Bachelor of Science in Dryland Economics and Agro-System Management

Overview

The goal of this degree programme is to produce holistic graduates equipped in knowledge and skills in drylands resource management with specialization that will contribute to increased food production and reduced environmental impacts from the agricultural production systems.

The overall objective of this degree program is to produce competent graduates in dryland economics and agro-ecosystem management with adequate knowledge and skills to contribute to increased food security and resilience of communities living in the drylands by strengthening their ability to cope with environmental and socio-economic change. The objective of the programme is to produce graduates trained in the discipline of economics and ecosystems management with a good blending of practical work to promote agricultural productivity and living standards in the drylands.

Currently, large proportions of rural populations in the IGAD countries live in poverty. Rural poverty rates range from 42 percent in Uganda to 86.5 percent in Djibouti, against national poverty levels that vary from 38 percent in Uganda to 53 percent in Eritrea. The high poverty levels in the arid and semiarid areas are partly caused by agricultural production systems that are characterized by low in- and output, and hence, low levels of production. Furthermore, production is heavily influenced by climatic variability and severe land degradation that requires urgent interventions to redress this constraint.

  1. The programme shall take four (4) academic years of eight (8) semesters
  2. An academic year shall constitute two (2) semesters.
  3. The Bachelor of Science in Dryland Economics and Agroecosystem management shall be offered by course work, Industrial Practice (Attachment) and Research Project.
  4. A course unit shall be defined as 45 instructional hours comprising lectures, tutorials, assignments and practical work.
  5. The student shall carry out supervised research culminating in a Research Project Report in the 4th year.

Admission Regulations of the University of Nairobi shall apply.

    1. Holders of KCSE with a Mean Grade of C+ with passes at C or above in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics or Geography, and one of the following subjects: - English, Kiswahili, Physics (if not included above), History and Government, Geography (if not included above), CRE, Computer Studies, German, Music, Islamic Religious Education, Hindu Religious Education, Home Science, Art & Design, Agriculture, Aviation Technology, French, Arabic, Business Studies.
    2. Holders of KACE or equivalent with minimum 2 Principal Passes in Biology and Chemistry and at least a subsidiary pass in Mathematics or Physics. If Mathematics or Physics was not offered at KACE, then it is accepted at Ordinary Level but with a minimum of a Credit Pass.
    3. Holders of a Diploma in Biological Sciences or related sciences from a recognized institution with KCSE mean grade of C or above.
    4. Holders of Certificate and Diploma in Biological or related sciences from a recognized institution with KCSE mean grade of C- or above.
    5. Holders of a degree in biological sciences or related sciences from a recognized University.
    6. Applicants who do not demonstrate proficiency in English will be required to undertake English language course.  

At the end of the B. Sc. Dryland Economics and Agro-Ecosystem Management programme, the graduate should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate competency in solving dryland agro-ecosystem and environmental challenges for better livelihoods of the communities.
  2. Apply the knowledge and skill in agri-business and research for dryland agro-ecosystem development
  3. Develop effective information dissemination and technology transfer to communities in the drylands that promote sustainable land and water management for increased productivity in drylands environment
  4. Apply leadership skills for the implementation of the global, regional and national policies relating to natural resource management in the drylands.

Annual fees – KES 324,000 (August/September 2021/2022 Academic Year intake)

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