Course Outline

Module 1: Strategic Analysis of the Horticulture Sector

• Global and regional trends in horticulture trade

• Assessing domestic and export market opportunities

• Resource analysis: land, water, climate and human capital

• Identifying high-potential value chains

• Exercise: SWOT analysis for a selected horticulture subsector.

Module 2: Sustainable and Climate-Smart Production

• Site selection, varietal choice, and nursery management

• Integrated soil fertility, water management and irrigation technologies

• Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPM/IDM)

• Greenhouse and protected cultivation for quality and season extension

• Case Study: A successful model of climate-resilient horticulture.

Module 3: Quality Management, Post-Harvest & Food Safety

• Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and certification schemes

• Harvesting techniques, primary processing and packhouse operations

• Cold chain management and storage solutions

• Meeting Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) standards for export

• Practical Demonstration: Quality grading and packaging.

Module 4: Value Chain Development & Market Access

• Mapping and analyzing horticulture value chains

• Strengthening farmer-market linkages: contracts, cooperatives, hubs

• Logistics, transport, and access to export infrastructure

• Digital tools for market information, traceability and finance

• Workshop: Designing an inclusive business model for a smallholder value chain.

Module 5: Enabling Environment & Sector-Wide Strategy

• Role of public policy, regulation, and investment incentives

• Access to finance and risk management tools for growers

• Fostering innovation through research and public-private partnerships

• Monitoring sector performance and impact

• Final Exercise: Developing a 5-page action plan to unlock growth in a target horticulture value chain.