Introduction to volume III

Purpose of this Volume

This volume is designed to serve as a resource, not a blueprint, for trainers involved in Peace Corps ag training programs that have a crops technical training component.

Intended Audience

Technical Crops Trainers

Technical Ag Education Trainers

Technical Ag Community Development Trainers

Technical Ag Rural Extension Trainers

These trainers are most likely crops specialists, host country ag instructors, or ag or community development Volunteers who have done crops work. They might work with an experienced lead crops trainer in planning sad carrying out sessions on soil management, insect control, and other crop production areas.

How to Use this Volume

This volume is designed to aid crops trainers in planning and carrying out the crops portion of a training program. While the training design is primarily intended for pre-service trainings, much of it would be useful for in-service workshops. Here is a usage guide to Volume III:

Chapter I provides suggested guidelines for setting up and carrying out the crops training component.

Chapter II contains the suggested crops training curriculum which includes a sessions list and a lesson plan for each session. The lesson plans are not meant to be a rigid script but rather a convenient starting point for session planning. Crops trainers will likely find themselves modifying the plans to suit variations in programs and training sites.

Chapter III is the crops technical resource section. It contains the Crops Guidelines package that covers basic vegetable production practices from garden planning through harvest. It was developed and written by Peace Corps crops trainers for use both in training and on the job. In addition, a detailed crops reference bibliography is included.

The Appendix contains lists and other handouts pertinent to Chapters I and II such as a supplies list, sample exams, and planting instructions.