BSc. Agricultural Economics Program Offered at Egerton University

Agriculture is the principal sub-sector in the economies of many developing countries in the absence of a strong industrial sector. Indeed in Kenya Agriculture in its widest sense is ―the goose that lays the golden eggs‖. It is a source of income to farmers, affiliated entrepreneurs, source of employment and earns foreign exchange etc. In many developing countries, agriculture is carried out on small farms with inherent differences in agro-ecological conditions, limited resource base and basic technology.
The training programme for the degree of bachelor of science in agricultural economics at Egerton University was conceptualised and designed to produce manpower that is expected to contribute towards the goal of self-reliance and motivation in skilled manpower for national development especially for the agricultural sub-sector in entirety, the objective of the programme is to produce graduates trained in the discipline of agriculture, economics and management with good blending of practical work to promote agricultural development and living standards. At the completion of the training, the BSc. Agricultural Economics graduates should be able to:

• Analyse and explain the physical, ecological land agricultural policy and carry out effective extension work among farmers (Farm and Market Analysis Interpretations and Extension).
• Plan and administer in both private and public sectors by identifying and analysing particular socio-economic constraints and opportunities in various sectors of the economy (Sector Planning).
• Carry out agricultural project planning and policy formulation (Project Planning).
• Teach economics in agricultural institutions of learning as well as conduct research (Teach and Research).
• Participate in the general direction and actual implementation of agricultural development
• Programmes and projects (agricultural project development and administration).
• Where possible run their own individual farm – firms and agri-business enterprises include consultancy (self employment).
• Pursue graduate studies in agricultural Economics (Further studies).

The BSc. in Agricultural economics programme was started in 1987.The programme endeavours to produce graduates who can participate in agricultural industry in a variety of roles, notably, self – employment where feasible, agricultural extension and credit administration, agricultural project planning and implementation, marketing consultancy and teaching agricultural economics.
The Department of Agricultural Economics has a long history going back to 1969 when it was created to train man power for farm management to meet the needs of the Agricultural sub-sector in the first decade of Kenya‘s independence.The main emphasis of the programme inter alia include: agriculture, Farm Management, Economics, Marketing economics, Agricultural extension and practical work.

The original programme has of necessity been pragmatic and subject to change, over the years consistent with changing circumstances and emphasis in farming industry.

Currently the curriculum endeavours to produce practically oriented people who are competent and sensitive to address issues related to increased small farm productivity and development.

Applicants must satisfy the minimum entry requirements for admissions into the University by attaining an average grade of B- in the 8 subjects they offer at KCSE or equivalent examinations.
In addition to one above, applicants must offer passes in the following subject;

• Biology B or Biological Sciences B-
• Chemistry B- or Physical Science B

An added advantage will be given to applicants who have passed with at least a C grade pass in economics, commerce or Agriculture.

Admission may be granted to outstanding diploma holders who have passed with distinction, Credit or their equivalence in farm management, agriculture or other related disciplines from recognised universities or colleges.

Mininum Entry Requirements for Bachelor's Degree
The entry requirements set out below are only minimum, and they in no way entitle an applicant to a place in the University. Applicants must:

• Have the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education with an average grade C+ (C plus)passed at one sitting from at least seven subjects drawn from subject groupings as specified by the Kenya National Examinations Council or its equivalent.

OR

• Have one of the following combinations of passes in the Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education examination:
• Two (2) Principal passes obtained at the same sitting.

OR

• Egerton University Statutes 2008 43
• Two (2) Principal passes obtained at different sittings provided the passes are of Grade C or higher.

OR

• Hold a Diploma of Egerton University with a 'Credit' pass or higher or an equivalent
• Qualification from a recognized institution in the relevant field of specialization acceptable to Senate. Those with a 'Pass' Diploma will be considered if they have at least two years relevant experience after graduation.

AND
Meet additional entry requirements as may be specified by the respective Department, Faculty, School or Institute.

To be admitted for a PRE-SERVICE DEGREE PROGRAM, a prospective candidate must have all the requirements set up by the joint Admission Board (JAB), with a prospective IN-SERVICE student must have completed a diplomaprogram in the relevant field and graduated with at least a CREDIT.

Full-time students are expected to take up to four years to complete the study, each year consisting of two semesters.

Some of the subject areas to be covered include:

• Introductory, economic theory and quantitative economics
• Resource and development economics
• Agricultural marketing and trade.
• Farm management and production economics
• Agricultural law and policy
• Industrial/Field Attachment

Egerton University is the oldest institution of higher learning in Kenya. It was founded as a Farm School in 1939 by Lord Maurice Egerton of Tatton, a British national who settled in Kenya in the 1920s.

Egerton University has three (3) Campuses and one Campus College.

The main Campus is based at ... read more