1. Introduction to Agriculture

• Definition and scope of agriculture

• Disciplines related to agriculture (entomology, soil science, etc.)

• Roles of agriculture (food, employment, foreign exchange)

2. Challenges in Agriculture

• Poor husbandry, inadequate marketing, lack of capital

• Climate-related issues (aridity, pests, diseases)

• Social issues (poor attitudes, poor tools)

3. Farming Systems

• Shifting cultivation, pastoralism & nomadism

• Mixed farming, arable farming, plantation farming

• Organic, extensive, and intensive farming systems

4. Crop Husbandry Practices

• Crop rotation: control pests, diseases, soil nutrient management

• Land preparation: seedbed prep, primary/secondary/tertiary tillage

• Minimum tillage: reduces erosion, maintains soil structure

5. Planting Techniques

• Planting materials: seeds vs vegetative materials

• Methods: broadcasting, row planting, ridging, transplanting

• Factors influencing planting depth and seed rate

6. Plant Propagation

• Sexual propagation (seeds)

• Asexual propagation (cuttings, suckers, tubers, etc.)

• Advantages & disadvantages of both methods

7. Weed Management

• Weed identification, types, and economic impacts

• Control methods: cultural, mechanical, biological, chemical, legislative

8. Pest and Disease Management

• Classification of pests by feeding mechanism and lifecycle

• Disease types: fungal, bacterial, and viral

• Integrated Pest & Disease Management (IPM/IDM)

• Legislative and quarantine measures

9. Ecological & Environmental Factors

• Biotic: pests, parasites, decomposers, weeds

• Abiotic: rainfall, temperature, humidity, light, soil properties

• Ecological zones in Kenya: from tropical alpine to lowlands