The African Agribusiness Incubation Network (AAIN) and the University of Embu on 6 December 2023, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to initiate a partnership of mutual benefits based on four principles, i.e., co-creation, co-implementation, co-financing and co-learning. The University, known for its commitment to excellence in education and research, committed to forge a ground-breaking partnership with (AAIN). The Vice Chancellor Prof. Daniel Mugendi and AAIN Chief Executive, Prof. Alex Ariho signed the MoU that will reshape the landscape of applied research, resource mobilization, mentorship, business incubation, and student exchange. The MoU aims to create a collaborative environment that would foster innovation, drive sustainable agricultural practices and associated enterprises and empower the next generation of agribusiness leaders.
The two institutions pledged to intensify applied research initiatives, bringing together the intellectual prowess of the University's academic departments with the practical insights of AAIN. The goal is to address pressing challenges in the agricultural sector, from sustainable development of agricultural products value chains to climate change resilience, through cutting-edge research and link to industry.
Resource mobilization takes the centre stage of the partnership as both institutions committed to jointly seeking funding opportunities and grants to fuel transformative projects. The infusion of financial support would enable the development of state-of-the-art research facilities, and technology-driven solutions in agribusiness development.
Mentorship programs will bridge the gap between academia and industry, with seasoned experts from AAIN guiding students and faculty in translating theoretical knowledge into real-world applications. Business incubation programs, a cornerstone of the partnership, aims to nurture agribusiness start-ups, providing them with the necessary support to flourish.
The commitment to student exchange programs will enrich the academic experience, exposing students to diverse perspectives and expanding their global outlook. This cultural interchange will not only enhance their educational journey but also prepare them for the complexities of the regional and international agribusiness arena.
Therefore, the collaboration between the University of Embu and AAIN symbolizes a new era of possibilities, where the synergy of academia and industry would pave the way for sustainable agricultural practices and empower the leaders of tomorrow.
First Year Students 2023 Welcome Message by the Chairman Of Department
It is with great pleasure and a sense of profound anticipation that I extend a warm welcome to each one of you as we embark on this exciting academic journey together within the Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension at the University of Embu.
Our department is a hub of knowledge, innovation, and opportunity. We take immense pride in offering a diverse range of academic programs, including two Bachelor of Science programs – BSc Agricultural Education and Extension, and BSc Agribusiness Management. These programs, along with other diploma and postgraduate studies, are designed to equip you with the skills, expertise, and insights needed to excel in the dynamic world of agriculture and agribusiness.
Agriculture, as we all know, forms the cornerstone of our nation's economy and it plays an indispensable role in addressing global challenges like food security, environmental sustainability, and rural development just to name a few. Within the Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension, you will find a community of scholars and practitioners deeply committed to advancing our understanding of these critical issues and developing innovative solutions.
Our distinguished academic members of staff bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the lecture halls. Please note that they are not just educators; they are also mentors and guides who are genuinely invested in your academic and personal growth. I encourage you to engage with them actively, seek their guidance, and explore opportunities for research and experiential learning.
To our new students, I want to emphasize again that this is not just a place to acquire knowledge; it is a platform for holistic development. So get involved in student clubs, join research projects, and participate in community outreach initiatives within the university. These experiences will not only enrich your university life but also shape you into well-rounded individuals with a deep sense of social responsibility.
As you embark on this educational voyage, always remember that the journey itself is as important as the destination. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and never stop asking questions and seeking answers. Here in the Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension, we are committed to fostering a spirit of curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.
Lastly, I want to assure you that our department is more than just an academic institution; it is a supportive and inclusive community. If you ever encounter questions, concerns, or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to our dedicated faculty and staff because we are here to guide you every step of the way.
In closing, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each one of you for choosing the Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension at the University of Embu. Your presence here adds vibrancy to our academic community, and we are excited to witness the incredible contributions you will make to the fields of agriculture, extension, agribusiness, and beyond.
Thank you for joining us, and let us embark on this transformative journey together.
May God bless you.
P. Njue and E. Otara: We proudly join you in celebrating your masterful achievement
This is a special message dedicated to Ms Priscilla Nyaguthii Njue and Ms Elvin Nyaboe Otara from the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension who are among the postgraduate students who were accorded the privilege of receiving their respective masters degree certificates from the Chancellor of the University of Embu. Once more we say, Ms Njue and Ms Otara, "Congratulations on earning your Master's degree on this 15th day of September 2023. Your hard-work and dedication have paid off, and your future is filled with endless possibilities. Well done Ladies." 
Ms. P. Njue is a young dedicated researcher and prolific writer now with a Master's Degree in Agricultural Economics with a focus on livestock production systems. Graduating with a master’s degree in a record of 2 years is a testament to Ms Njue’s passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to making a difference to the agricultural industry especially as a vehicle for promoting community-led growth, food security and nutrition and resilience. Ms Njue’s academic journey has been one of growth and knowledge accumulation, and her expertise in this specialized field will undoubtedly have a profound impact in the field of agriculture. Her pursuit of excellence in livestock production systems demonstrates Ms Njue’s forward-thinking approach to addressing critical issues in the agricultural sector in respect to stimulating transformation, equity and social inclusion in development. Her ability to analyse economic trends, optimize production processes, and enhance sustainability within the livestock industry is commendable. As Ms Njue embarks on this new chapter in her career, we have no doubt that she will continue to be a driving force for innovation and positive change in the livestock sub-sector. Ms Njue’s accomplishments will certainly inspire many of our students who are taking masters programmes in the Department. Her publications in this area will go a long way in informing policy and planning at county, national and regional levels (https://doi.org/10.17170/kobra-202302217524). We look forward to witnessing Ms Njue’s continued success in shaping a more sustainable and prosperous future for our agricultural/pastoral communities." Welcome back to the Department for a PhD programme in this critical area.
Ms Elvin Nyaboe Otara, has keen interest in regenerative agriculture particularly in the drier areas. Ms Otara has a written powerful statement on her passion for sustainability, environmental stewardship, and the future of farming in this rapidly varying and changing climatic conditions. She has demonstrated innovative, affordable and sustainable approaches of restoring soil health. Her dedication to advancing this vital field is truly inspiring and holds the promise of brighter, more sustainable agricultural landscapes not only in Kenya but also in the continent. Ms Otara’s expertise in regenerative agriculture not only showcases her deep understanding of the complex relationship between agriculture and the environment but also underscores her commitment to fostering resilience in our shaky food systems. Ms Otara’s innovative research and dedication to sustainable farming practices as demonstrated through her various publications and contribution to scientific knowledge in the area (https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jae.v27i1.1) will undoubtedly serve as a beacon for others in the agricultural sector who seek to harmonize production, productivity, resilience, equity and ecological health and hence make a contribution to SGDs 1, 2 and 13. As Ms Otara scales up the ladder in her career path, her contributions to regenerative agriculture will be monumentally instrumental in promoting a more sustainable and eco-conscious approach to feeding our growing global population. As a Department, we have no doubt that Ms Otara’s future endeavours will continue to make a positive impact in our region, and we are excited to be associated with her forthcoming achievements given her passion and knowledge in this unique field." Welcome back to the Department for a PhD programme in this critical subject matter
Regenerative Agriculture! A ray of hope for resource constraint farmers in drylands of Embu County
Overview
With climate change-induced risks becoming more evident across scales, in the beautiful region of drier parts of Embu County, nestled in the heart of the larger Mt. Kenya ecosystem, a group of determined resource constraint and small-scale farmers embarked on a journey to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Their home-grown strategy was to embrace regenerative agriculture practices with the aim of restoring sustainable landscape productivity, food and nutrition security as well as enhance farm level resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The group of farmers seem to have a clear vision on their contribution to four of the global sustainable development goals Nos. 1 (poverty eradication), 2 (zero hunger), 13 (climate action) and 17 (partnerships).
Focus on Relevance and Market Trends
The Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension is housed in the School of Agriculture and has a high calibre, well-experienced, committed and competent team of academic staff. There are five members of staff with Doctor of Philosophy degrees in the fields of agricultural economics, agribusiness, agricultural education, project management and environmental economics.
Currently, the Department offers four academic programmes namely; Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management, Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Extension, Master of Science in Agricultural Economics and Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Economics. All our programmes are approved and respective degrees accredited by the Commission for University Education and are regionally and globally recognized. The undergraduate programmes provide for exposure to industry practice through academic trips, teaching practice, industrial and field attachments.
Since its inception in 2013, the student enrolment has steadily grown, with many having graduated who are highly competitive in the job market. The postgraduate students have progressed well as per set timelines and are at different stages of proposal development and thesis writing, and are bound to complete their studies on time.
The staff and students undertake cutting-edge research and have consistently published quality articles in peer-reviewed journals. The Department is currently participating in implementing an ongoing project titled Scaling-up Pathways of Last Mile Climate Information Services for Community Resilience in Kenya and Uganda, funded by the International Development Research Centre of Canada. In addition, members of the Department engage in various professional consultancy projects with the private sector, government, non-governmental and international organizations.
In order to meet market demand, three new academic programmes have been developed. These are Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Extension, Master of Science in Agricultural Extension and Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics Development. These new curricula are in line with Governments’ efforts to realize sustainable and secure livelihoods. The Department has planned to develop and launch two new and innovative programmes; Masters in Agribusiness Management and Doctor of Philosophy in Agribusiness Management. In addition, the department is in the process of reviewing the current Programmes so as to make them in sync with the market needs.
The Department is also developing three market-driven short-term courses that will take one week to six months based on the various stages of the agricultural production value chain. These unique courses are in farm resource management, value addition and climate change mitigation strategies. These courses will be delivered through on-site training and on the e-learning platform. The Department has embarked on ambitious short, medium and longterm strategies aimed at continuous improvement of the rating in terms of scientific research outputs, enhancing the financial resource base and upscaling the number of research projects.