Phase I: Foundation and Theory
Module 1: Introduction to Sweet Potatoes Production
- Global trends in sweet potatoes production
- Basics on the evolution of orange flesh sweet potatoes (OFSP)
Module 2: Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
- Overview of GAP
- Safe agrochemical and pesticide handling
Module 3: Farmer Business School
- Fundamentals of farmer business management
- Socio-economic and nutritional/health importance of OFSP
Module 4: OFSP Value Chain
- Understanding the OFSP value chain
- Evolution and perspective of OFSP production in Cameroon
- Digital data collection, analysis, and deployment for improved OFSP value chain development in Cameroon
Module 5: Entrepreneurship in the OFSP Ecosystem
- Basic strategies for entrepreneurship
- Common pitfalls
- Using digital solutions to translate sustainability into action in the OFSP value chain
Module 6: Support and Development
- Available assistance for commercial enterprises in the OFSP value chain in Cameroon
- Contributions to socio-economic development
Module 7: Theoretical Sessions on OFSP Cultivation
- Planting preparation (land, seed variety, etc.)
- Planting process (dates, seed rate, seed dressing, planting spacing, etc.)
- Soil treatment
- Pests and disease control
- Harvesting
- Post-harvest operations (uprooting, cleaning, storage, and transportation techniques)
Module 8: Soya Beans Value Chain
- Overview of possible uses of soya beans
- Developing a standard entrepreneurial project for the value chain (feasibility study, business planning, financial and market/sales planning, personnel, and management)
Phase II: Practical Field Training
Module 9: Field and Classroom Training
- Hands-on experience in the chosen value chain within an existing enterprise
- Guided mentorship to replicate the value chain independently
Module 10: Enterprise Development
- Produce a ready-to-rollout enterprise in the chosen value chain in the digital landscape
- Simulations of real-life situations (including pitching exercises)
- Videos of successful ventures
- Graduation from the incubator
Phase III: Handholding and Full Rollout
Module 11: Mentorship and Support
- Expert/mentor guidance for the full rollout of the enterprise
- Ongoing support from mentors with success stories in the respective field
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will:
- Understand global trends and the evolution of sweet potatoes production.
- Apply Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and handle agrochemicals and pesticides safely.
- Grasp the socio-economic and nutritional importance of OFSP.
- Navigate the OFSP value chain and its development in Cameroon.
- Utilize digital solutions for sustainable practices in the OFSP value chain.
- Develop and manage a standard entrepreneurial project within the value chain.
- Gain practical field experience and mentorship for independent enterprise rollout.