Burkina Faso CFPA/CAPA study plan
Burkina Faso CFPA/CAPA · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Crop production (plant science, soil fertility, crop protection)
Diagram the growth cycle of the main cereals (sorghum, millet, maize) and identify the stage at which each is most vulnerable to drought
List the three major soil-fertility constraints of Burkina Faso soils (low organic matter, phosphorus deficiency, acidity/salinity) and explain one corrective practice for each
Classify 15 common crop pests and diseases of cereals and legumes by causal agent (insect, fungus, virus, weed) and the damage symptom they produce
Explain the role of nitrogen-fixing legumes in a cereal rotation and calculate the recommended seeding density for a cowpea intercrop
Your checkpoint
A one-page crop-protection and soil-fertility reference sheet covering at least 12 pests/diseases and 6 fertility practices, self-tested with a 20-question quiz scoring at least 80%
Crop production (plant science, soil fertility, crop protection) & Animal production (livestock husbandry, animal health, feeding)
Compare three integrated pest-management strategies (cultural, biological, chemical) and justify which fits smallholder cereal production in the Sahel
Describe the nutritional requirements of cattle, sheep, goats and poultry and match each to locally available feed sources (crop residues, legume haulms, agro-industrial by-products)
Explain how to detect and manage the five most common livestock diseases in the region, distinguishing contagious from non-contagious conditions
Outline a vaccination and deworming calendar for a mixed smallholder herd across the dry and rainy seasons
Your checkpoint
A two-part summary (crop protection + livestock health and feeding) of at least 800 words, with a completed 25-question mixed-domain practice set at 75% or better
Animal production (livestock husbandry, animal health, feeding)
Design a feeding ration for one production unit (e.g., a dairy cow or a 50-bird poultry flock) using locally available ingredients and stating quantities
Describe housing, hygiene and biosecurity measures that reduce mortality in a small poultry unit
Explain the reproductive cycle of cattle and small ruminants and identify the signs of heat and of difficult parturition
Produce a simple record-keeping format for animal health events and feed consumption
Your checkpoint
A complete ration-and-housing plan for one livestock unit, including a filled sample record sheet and a 15-question self-quiz at 80% or better
Agricultural economics and farm management (accounting, marketing, cooperatives)
Construct a simple income statement and a balance sheet for a farm enterprise from a set of given transactions
Distinguish fixed, variable and sunk costs, and calculate gross margin and break-even price for one crop
Explain how a cooperative is formed and governed under the principles of shared membership and democratic control
Compare two marketing channels for a cereal or vegetable and identify the margin captured by the producer in each
Your checkpoint
A full farm budget for a one-hectare cereal-plus-livestock enterprise, including gross margin, break-even price and a one-page cooperative governance note
Agricultural machinery, tools and equipment (operation and maintenance) & Natural resource management and environment (water, soil conservation, agroforestry)
Describe the correct operation, daily checks and routine maintenance of the main farm machines (tractor, plough, seed drill, sprayer, water pump)
Diagnose five common mechanical faults from symptoms and state the corrective action and safety precaution for each
Explain the principles of soil erosion by water and wind and design a combination of contour measures, hedgerows and mulching for a sloping field
Describe water-harvesting techniques (zai pits, half-moons, stone bunds, small dams) and match each to a slope and rainfall condition
Explain how agroforestry (parkland trees, live fences, windbreaks) contributes to soil fertility and microclimate
Your checkpoint
An illustrated maintenance checklist for three machines plus a soil- and water-conservation plan for a described 2-hectare sloping plot, with each measure justified
Natural resource management and environment (water, soil conservation, agroforestry) & Rural development, extension and community organization
Evaluate the environmental risks of agrochemical use and propose a safe-handling and disposal protocol
Describe the steps of a participatory extension approach: diagnosing needs, planning with farmers, demonstrating, and following up
Explain the structure and function of farmer organizations and how a field agent supports group decision-making
Draft a short training session for farmers on one natural-resource topic, including objectives, method and evaluation
Your checkpoint
A 30-minute farmer training session plan on one natural-resource topic, with a one-page handout outline and an evaluation questionnaire
Rural development, extension and community organization & Professional communication and entrepreneurship
Write a simple business plan for a small farm enterprise covering market analysis, costs, projected revenue and risk
Draft a professional cover letter and a one-page CV for an agricultural technician position
Explain the principles of effective written and oral communication with farmers, buyers and support services
Identify the main sources of agricultural credit and support services available to smallholders and the conditions for access
Your checkpoint
A complete mini business plan (at least 600 words) plus a one-page CV and cover letter, reviewed against a self-made checklist
Crop production (plant science, soil fertility, crop protection) & Animal production (livestock husbandry, animal health, feeding) & Agricultural economics and farm management (accounting, marketing, cooperatives) & Agricultural machinery, tools and equipment (operation and maintenance) & Natural resource management and environment (water, soil conservation, agroforestry) & Rural development, extension and community organization & Professional communication and entrepreneurship & General subjects (French, mathematics, applied sciences)
Consolidate all domains by re-testing the weakest topics identified from earlier quizzes
Complete two full-length timed mock examinations under exam conditions
Review every missed question and record the underlying concept for each error
Confirm readiness by scoring at least 75% on the final mock and listing remaining gaps with a revision action for each
Your checkpoint
Two completed timed mock exams with a written error-analysis log and a final one-page revision sheet of the ten weakest concepts
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 75% on a 25-question mixed crop-and-livestock practice set and explain any missed item without notes
Week 4: Produce a farm budget whose gross margin and break-even price are arithmetically correct and defensible in a five-minute oral walkthrough
Week 6: Deliver the 30-minute training session plan to a peer or mentor and receive written feedback on clarity and feasibility
Week 8: Score at least 75% on both timed mock exams and submit the error-analysis log covering every missed question