BSc in Agricultural Economics and Resource Management Program Offered at Moi University

A degree in agricultural economics and resource management addresses issues that deal with the constantly changing economy and make decisions concerning risk and uncertainty of agricultural production, reliance on natural resources, key aspects of institutions that govern food and agriculture, and the competitive structures within agribusiness.

This Bachelor of Science In Agricultural Economics and Resource Management degree programme at Moi University seeks to ensure that the students learn:

• Agriculture,
• Farm Management,
• Resource Economics,
• Marketing,
• Microeconomics,
• Macroeconomics,
• Agricultural Extension and Practical Work.

The curriculum produces practically oriented graduates who are competent and sensitive to address issues related to increased small farm productivity and development.

The graduates of Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics and Resource Management should also be able to participate in the agricultural industry in a variety of roles notably self-employment where feasible, agricultural extension and credit administration, agricultural project planning and implementation, marketing consultancy, natural resources management and the teaching of agricultural economics.

At the completion of the training, the B.Sc. Agricultural Economics and Resource Management graduates should be able to:

• Analyze and explain the physical, ecological and agricultural policy of Kenya 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 analyzing particular socio-economic constraints and opportunities in various sectors of the economy (Sectoral Planning).
• Carry out agricultural project planning and evaluation and policy formulation (Project Planning).
• Teach and conduct Research economics in agricultural institutions of learning.
• Participate in the general direction and actual implementation of agricultural development programs and projects (Agricultural Project Development and Administration).
• Where possible run their own individual farm-firms and agri-business enterprises including consultancy (Self-employment).
• Pursue graduate studies in Agricultural Economics (Further Studies).

The applicant of Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics and Resource Management should be able to fulfill J.A.B. admission requirements as follows:

• Applicants must satisfy the minimum entry requirement for admission into the University by attaining an average grade of C+ at KCSE or equivalent examinations.
• In addition to one above, applicants must have at least C+ passes in the following subjects: Biology, Mathematics and Chemistry.
• An added advantage will be given to applicants who have passed with at least a C+ grade pass in Economics, Commerce, Agriculture or Mathematics (more emphasis on mathematics).
• Admission may be granted to outstanding Diploma holders who have passed with Distinction, Credit or their equivalents in Farm Management, Agriculture or other related disciplines from recognized universities or colleges.

First Year Courses

Semester I

• Communication Skills I
• General Economics
• Development Concepts and Applications
• Introduction to Statistics
• Basic Calculus
• Principles of crop production
• Principles of animal production

Semester II

• Principles of Microeconomics
• Communication Skills II
• Mathematical Economics I
• Introduction to Agricultural Economics
• Introduction to Developmental Economics
• Statistics for Economists
• Financial Accounting

SUBTOTAL 22 UNITS

Second Year Courses

Semester I

• Intermediate Microeconomic theory
• Principles of Macroeconomics
• Mathematics for Economists II
• Introduction to Econometrics
• Rural Sociology
• Introduction to Ecology
• Introduction to Soil Science
• Agricultural Power and Machinery

SUBTOTAL 24 UNITS

Semester II

• Introduction to computer applications
• Production Economics
• Agricultural Marketing I (Principles)
• Introduction to Managerial Accounting
• Financial Management in Agriculture
• Operations research
• African Economic Problems

SUBTOTAL 21 UNITS

Third Year Courses

Semester I

• Econometrics
• Intermediate Macroeconomics
• Agricultural Marketing II
• Agricultural Finance
• Farm Business Management I
• Rural Development
• Agricultural Price Analysis

SUBTOTAL 21 UNITS

Semester II

• Taxation Theory and Practice
• Agricultural Extension and Information management
• Natural Resource Management
• Research Project and Seminar I
• Research Methods
• Farming Systems
• Field Attachment

SUBTOTAL 24 UNITS

Fourth Year Courses

Semester I

• Agricultural Marketing II (Applications)
• Project Planning Evaluation and Management
• Farm Business Management II (Applications)
• Research Project and Seminar II
• Cooperative Management and
• Development Resource Economics
• Economic Development
• Electives 3

SUBTOTAL 24 UNITS

Semester II

• Agricultural Business Management I
• Environmental Economics
• Agricultural Trade and International Economics
• Economic Seminars (Current Issues in Agricultural and Resource Economics)
• Agricultural Policy and Law Surveying ,
• Soil and Water Conservation
• Electives 3

SUBTOTAL 21 UNITS

NOTE:Students are required to take 6 elective units (any 2 Courses from the list below)

Electives

• Fish Economics and Marketing
• Management information systems Technology and
• Modern Industrial Society Urban and Regional Economics
• Economics of Rural Development
• Economics of Tourism
• International Financial systems
• Economics and Utilization of Wildlife Resources

SUBTOTAL 21 UNITS

GRAND TOTAL UNITS FOR THE FOUR YEAR COURSE 198 UNITS

In January 1981 a Presidential Working Party chaired by the distinguished Canadian academic, Dr. Colin B. Mackay, was convened to prepare detailed recommendations for a second university in Kenya and their report was presented to the then President, H. E. Hon. Daniel Toroitich Arap Moi in September 1981. The report ... read more