Education
The ACHI educational programme
The ACHI programme is a free four-month training initiative created to equip participants with theoretical and practical skills in horticulture and entrepreneurship. Combining hands-on experience with theory and entrepreneurship, the programme empowers individuals to build successful horticultural businesses, enhancing food security, and contribute to a more resilient agricultural sector.
The programme is open to aspiring and existing farmers, agripreneurs, and professionals looking to expand their knowledge in climate-smart horticulture. Candidates are motivated individuals eager to develop their expertise, improve their business understanding, and create sustainable opportunities in the horticulture value chain.
Participants gain essential skills in modern farming techniques, post-harvest management, and financial planning. They also benefit from mentorship, access to industry networks, and practical training that prepares them to scale their businesses, improve market access, and drive innovation in the horticulture sector.
Program process
Step 1: Application process
Applying for the ACHI programme is a straightforward process to welcome passionate individuals eager to grow in horticulture and agribusiness. Prospective participants get in contact with the ACHI college coordinator of the correct college that they want to apply for.
The project manager will tell them what the procedure will be, from submitting the application, CV and letter of motivation and , to the selection procedure. application CV letter of motivation
Step 2: Programme
After acceptance, the programme will start with the curriculum. The educated courses equally cover and . The horticultural courses combine both theoretical and practical training. To enhance their learning experience, a provides real-world exposure, allowing them to observe modern horticultural practices in action.
Horticultural theory and practices
The programme provides a comprehensive combination of theoretical and practical training in horticulture, equipping participants with the essential skills of the full life cycle of the plant. The courses cover key aspects of modern horticultural practices, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to apply their knowledge in real-world agricultural settings, with a learning by doing approach. The course consists of:
- Horticulture and ICT
- Seed choice, sowing & nursery
- Land preparation & fertilization
- Irrigation, soil & water management
- Integrated Pest Management
- Protected horticulture
- Storage, processing & packaging
- Logistics
Entrepreneurial practices
Next to the horticultural topics, the ACHI programme equips participants with essential entrepreneurial skills to help them establish and grow successful agribusinesses. The programme covers key aspects of business development, from identifying opportunities to managing finances and marketing products effectively. The topics consist of:
- Teamwork
- Introduction to entrepreneurship
- Entrepreneurial opportunities
- Value proposition
- Business model
- Finance & planning
- Marketing & branding
- Sales pitch
Field Trip
To apply the learnings in class with the real horticultural settings, the participants go on a field trip to a company. These visits provide valuable hands-on exposure to commercial farms, agribusinesses, and research institutions, allowing participants to observe best practices, modern technologies, and innovative farming techniques in action.
During these excursions, they engage with experienced farmers and industry experts, gaining insights into real-world challenges and opportunities in horticulture and agribusiness. They will deepen their understanding of the agricultural value chain and strengthen their practical knowledge.
Step 3: Graduation
The graduation day marks the culmination of the ACHI programme, celebrating the hard work, dedication, and accomplishments of the participants. During this day, the groups show and pitch their projects. A jury is present to assess which group is winning the first, second and third place. At the end, all graduates receive a certificate of the programme. This event brings together mentors, partners, and alumni to recognize the graduates’ achievements and inspire their next steps in agribusiness. Graduates step into the future with skills, confidence, and a network to build successful careers in horticulture.
Step 4: Alumni
Graduating from the ACHI programme marks the beginning of a new phase where alumni become part of the ACHI Alumni Association. This alumni network provides ongoing opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and collaboration. Alumni can participate in networking events, gain access to industry connections, and continue learning through workshops and resources.
Want to apply?
Are you interested in joining the ACHI educational programme, or want to know more information? We would love to hear from you. Reach out to us, and let’s grow together.