Master of Science in Agricultural Information and Communication Management

Agricultural Information and Communication Management Programme at postgraduate level was strongly supported by the findings of a training needs assessment undertaken by Regional Agricultural Information Network (RAIN) in 2005. The National stakeholders workshop on the AICM postgraduate programmes (MSc and PGD) adopted the following findings by RAIN/ASARECA and the Regional Taskforce:

1. It was established that agricultural professionals of all cadres in the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) region with Agricultural Information and Communication Management (AICM) skills are few or lacking. More specifically, agricultural researchers, educators and technologists in National Agricultural Research Systems, universities and extension services lack skills that can make them self-sufficient in meeting basic information needs to generate and disseminate technology.

2. Agricultural research results are not effectively transmitted to the international research community. As a result, African concerns do not drive the international research agenda. The rate of scientific journals published in Africa, therefore, is quite low and insignificant in the world research arena. There is also a scarcity of trained professional scientific editors capable of assisting scientists in the region to get their research findings published in international peer refereed journals.

3. Existing university programmes do not have adequate Information and Communication Technology/ Information and Communication Management (ICT/ICM) content, explaining the low ICT/ICM competency among graduates.

4. There is a growing recognition that ICM is an emerging profession in development.

The programme targets graduates from a variety of backgrounds and specialization including agricultural and related sciences, the biological sciences, information and communication science, information technology and social sciences. AICM also provides for admission of mid career candidates with relevant experience in their relevant areas of specialization.

The aim of AICM program is to enhance the competency of professionals in the agricultural field and other development workers in managing and communicating agricultural information for accelerated development and poverty reduction, and to strengthen the capacity of universities to provide high

Mode of Delivery

The programme shall be offered through face-to-face and Open, Distance and Electronic Learning (ODeL) modes of delivery.

Face-to-Face Mode

The face-to-face method of delivery will be through class room lectures, seminars, discussions, tutorials, guided practical experiments and demonstrations.

1. A candidate shall take a minimum of 2 academic years and a maximum of 3 academic years.
   1. Each academic year shall be divided into two semesters and each semester shall consist of 15 weeks inclusive of teaching and examinations.
   2. A candidate shall be required to undertake training and complete all course work and practical assignments that are prescribed for the Master of Science in Horticulture.
      1. During the second year of study, a candidate will be required to develop a research project proposal relevant to any field of horticulture. The project proposal shall be executed and a thesis submitted for examination to the graduate school. A candidate shall be expected to consult their supervisors while developing and executing the project proposal and preparing thesis for examination.
      • Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL)

The open, distance and electronic learning (ODeL) modes of delivery will be through:

1. Use of various media and largely home based.
2. Written self-instructional study modules issued at registration time
   1. Study course materials like booklets
   2. Relevant literature
   3. Online interactive devices and self-tests
3. Mediated technical learning materials for example:-
   1. Audio visual
   2. e-learning materials
4. The University of Nairobi study support centres and libraries at the University of Nairobi and other institutions.

• Blended learning

The blended learning mode of delivery will combine face-to-face and online learning approaches.

1. Use online tools and resources such as Google Classroom, YouTube, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Moodle and Blackboard.
2. Hands-on practical exercises in the laboratory or field, face-to-face group work in a classroom and face-to-face tutorials between online lessons.

Use of cloud-based content and learning course management system application to connect with students online. The online platforms will allow students to access videos of lectures, track assignments, interact with the lecturers and classmates, and review supporting materials such as PowerPoint presentations and scholarly articles.

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