Farmer Training Centre

The main focus of our Farmer Training Centre (FTC) is to facilitate sustainable and organic solutions for agriculture with cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods suitable for small-scale farmers.

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Welcome to the Farmer Training Centre (FTC), a premier facility where farmers and professionals come to gain practical skills and knowledge in agroecology. With over 10 years of experience and insights from our core farmer network, we have cultivated a highly skilled team of facilitators who deliver comprehensive training modules on various aspects of agroecology.

At our 1000-acre farm, we believe in a hands-on approach to learning. Students spend most of their time in the field, engaging in practical activities that reinforce their understanding of agroecological practices. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning, we have trained over 8000 farmers and professionals from around the world

Celebrating our 10th Anniversary

In celebration of our 10th anniversary in 2023, the FTC stands as a hub for knowledge exchange and research collaborations with renowned universities such as Sheffield, ETH, SUA, and others. Our facilities can accommodate up to 100 students, offering comfortable bunk bed and self-accommodated units. With three well-equipped classrooms, we can also host conferences and workshops.

Our farm showcases a wide range of demonstrations, including livestock management, agroforestry, permaculture, rainfed systems, soil and water management, and more. Additionally, visitors can savor our delicious organic food, which alone is a compelling reason to book a course with us.

Expertise in Organic certification

With our affiliated company, SAT Holistic Group Ltd (www.holisticfood.bio), we possess expertise in organic certification and can assist in building your organic value chain. The FTC is energy self-sufficient, powered by photovoltaic panels and solar heaters, and our buildings are constructed using eco-friendly adobe materials. We take pride in promoting sustainable and eco-friendly living practices.

As the largest farmer training centre for agroecology in Africa, a visit to the FTC is an unforgettable experience. We invite you to explore our offerings and select from a range of tailored courses designed for farmers, professionals, NGOs, CBOs, and the public sector. Our comprehensive training portfolio covers various topics and each leads to a dedicated page where visitors can easily book their desired courses online. Additionally, we offer the flexibility of creating customized training programs to meet specific needs.

Let’s learn organic!

Upcoming courses

Entrepreneurship and Agribusiness Development

2nd September – 6th September 2024

Are you interested in starting a successful agribusiness? If yes, in this course, you will gain the necessary knowledge and skills to develop business plans and ensure your farm's productivity with appropriate farm management plans. After five days of training, you can develop your own enterprise with the potential for growth and funding.

Conservation Agriculture

2nd September – 6th September 2024

Cultivating your fields and protecting the environment at the same time? Yes, this is possible. With the help of Conservation Agriculture, these two aspects do not have to be mutually exclusive. Conservation Agriculture combines farming and soil management techniques that protect the soil from erosion and degradation, improve its quality and biodiversity, and contribute to the preservation of natural resources, water, and air while optimizing yields.

Attract Youth to Agriculture Camp

12th August – 16th August 2024

Is farming a lucrative business worth investing in for young people? Yes, of course, we say! Through a youths-centered approach, this one-week-long course will train participants in sustainable agricultural practices and life skills and show how farming can be an attractive business for the youth. The course is designed to make young people enjoy their stay at the Farmer Training Centre through sports and games while at the same time gaining valuable knowledge on farm enterprise development for improved livelihoods.

Organic Mushroom Production

5th August - 9th August 2024

As global food habits evolve and demand for nutritious, quality food rises, mushroom cultivation emerges as a sustainable and profitable venture. This course is designed to introduce you to the world of organic mushroom farming, afield that not only offers a lucrative income but also utilizes agricultural waste effectively.

Organic Agriculture Advanced

25th Nov – 29th Nov 2024

Embark on an immersive journey into the world of ecological organic agriculture with our Organic Agriculture Advanced course. This 10-day program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to regenerate biological and mineral fertility in agricultural soils, enabling the production of healthy, affordable food while ensuring profitability for farmers. Through the application of improved techniques for bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides, participants will learn the "how" and "why" of soil regeneration and the essential role of the 3 Ms (minerals, organic matter, and microbiology).

Animal Production Basics

15th July – 19th July 2024
16th September - 20th September 2024

Livestock keeping and crop production can coexist very well. Both aspects can be used in an integrated approach to establish a closed nutrient management cycle – an essential principle of organic farming. Moreover, the selling of fresh meat, fish, milk, and honey can increase the household income for small-scale farmers significantly. The course gives an introduction to animal health, feeding, housing, and general production.

Organic Spice Production Course

23rd September – 27th September 2024
25th November – 29th November 2024

The demand for organic spices is shooting up worldwide and is expected to double within the next five years. On top of that, spices yield the highest profits (up to 70%) among organic products. For spice farmers, this is indeed a very promising perspective. This course prepares you to meet the standards of the organic market for cinnamon, black pepper, cloves, turmeric, and ginger.

Organic Agriculture Intermediate

14th Oct – 18th Oct 2024

Take your organic farming skills to the next level with our Organic Agriculture Intermediate course. This comprehensive program builds upon the knowledge gained in the basic course and dives deeper into soil health, fertility improvement, pest management, and water management techniques. Gain practical insights and advanced techniques to enhance your organic farming practices and increase productivity.

Organic Agriculture Basic

24th Jun – 28th Jun 2024
7th Oct – 11th Oct 2024
18th Nov – 21st Nov 2024

Discover the secrets of successful organic farming with our comprehensive Organic Agriculture Basic course. This 5-day program is designed to provide you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the field of organic agriculture. From soil testing and garden preparation to pest management and agroforestry, you will gain a solid foundation in sustainable farming practices.

Food Processing and Value Addition

28th October – 1st November 2024

Discover the art of food processing and value addition with our comprehensive course. Unlock the potential to transform raw agricultural products into high-value processed goods that fetch higher prices and have a longer shelf life. Learn various food processing techniques and value-addition methods to enhance the quality and marketability of your products

Natural Medicine

11th November – 14th November 2024

Do you know the power of herbs? Tanzania is rich in plants that can be used as natural medicine and Dr. Peter Feleshi from ANAMED Tanzania (Action For Natural Medicine in The Tropics) will show you how to use them. The course gives you a basic introduction to the cultivation, preparation, and usage of medicinal plants. This course may also prepare you to start your own cosmetic business.

Permaculture Design Course (PDC)

19th Aug – 30th Aug 2024

Unlock the power of permaculture design with our internationally recognized Permaculture Design Course (PDC). This two-week intensive program will equip you with the knowledge and skills to create resilient and sustainable systems for living and working in harmony with nature. Join us to learn how to apply holistic design principles and unleash your potential as a permaculture designer.

Post-Harvest Handling and Management of Agricultural Produce

9th December – 13th December 2024

Did you know that up to 50 % of the total produced root crops, fruits, and vegetables are currently wasted during the post-harvest process? This is also similar to cereals, where food losses and waste go up to 30 %. We want to change this by introducing participants to different post-harvest handling and management techniques that help to reduce post-harvest losses and food waste. If the techniques are properly applied, they will also lead to an increased income. Furthermore, this course prepares you to meet export grades and quality standards of Tanzania for agricultural produce.

Sustainable Waste Management and Composting

21st October - 25th October 2024 Course — OAWM 006

Does waste equal waste? Not at all. In this course, you will learn how to turn it into a valuable resource in our Sustainable Waste Management and Composting course. This program offers comprehensive training on sustainable urban solid and liquid waste management, composting techniques, and innovative technologies to transform waste into useful products. Explore the possibilities of waste utilization for agricultural purposes, environmental management, and income generation.

Training of Trainers (ToT)

22nd Jul - 26th July 2024
14th Oct – 18th Oct 2024

Unlock your potential as a successful trainer or facilitator in the field of agriculture with our Training of Trainers (ToT) course. This program is designed to enhance your training and facilitation skills, equipping you with the tools and techniques to deliver impactful and engaging training sessions. Gain the expertise to design, conduct, and evaluate training programs, and bring out the best in your participants.

Milk Processing and Value Addition Course

3rd June - 7th June 2024 Course MLP 001

Transform Milk into Gold! Discover how value addition in dairy can turn a simple product into a profitable venture. In a continent where the dairy sector is ripe with opportunities for growth and innovation, this course is your gateway to unlocking its potential.

Join us at the FTC and embark on a transformative learning journey that equips you with the knowledge and skills to contribute to a resilient and sustainable agricultural future.