unit Code: KCS-CAI211
Unit Title: Farm Business & Regenerative Inputs Enterprise
Contact Hours: 30 (20 Theory / 10 Practical)

Topics:

Cost of production
Inputs enterprise planning
Record keeping
Market linkages

WEEK 12

Unit Code: KCS-CAI212
Unit Title: Capstone Project & Field Practicum
Contact Hours: 30 (10 Theory / 20 Practical)

Activities:

On-farm project implementation
Presentation & viva voce
Programme review

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Continuous Assessment Tests (CATs): 30%
Practical Assessments & Logbooks: 30%
Final Project & Presentation: 40%

CERTIFICATION

Learners who successfully complete the programme will be awarded: Diploma in Coffee Agronomy, Extension & Regenerative Inputs Issued by Kenya Coffee School (KCS)

NOTE FOR WORDPRESS / LMS IMPORT

This syllabus is formatted for direct WordPress page/post import.
Headings follow H1–H3 hierarchy.
Unit codes are standardized for ERP & certification systems.

INTENSIVE 2-WEEK DIPLOMA SYLLABUS (BLOCK MODE)

Coffee Agronomy, Extension & Regenerative Inputs

Note: This 2-week diploma is designed as a professional block-release programme for practitioners. Content depth equals a full diploma, delivered through extended daily sessions, demonstrations, and supervised farm work.

PROGRAMME SUMMARY

Duration: 2 Weeks (12 Training Days)
Daily Contact Hours: 7.5 hours
Total Contact Hours: 90 hours
- Theory: 54 hours
- Practical / Fieldwork: 36 hours

WEEK 1 TIMETABLE

DAY 1 – Coffee Agronomy Foundations

Unit Code: KCS-CAI301
Contact Hours: 7.5 (5 Theory / 2.5 Practical)

Topics & Notes (Page 1 – ~950 words):
This unit introduces learners to coffee as a perennial tree crop with unique physiological, ecological, and economic characteristics. It explores the historical origin of coffee in Africa, its domestication, and its spread into modern agricultural systems. Learners study coffee species, focusing on Arabica and Robusta, varietal performance under Kenyan agro-ecological zones, growth stages, and phenology. Emphasis is placed on understanding root systems, canopy architecture, flowering triggers, fruit development, and how agronomic decisions influence yield and quality. Practical sessions involve plant identification, phenological observation, and basic field diagnostics.

DAY 2 – Soil Science & Soil Fertility Management

Unit Code: KCS-CAI302
Contact Hours: 7.5 (5 Theory / 2.5 Practical)

Topics & Notes (Page 2 – ~950 words):
This unit covers soil as the foundation of coffee productivity. Learners examine soil formation, texture, structure, pH, organic matter, and nutrient cycles relevant to coffee. The relationship between soil health and climate resilience is emphasized. Practical components include soil sampling, basic field tests, and interpretation of soil analysis reports. The unit links soil degradation challenges facing Kenyan coffee farms with regenerative soil restoration strategies.

DAY 3 – Regenerative & Climate-Smart Coffee Systems

Unit Code: KCS-CAI303
Contact Hours: 7.5 (4.5 Theory / 3 Practical)

Topics & Notes (Page 3 – ~950 words):
Learners are introduced to regenerative agriculture principles as applied to coffee systems. Topics include agroforestry, shade management, cover crops, mulching, biodiversity enhancement, and carbon sequestration. The role of trees, microorganisms, and soil organic matter in restoring degraded farms is discussed. Practical work involves designing a regenerative coffee plot and assessing shade and biodiversity indicators.

DAY 4 – Compost Science & Organic Matter Restoration

Unit Code: KCS-CAI304
Contact Hours: 7.5 (3.5 Theory / 4 Practical)

Topics & Notes (Page 4 – ~950 words):
This unit focuses on composting as a core regenerative input. Learners study compost biology, carbon-to-nitrogen ratios, raw material selection, composting methods, temperature management, and quality assessment. Practical sessions involve constructing compost heaps, monitoring decomposition, and evaluating compost maturity. The role of compost in restoring soil structure and nutrient availability is emphasized.

DAY 5 – Vermiculture & Vermicompost Production

Unit Code: KCS-CAI305
Contact Hours: 7.5 (3.5 Theory / 4 Practical)

Topics & Notes (Page 5 – ~950 words):
This unit introduces vermiculture as a sustainable waste-to-input system. Learners study earthworm species, bedding materials, feeding regimes, harvesting techniques, and application rates. Practical sessions include setting up vermibeds and harvesting vermicast. The enterprise potential of vermicompost for smallholder farmers and youth is highlighted.

WEEK 2 TIMETABLE

DAY 6 – Biofertilisers & Microbial Inputs

Unit Code: KCS-CAI306
Contact Hours: 7.5 (5 Theory / 2.5 Practical)

Topics & Notes (Page 6 – ~950 words):
This unit explores beneficial microorganisms in coffee production, including nitrogen-fixing bacteria, mycorrhizae, and decomposer organisms. Learners study biofertiliser concepts, preparation methods, application techniques, and safety considerations. Practical sessions involve preparing simple liquid biofertilisers and microbial teas.

DAY 7 – Fermented & Liquid Organic Inputs

Unit Code: KCS-CAI307
Contact Hours: 7.5 (3.5 Theory / 4 Practical)

Topics & Notes (Page 7 – ~950 words):
Learners are trained in the preparation of fermented manures, plant extracts, bokashi, and foliar feeds. The science of fermentation, nutrient availability, and application timing is covered. Practical work focuses on small-batch production and dosage calibration for coffee trees.

DAY 8 – Integrated Pest & Disease Management (IPDM)

Unit Code: KCS-CAI308
Contact Hours: 7.5 (5 Theory / 2.5 Practical)

Topics & Notes (Page 8 – ~950 words):
This unit addresses major coffee pests and diseases affecting Kenyan farms. Learners study pest life cycles, disease epidemiology, monitoring techniques, and threshold-based control. Emphasis is placed on biological and botanical control options compatible with regenerative systems. Practical sessions involve field scouting and IPDM planning.

DAY 9 – Coffee Extension, Advisory & Farmer Field Schools

Unit Code: KCS-CAI309
Contact Hours: 7.5 (5 Theory / 2.5 Practical)

Topics & Notes (Page 9 – ~950 words):
This unit equips learners with extension and advisory skills. Topics include adult learning principles, participatory extension methods, farmer field schools, and communication strategies. Practical work involves preparing and delivering a mock farmer training session.