B.Sc. Agricultural Economics

MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

1. Mean grade C+ at KCSE or equivalent with at least C plain in Biology/Biological Sciences, Chemistry/Physical Sciences and any one of the following: Mathematics, Physics or Geography; OR,
2. KACE or equivalent with at least two Principal passes in Biology and Chemistry and one Subsidiary pass in Mathematics, Physics or Geography; OR,
3. Mean grade C (plain) at KCSE and a Diploma or Higher National Diploma in Biological or related sciences with at least a credit pass.

Master of Science in Agricultural Economics Degree

Introduction

Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy. It contributes about 30% of the GDP and provides income to over 70% of the population. However, the sector continues to face many challenges, one of them being lack of skilled manpower. There is need for manpower which can effectively generate and promote technologies, strategies and services that can enhance agricultural productivity and quality while preserving the environment as envisaged in Vision 2030 and as spelt out in the Agricultural Sector Development Strategy (ASDS). The Programme is offered by the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension and is designed to give students a firm grounding in Economic Theory and Quantitative Methods in the main disciplinary fields of agricultural economics. These fields include farm management and production economics, agricultural marketing and international trade, development economics, and rural development and agricultural policy.

Objectives

The Programme objectives are to:
1.    Equip professionals with knowledge and skills essential for transforming the agri-food sectors and rural economies in the region and beyond.
2.    Building advanced knowledge on agricultural development and policy for rural transformation
3.    Provide students with requisite capacity to design and conduct research and consultancy in agricultural resource management

Admission Requirement

i.    Holders of a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Food Science, Range Management, Commerce, Economics or any other subject area acceptable to the Senate of the University of Embu OR
ii.    Holders of equivalent degrees or qualifications from other universities recognized by the Senate of the University of Embu as being of comparable academic status.

Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management: An Overview

Overview

Agricultural businesses continue to be one of the key drivers of economic development in most developing countries. Effective and efficient organization and management of agribusinesses is therefore central in realizing rapid economic progress. This curriculum intends to produce graduates in Agribusiness Management that will contribute to economic development process by applying the skills learnt during the program. The curriculum has been developed in response to felt needs of the students, agriculture-based enterprises and agro-based industries in Kenya. Recent development concerns and trends incorporated in this program include globalization, industrialization, agricultural products value chain development, private sector development and participation in agribusiness development and management, sustainable development and mainstreaming environmental and gender issues in the programme content.

Programme Objectives

The programme is geared to;
(i)    build the students’ knowledge base to increase allocative efficiency in resource use; and
(ii)    build the students outlook and attitudes through development of skills and capacity for work and
(iii)    provide students with training and know-how on problem identification, solution and decision-making.

Admission Requirements

For admission, K.C.S.E. candidates need minimum requirements of mean grade C+, and passes at C or above in Biology or Biological Sciences, Physics and Chemistry or Physical Sciences and Mathematics. Candidates taking Physical and Biological Sciences the fourth subject may be selected from Geography, Building Construction, Home Science, Power Mechanics, Agriculture, Electricity, Wood Work, Drawing and Design, Metal Work and Aviation Technology. Admission to the degree course may be granted to holders of KACE with two principal passes in science subjects and at least a credit in mathematics at O-level; holders of diploma in agricultural or business-related subjects; holders of a degree and a Higher National Diploma with a C- in KCSE.

Programme Duration

The teaching period for the degree programme is not less than four academic years or their equivalents. Each academic year consists of two semesters of 15 teaching weeks and two weeks of examination. Distance learning programme will run for a minimum of 8 semesters of 15 weeks each and a maximum of 16 semesters of 15 weeks each. There will be two semesters per calendar year, therefore, the minimum calendar years for completion of the programme would be a minimum of 4 years and a maximum of 8 years. The average course load per semester will be 6-course units studied through the 15 weeks. Students may be allowed to take a minimum of 4 units per semester. Each course unit in the programme has a loading minimum of 45 hours.

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Extension: An Overview

Despite agriculture being the backbone of Kenya’s economy, the sector continues to face many challenges, one of them being lack of skilled manpower. There is need for manpower which can effectively generate and promote technologies, strategies and services that can enhance agricultural productivity and quality while preserving the environment. Currently, agricultural education teachers are needed in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions to impart students with these important skills. To bridge this gap in manpower requirement, the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension at the University of Embu offers the Agricultural Education and Extension programme. This curriculum is fairly broad and offers many career opportunities in education and agriculture. The Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension collaborates with the School of Education and Social Sciences and other departments in implementing this programme.

The programme prepares graduates for education and leadership positions in agriculture including teaching in schools and colleges. Graduates from this programme have the relevant leadership skills necessary to transform agricultural education and extension in Kenya and globally. The graduates acquire the requisite skills to teach agriculture and other biological courses in schools, teacher training colleges, and agricultural institutions. They also acquire the necessary capacity to design and conduct research in agricultural education and extension. In addition, the graduates have knowledge and skills necessary for effective information and service delivery in the agricultural sector.

Introduction to AGED Programme

Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy. It contributes about 30% of the GDP and provides income to over 70% of the population. However, the sector continues to face many challenges, one of them being lack of skilled manpower. There is need for manpower, which can effectively generate and promote technologies, strategies and services that can enhance agricultural productivity and quality while preserving the environment as envisaged in national’s Vision 2030 and as spelt out in the Agricultural Sector Development Strategy (ASDS).

Objective of the Programme

The degree in Agricultural Education and Extension prepares graduates for education and leadership positions in agriculture including teaching in schools and colleges. Currently, agricultural education teachers are needed in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions to impart students with these important skills related to agricultural systems. The Programme is broad and offers many career opportunities in education and agriculture and allied natural resources. The Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension collaborates with School of Education and other faculties in implementing this programme.

Admission Requirements for the AGED Programme

In addition to satisfying the minimum university entrance requirements, admission to the degree course may be granted to the following candidates.
(a)    Holders of KCSE with a mean grade C+ (plus) or equivalent from a recognized institution:
(b)    Holders of KCSE with a mean grade C(minus) or equivalent plus a certificate and Diploma.

Programme Structure

(i)    The teaching of the degree programme shall extend over a minimum of 8 semesters and a maximum period of 16 semesters.
(ii)    Each academic year shall consist of two semesters.
(iii)     Each semester shall consist of 15 weeks inclusive of teaching and examinations.
(iv)    Candidates shall be required to do teaching practice for a period of equivalent to one semester during their third year of study. Students shall participate and complete course work and practical assignments that may be applicable to the programme. Admission to the examination at the end of the semester shall be based on satisfactory completion of such requirements.
(v)    Each candidate shall be required to undertake 8 weeks of field practice (attachment) after completion of second semester of the second year of study. During field attachment, students are expected to identify a project on which to write a technical report and present at a seminar organized for the whole class.