SPRAY SERVICE PROVIDER CONCEPT IN KENYA
A Spray service Provider is a farmer who has received specialized training on the responsible use and application of pesticides. The SSP is then expected to offer the spraying service to farmers at a fee. The SSP transfers the responsibility of pesticide application from the farmer thus reducing farmers’ exposure to pesticides while at the same time advising the farmer on the use of genuine products. The SSP also has a role in educating farmers on the need for environmental preservation by advising farmers on the proper management of empty pesticide containers as well as pesticide waste.
How does it work?
- Farmer identification and recruitment:
- Male: aged between 25-45 years of age (approximately).
- Be able to read and Write in English and Swahili
- Be in good physical condition.
- Have good agronomic knowledge on crop production
- Available and Willing to sell their services to farmers
- Have access to quality application equipment
2. Training:
The SSP training enhances their competency in:
- Integrated Soil Fertility Management
- Integrated Pest Management principles
- Classification of Pesticides
- Responsible Use of Pesticide
- Pesticide application skills
- First Aid for pesticide poisoning
- Basic record Keeping
- Training and Facilitation skills
- Financial Management
- Business Plan Development
The training is very practical and takes between 4 to 5 days for the SSP implementers and Trainer of Trainers respectively.
3. Certification and equipping
The SSP’s undertake a written and practical with the pass mark being 60%. Successful candidates are issued with a certificate and an identification card which is valid for 2 years. Renewal is subject to attendance of a refresher course.
In order to perform their role safely and effectively, the SSP is equipped with Personal Protective Equipment
4. Linkage to stakeholders/ Monitoring , mentoring and learning :
On deployment, the SSP’s are linked to various stakeholders such as aak-GROWmember companies, Ministry of Agriculture, agrodealers, NGO’s and farmer groups for continuous monitoring, Mentoring and learning. This also ensures they gain access to quality inputs as well as technological information on pest management.
5. Promotion of SSPs.
Various activities are undertaken at community level to create awareness on the presence and importance of using SSP’s. These include graduation ceremonies for new SSP’s, farmer field days, demonstration sites, road shows/caravans, use of leaflets, social media, short txt messages and radio adverts/