Introduction

As global agricultural landscapes face increasing challenges due to climate change, unsustainable chemical inputs, and ecosystem degradation, the need for biodiversity-friendly pest and disease management has become paramount. Training Course on Biodiversity-Friendly Pest and Disease Management is designed to equip professionals with cutting-edge, sustainable pest control techniques that enhance ecological resilience, promote integrated pest management (IPM), and reduce dependency on synthetic chemicals. The course blends theoretical frameworks with hands-on practical knowledge to promote ecosystem-based solutions that align with sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation goals.

Participants will learn to apply nature-based solutions, agroecological principles, and community-based monitoring tools to effectively manage pest and disease pressures. With a strong focus on environmental stewardship, regenerative practices, and climate-smart agriculture, this course fosters skills that support both productivity and ecological integrity. Through case studies, tools, and field-tested approaches, learners will be empowered to lead biodiversity-friendly agricultural transformation in their respective sectors and regions.

Programme Curriculum

Training Course on Biodiversity-Friendly Pest and Disease Management

Introduction

Course Objectives

Understand biodiversity-based pest management principles.
Identify eco-friendly disease control strategies.
Apply integrated pest management (IPM) frameworks.
Analyze the impact of climate change on pest dynamics.
Promote beneficial insect habitats and pollinator health.
Evaluate organic pest control techniques.
Implement biological control agents for common pests.
Develop community-based pest surveillance systems.
Integrate agroecological farming practices.
Foster pesticide reduction strategies.
Design habitat diversification plans.
Enhance soil biodiversity for disease resistance.
Use decision-support tools for pest forecasting.

Target Audiences

Agricultural Extension Officers
Organic and Sustainable Farmers
Agroecologists and Environmental Scientists
NGO Program Implementers
Agricultural Policy Makers
Agri-Input Suppliers
University Students in Agriculture and Ecology
Researchers in Crop Protection and Biodiversity

Course Duration: 5 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Principles of Biodiversity-Friendly Pest Management

Definition and importance of biodiversity in agriculture
Key components of ecosystem-based pest control
Role of natural enemies in pest suppression
Benefits of reducing chemical pesticide use
Concept of pest threshold levels
Case Study: Natural pest control in coffee plantations in Kenya

Module 2: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Frameworks

Four-tier IPM strategy: prevention, monitoring, intervention, evaluation
Role of cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical methods
Use of pheromone traps and natural repellents
Pest scouting and identification techniques
Implementation of action thresholds
Case Study: IPM success in rice farming in the Philippines

Module 3: Biological Control and Natural Enemies

Classification of biocontrol agents (parasitoids, predators, pathogens)
Insectary plants and conservation biocontrol
Mass rearing and release of beneficial insects
Pathogen-based biopesticides
Challenges in biocontrol implementation
Case Study: Use of Trichogramma wasps in maize farms in India

Module 4: Agroecological Practices and Habitat Management

Crop rotation and intercropping for pest disruption
Use of push-pull strategies in pest deterrence
Pollinator strips and field margins
Cover crops and mulching benefits
Enhancing below-ground biodiversity
Case Study: Habitat management in diversified vegetable farms in Brazil

Module 5: Organic and Botanical Pest Control Methods

Neem-based and garlic-based biopesticides
Preparation and application of fermented plant extracts
Use of soap sprays and natural oils
Organic certification and residue limits
Integration with other IPM practices
Case Study: Botanical pesticide use in organic banana production in Ecuador

Module 6: Disease Surveillance and Early Warning Systems

Use of ICT tools and mobile apps for pest alerts
Farmer-led pest monitoring groups
Participatory mapping and recording systems
Predictive modeling using climatic data
Institutional support for data sharing
Case Study: Mobile pest reporting networks in East Africa

Module 7: Climate Change and Pest Management

Shifting pest and disease patterns due to warming
Increased frequency of invasive species
Building resilience through diversified cropping
Climate-smart pesticide application techniques
Scenario-based planning for pest outbreaks
Case Study: Managing Fall Armyworm under erratic rainfall in West Africa

Module 8: Policy and Advocacy for Sustainable Pest Management

Reviewing national pesticide policies
Incentives for biodiversity-friendly practices
Role of civil society in pesticide regulation
Promoting farmer field schools and extension services
Building multi-stakeholder coalitions
Case Study: Pesticide regulation reforms in the European Union

Training Methodology

Interactive lectures with visuals and real-life case demonstrations
Hands-on group activities including pest identification and solution mapping
Field visits or virtual tours to model farms or biocontrol labs
Use of multimedia tools (videos, infographics, mobile apps)
Expert guest lectures and Q&A sessions with practitioners
Capstone group project involving community-based pest management planning

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@fineskilltrainingcenter.org or call +254769199797

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to Fineskill Training Center account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.

Skills & Software Covered

Ecological Pest Control Integrated Pest Management

Programme Fee

Duration: 5 Days

Method: Online or Physical

Online Price: $1,000

Physical Price: $1,500

Certification: Accredited Certificate

View Available Dates 📄 Download Course Outline (PDF)

Available Sessions

Location

Month

Year

Oct 26 2026

26 Oct — 30 Oct 2026

💻 Online / Virtual session

Online $1,000