Course Outline

Module 1: Foundations of Small-Scale Livestock Systems & Farmer Engagement

• Characteristics and economic role of small-scale livestock (dairy, poultry, small ruminants)

• Assessing farm resources, farmer goals, and socio-economic constraints

• Principles of adult learning and effective communication for extension

• Methods for conducting participatory rural appraisals (PRA) and needs assessments

• Exercise: Conducting a mock farm assessment and identifying key farmer priorities

Module 2: Core Livestock Management Practices

• Selection of suitable animal breeds and breeds for small-scale systems

• Fundamentals of animal nutrition: sourcing and preparing low-cost feeds, fodder management

• Basics of preventive health care: vaccination schedules, parasite control, biosecurity

• Designing low-cost, appropriate housing and handling facilities

• Practical Demonstration: Feed formulation, body condition scoring, and vaccine handling

Module 3: Participatory Extension & Training Techniques

• The extension cycle: from problem identification to evaluation

• Designing effective farmer field days, demonstrations, and hands-on training sessions

• Developing low-literacy training aids and visual materials

• Facilitating farmer group discussions and experiential learning

• Workshop: Preparing and delivering a 15-minute training session on a selected topic (e.g., deworming, clean milk production)

Module 4: Entrepreneurship & Farm Management for Smallholders

• Basic farm record-keeping for livestock (breeding, health, expenses, sales)

• Calculating key productivity indicators (e.g., liters/cow/day, poultry feed conversion)

• Identifying and accessing local input and output markets

• Developing a simple one-page business plan for a micro-enterprise (e.g., poultry, goatry)

• Case Study: Analyzing the profitability of a small-scale dairy or poultry unit

Module 5: Planning, Monitoring & Building Resilience

• Integrating livestock with crops for improved farm sustainability (manure, draught)

• Strategies for managing climate risks (feed/water scarcity, heat stress)

• Developing a seasonal calendar and annual work plan for extension activities

• Simple tools for monitoring farmer adoption and practice change

• Final Exercise: In groups, develop a 6-month extension campaign plan to promote one improved practice within a target community.