Course Overview

Backyard farming involves using available space around the home to grow vegetables, herbs and fruits or raise small livestock for household consumption and additional income. A backyard farm can be established in an open yard, containers, sacks, raised beds or other small spaces.

This beginner-friendly course guides learners through planning a backyard farm, preparing the growing area, producing healthy crops, caring for small livestock, managing pests and turning surplus produce into income.

Recommended Duration

Approximately 6–8 hours.

Target Audience

• Beginners interested in farming
• Households seeking to improve food security
• Young people and unemployed individuals
• Aspiring small-scale farmers
• People interested in earning income from home
• Community groups and cooperatives

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, learners should be able to:

• Explain the benefits of backyard farming.
• Assess available land, water, sunlight and other resources.
• Prepare soil, containers and growing beds.
• Select suitable crops and small livestock.
• Plant, water and maintain crops correctly.
• Prevent and manage common pests and diseases.
• Harvest and store produce safely.
• Calculate basic farming costs and income.
• Develop a simple plan for selling surplus produce.