Agriculture plays a central role in supplying food and providing raw materials for industry. In developing countries, including Kenya, agriculture is a major foreign exchange earner and source of employment. The level of performance of the agriculture sector is dependent on the quality of training in agriculture.
This Diploma programme in Agricultural Education and Extension at Egerton University is intended to prepare individuals who can assist the nation realize those aims set for agriculture. The programme has a broad range of courses in basic sciences, technical agriculture and communication. The graduates of the programme are prepared to assume positions in teaching, agricultural extension and rural development.
Agriculture contributes about 26% directly and 27% indirectly to Kenya?s GDP and provides income to over 70% of Kenyans. Only individuals who have had extensive periods of preparation can effectively participate in the development of the nation?s agriculture.
The philosophical basis of training in agricultural education and agricultural extension is to prepare a critical mass of producers, managers, extension officers and researchers who can effectively participate in the modernization of agriculture.
The Diploma programme in Agricultural Education and Extension is intended to produce individuals who have undergone training in technical agriculture, extension education, agricultural education and communication skills to meet the demands of modern agriculture. In addition, the graduates of the programme would have acquired the skills of setting up and managing agribusinesses.