VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTER FOR FARMERS FARM S.A.I.N. VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTER FOR FARMERS SAIN (Centre de Production et Formation en Agriculture durable intégrée)   BP 21 Adjohoun République du Benin Tel: (229) 27 30 90 Email : sainbenin@yahoo.fr

MISSION A practical training in sustainable agriculture, led by professionals and technicians with extensive experience in environmentally-conscious farming.  

GOALS SAIN’s objective is to provide each trainee with practical training in all the various sectors of agriculture to best prepare them for implementing the same techniques in their own farms

ORGANIZATION Theoretical study and practical exercises in the following: agriculture fruit and vegetable cultivation, animal-raising, fish-farming, snail farming and bee-keeping, instruction in basic management and computer skills.

STUDENTS SAIN accepts trainees between 18 and 35 years who have finished at least their primary studies (C.E.P.).

DURATION The program covers an 18-month period, in which six months are dedicated to the trainee’s area of specialization.

FINANCING Tuition is paid by the trainees or their sponsoring organizations. SAIN may offer scholarships to qualifying trainees, subject to availability of funds.

TRAINING OVERVIEW SOIL FERTILIZATION ANIMAL RAISING CULTIVATION FRUITS AND VEGETABLES TREE FARMING MANAGEMENT

SOIL FERTILIZATION Objectives: Students will gain an understanding of the life cycle and functioning of the soil, how to treat its various diseases and how to utilize organic materials to improve its condition.

Ø      Overview of the current knowledge and practices of soil fertilization Ø      Learning how to integrate organic waste materials into agricultural practices to improve soil fertility   Ø      Learning the techniques of soil rotation, replanting, etc.

ANIMAL RAISING Objectives: Students will learn how to raise small animals in a controlled environment and how the breeding of animals can contribute to a farm’s overall resources.

Ø      An overview of the current knowledge and practices of raising various animals, including selection, breeding, feeding and healthcare Ø      Practical training (with oxen, goats, chickens, ducks, guinea fowls, pigs and rabbits…)   Ø      A study of the economics involved in the production and sale of livestock, including techniques on how to improve yield and discussions on how revenues from animal-raising contribute to the overall balance sheet of a farm

CULTIVATING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES Objectives: Students will master the techniques involved in growing fruits and vegetables.

Ø Planting fruit trees and ensuring their production   Ø      Discussion of the economics involved in the production and sale of fruits and vegetables, and their overall financial contributions to a farming business Ø      Overview of the current knowledge and practices of fruit and vegetable cultivation   Ø      Cultivation of a variety of vegetables including tomatoes, cabbage, onions, lettuce, peppers, eggplants, carrots, etc. Ø      Techniques for choosing seeds, fertilizing the soil, planting, irrigation, rotating crops, protecting the live plants and treating pests and diseases

TREE FARMING Objectives: Students will learn about the role of trees in a farm environment and how they can be integrated into a farm for maximum environmental benefit.

Ø      An overview of the current knowledge and practices of tree farming, conservation and other related areas   Ø      Practical training on planting and developing nurseries of all kinds Ø      Theory and practice regarding planting and harvesting of grains; using cuttings and grafting to grow various herbs, plants and trees Ø      Discussion of reforestation and other land management issues: basic knowledge of all types of trees (fruit, construction and firewood, medicinal and herbal plants and trees), planting of trees for regeneration of soil, how to balance a farm’s ecosystem, creating natural wind-breakers, etc.

MANAGEMENT Objectives: Trainees will learn how to implement short-term, mid-term and long-term planning into their daily life on the farm.  

Ø      Working with each individual trainee to establish their personal vision for their farm and their future, and developing a management to fit their needs. Ø      Practical management techniques for all areas of a farm: organization, planning, management of harvests, etc.   Money management (inputs and expenses), issues revolving around credit, how to economize in order to realize short-term and long-term goal