Master of Science In Horticulture

 Rationale of the Programme

Needs assessment/market survey/situation analysis

Over the past two decades, the horticultural industry in Kenya has expanded tremendously becoming a major contributor to the country’s economy and the leading foreign exchange earner and a major employer. However, stiff competition in regional and global markets and the problems encountered in production, processing, financing, and environmental management pose a serious challenge. There is therefore need to build capacity in aspects that increase productivity while managing resources and environment efficiently, effectively and sustainably. The Master of Science (MSc) programme in horticulture is designed with a view of training high quality graduates with requisite professional and technical skills to effectively handle issues of crop productivity, quality, postharvest handling and value addition. The trainees will be equipped with knowledge and skills on global issues including good agricultural practices, climate change, biodiversity, biotechnology, environmental management and market access. In addition, the trainees will be taught research and communication skills to enable them develop strategies that will enhance the growth of the horticulture sub-sector. The revised curriculum will respond to the emerging global and national issues in horticulture

The goal of the program is to equip the learners with knowledge and skills to prepare them for professional careers in academia, research, industry and government.

The expected learning outcomes of the programme

By the end of the MSc programme, the candidates will be expected to:

1. Explain concepts, key principles and practices in the horticulture value chain
2. Analyse the horticultural industry and apply practical skills to manage real-life situations, and solve problems in the industry
3. Design horticultural production systems to meet the market needs
4. Communicate effectively as a professional with clients and colleagues in addressing real-life situations
5. Operate effectively and ethically as a team member in the horticulture industry

The philosophy of the Master of Science in Horticulture is to produce world-class University graduates who will provide leadership and excel in the field of horticulture. The programme is designed to be responsive to the national and international aspirations through creation, preservation, integration, transmission and utilization of knowledge in horticulture and develop new innovations as a foundation for research, academia, managerial and policy makers in the field of Horticulture. The programme is anchored on international and continental frameworks that address sustainable agricultural and horticultural development as well as national development blue-prints in African countries. The University has aligned its policies and academic programmes to the national and regional development goals. The philosophy of the programme is to train and produce qualified and competent MSc graduates who are able to engage at the local, regional, continental and global levels in matters Horticulture.

 

The programme will be delivered face-to-face, blended learning or part-time, and Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) modes of study.

Face-to-Face Mode

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

Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL)

The open, distance and electronic learning (ODeL) modes of delivery will be through home and/ or office-based media using variety of self-instructional and online self-study materials, including:

i. Written self-instructional study modules issued at registration time

1. Study course materials like booklets
   1. Relevant literature
   2. Online interactive devices and self-tests

ii. Mediated technical learning materials for example:-

1. Audio visual
2. e-learning materials

iv. Limited face-to-face sessions to provide overview of the course at commencement of semester, mid semester and revision period before examinations.

v. The University of Nairobi study support centres and libraries at the University of Nairobi and other institutions.

vi. Orientation immediately after registration:

1. Orientation in ODeL delivery.
2. Study, reading and use of online study materials.
3. Time management and techniques of handling assignments.
4. Mentorship, guidance and counselling.
5. 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.
3. 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.

Prof Richard Ombui Nyankanga

Cell phone 254723-987294

e-mail:richard.nyankanga@uonbi.ac.ke

Prof James Muthomi

Cell phone +254 722984179

 e-mail: james_wanjohi@yahoo.com, james.muthomi@uonbi.ac.ke

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