Module 1: Introduction to Agro Economics of Maize
- Economic significance of maize
- Fundamentals of maize in the Cameroonian economy
Module 2: Maize Value Chain
- Understanding the maize value chain
- Evolution and perspective of maize production in Cameroon
Module 3: Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
- Overview of GAP
- Safe agrochemical and pesticide handling
Module 4: Farmer Business School
- Basic strategies for entrepreneurship in the maize ecosystem
- Common pitfalls in maize entrepreneurship
Module 5: Sustainable Production Strategies
- Applied strategies for sustainable maize production
- Using digital solutions to translate sustainability into action in the maize value chain
Module 6: Support and Development
- Available assistance for commercial enterprises in the maize value chain in Cameroon
- Digital business data collection, planning, and analysis
Module 7: Maize Ecosystem in Cameroon
- Snapshot of the maize ecosystem in Cameroon
- Opportunities and contributions to the agro-industry
Module 8: Theoretical Sessions on Maize 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 (threshing and storage techniques)
Module 9: Maize Value Chain Overview
- Overview of possible uses of maize
- Developing a standard entrepreneurial project for any segment of the maize value chain (feasibility study, business planning, financial and market/sales planning, personnel, and management)
Phase II: Practical Field Training
Module 10: 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 11: 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 12: 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, participants will:
- Understand the economic impact and fundamentals of maize production in Cameroon.
- Navigate the maize value chain and its evolution.
- Apply Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and handle agrochemicals and pesticides safely.
- Develop and implement sustainable production strategies.
- Utilize digital solutions for managing and improving the maize value chain.
- Gain practical experience through field training and mentorship.
- Successfully develop and manage an entrepreneurial project within the maize value chain.
Certificates
Upon completion of the course, participants will receive: