Kenya: BASIS crop protection class still open for enrolment

BASIS is a benchmark professional course suitable for practising agronomists and is an industry standard that exposes learners to the global perspective in horticulture production, best practice in crop protection that concern safety of operators, consumers and the environment. It also keeps pace with changes in the industry when it comes to practical technologies and innovations that aim at improving quality and profitability in production. Case in point is the implementation of Integrated pest management (IPM) in dealing with pests. IPM is now widely accepted as a safe and sustainable approach in agricultural production. The course is offered by Real IPM at their headquarters in Thika Kenya.

Objective
To impart up to date crop protection knowledge and practical skills that follow international best practice to agronomy staff and enable them to maintain these standards in their production systems. This certificate is internationally recognised as a measure of competence for crop advisors.

Content
The BASIS Crop Protection Certificate of Competency course syllabus is laid down by BASIS Registered Ltd (www.basis-reg.com) and covers all aspects of crop protection including the law and regulations governing the use of pesticides. It covers the identification of the major groups of weeds, pests and diseases and the main control methods including herbicides, pesticides, fungicides and biological control agents. Specific use of pesticides is covered including application, sprayer design, pesticide storage design and management, and environmental safety measures.

Course duration
The course information is presented in a series of learning packs for home study but in addition participants come together one or two days a month over a six month period beginning April/May of every year.

Examination
The participants are examined by independent BASIS examiners, who visit Kenya in October.

Significant rebates for Kenyan companies are available from NITA for those levy payers (www.nita.go.ke).

Timetable
A timetable for the course is given on enrolment however there will be an introductory session in the second week of May this year on the 9th and 10th followed by a series of sessions, which end with an exam in October which is conducted in 2 days (written examination, identification test and four viva examinations by the examiners).

Re-sits
For those candidates who have already undertaken the course but did not pass and wish to re-take the examination, only the examination fee will be charged. However re-take candidates may attend the course days as well as the examination.

Enrolment
Interested candidates may book the few remaining places by 30th April 2018 through contacting lee@realipm.com