Master of Science (Agricultural and Applied Economics)

    Overview

    The Master of Science programme in Agricultural and Applied Economics involves collaboration of sixteen universities in the Eastern, Central and Southern Africa region. Its underlying premise is the need for highly trained local professionals to address the challenges posed by far reaching changes in global and local economies, technology, and marketing, by adapting their advanced knowledge and methods to the particular institutional, political and economic circumstances of the region. The growing economies need professionals whose skills will range from analysing the implications of changes in trade and macroeconomic policy to studying the performance of local markets for agricultural products, services and inputs. Others will be working with scientists to determine the economic as well as technical feasibility of new products and processes.

    The principal objectives of the programme are therefore to:

    • Expose students to current issues in agricultural and applied economics.

    • Equip professionals with knowledge and skills essential for transforming the agro-food sectors and rural economies of the region in an environmentally sustainable fashion.

    • Conform to international

    For instructions on how to apply click here

    To apply online here

    Mode of delivery

    Face-to-face mode

    This will be through lectures, discussion groups, seminars, guided field visits and industry tours, case studies and assignments

    Open distance and e-learning mode

    This will be through self-instructional and online self-study materials, including self-instructional study modules such as booklets, relevant literature to the course, and online interactive devices and self-tests; technical learning materials such as audiovisual, e-learning materials and video clips.

    Blended learning mode

    This will combine both face-to-face and online learning approaches including but not limited to: the use of online tools and resources such as Google Classroom, YouTube, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Moodle and Blackboard; Hand-on practical exercises in the field, face-to-face group work in classrooms and face-to-face tutorials between online lessons; and use of cloudbased content and learning course management system application to connect with students online.

     

    Program Co-ordinator

    Prof. Jonathan Nzuma,

    Department of Agricultural Economics,

    P.O. Box 29053 – 00625,

    Nairobi, Kenya

    Tel: +254- 020-4916019

    Tel: +254- 020-4916075

    Email: agecon@uonbi.ac.ke

    Contacts of Support persons

    Agripina singa - asinga@uonbi.ac.ke

    Emmanuel Guantai - guantai@uonbi.ac.ke

    Dorcas Nduati - dnduati@uonbi.ac.ke

     

    Notable Alumni

    Dr. Oliver Kirui -  International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)

    Dr. Kelvin Shikuku - Internationational Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

    Dr. Beatrice Muriithi - International Centre of Insects Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE)

    Dr. Priscilla Maina - World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)

    Dr. Mercy Mbugua - International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)

    Dr. Zachary Gitonga -  International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)

    Prof. OLE Mbatia

    Prof. Chris Ackello-Ogutu

    Prof. Stephen Mbogoh

    Prof. Willis Kosura - FOODSECURE for policies that matter

    SCHEDULE OF INTAKE

    Students are admitted once every year usually in September with the exception of variations that may be caused by unforeseen circumstances. Applications are, however, received all year round and are processed for yearly admission.

     

    • The course consists of coursework, continuous assessment, written examination and a research project.

    • The continuous assessment shall comprise tests, assignments and term papers.

    • The candidate shall be required to take at least 12 course units, 9 of which shall be core and at least three electives. The core must be taken before electives.

    • The candidate in addition shall undertake mandatory research project equivalent to six course units.

    • The course shall be covered in a minimum of five semesters and a maximum of ten semesters of 15 weeks each.

    • The candidate shall be required to take a minimum of four course units in the first semester, four in the second semester and at least four in the third semester.

    • Only those achieving core competencies will proceed to the third semester, for specialization courses.

    • Over the fourth and fifth semesters, after successful completion of coursework, the student shall undertake a research project mentored by subject specialists from the University and where desirable, other collaborating universities within the region. .

    The common regulations governing Masters programmes in all faculties, institutes and schools shall apply.

    Applications will be considered from graduates in any field and professionals in mid-career, provided they satisfy prerequisites considered necessary to succeed in a rigorous program of study and research.

    The following shall be eligible for admission:

    • Holders of at least an Upper Second Class Honours degree or equivalent qualification in Agriculture, Food Science, and Range Management or in any other subject area judged relevant from a University recognized by Senate.

    • Holders of Lower Second Class Honours degree in the same disciplines as in 2.3.1 from the University of Nairobi or from another University recognized by Senate, with at least two years relevant research experience, with supporting publications.

    • Holders of a Pass degree in the same disciplines as in 2.3.1 and a relevant postgraduate diploma from a recognized University or at least five years of field experience and evidence of research publication since graduation.

    • Holders of equivalent qualifications from other Universities recognized by the University of Nairobi senate.

     

    Apply here: https://application.uonbi.ac.ke/

    Career Prospects/Opportunities

     

    Attachment Opportunities

    • IFPRI -International Food Policy Research Institute
    • ICRAF - World Agroforestry Centre
    • FOODSECURE
    • ILRI - Internation Livestock Research Institute
    • ICIPE - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology
    • CIATChartered Institute of Architectural Technologists
    • KARLOKenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization
    • ICRISATInternational Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
    • CIMMYTInternational Maize and Wheat Improvement Center
    MASTER OF SCIENCE AGRICULTURAL AND APPLIED ECONOMICS - AAE61
           
       Year I   Year 2   Totals 
    TUITION             384,000.00                       384,000.00                       768,000.00
    EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000)                10,000.00                                         -                            10,000.00
    ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR)                  7,000.00                            7,000.00                          14,000.00
    THESIS EXAMINATION                               -                           30,000.00                          30,000.00
    REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250)                  4,500.00                            4,500.00                            9,000.00
    ID CARD ( PER YEAR)                  1,000.00                            1,000.00                            2,000.00
    CAUTION - (ONCE)                  5,000.00                                         -                              5,000.00
    MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR)                  6,500.00                            6,500.00                          13,000.00
    LIBRARY (PER YEAR)                  5,000.00                            5,000.00                          10,000.00
    ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR)                  2,000.00                            2,000.00                            4,000.00
    STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR)                  1,000.00                            1,000.00                            2,000.00
    Grand totals             426,000.00                       441,000.00                       867,000.00

     

    Exam Regulations

    6.0 EXAMINATION REGULATIONS
    6.1. Written examinations
    6.1.1 Each course shall be examined by a written paper lasting three hours at the end of each semester in which the course is given.
    6.1.2 The coursework assessment shall account for 30% and written examinations for 70% of the final mark.
    6.1.3 The pass mark for each course shall be 50 %.
    6.1.4 The grading of the courses shall be as follows:

    A = 70% and above;
    B = 60 – 69%;
    C = 50 -59%;
    D = 0 – 49% (fail)

    6.1.5 A candidate who fails in any paper may, on the recommendation of the Board of
    Examiners and approval by the Senate be allowed to take up to two supplementaries in
    failed papers after paying the appropriate fees.

     6.1.6 A candidate who fails in the second supplementary or fails to complete the programme in the prescribed maximum duration of 8 semesters shall, on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners and approval by the Senate, be discontinued.
    6.1.7 The mark for a supplementary paper shall be recorded as 50% in the candidate’s
    academic record.
    6.2. Thesis examination
    6.2.1 Each student shall present a seminar on the thesis research proposal.
    6.2.2 Each candidate shall submit for examination a thesis, with the approval of the academic supervisors, at the end of the final semester. The thesis shall be examined in accordance with the common regulations of the University of Nairobi.
    6.2.3 A candidate who fails in the thesis examination may on the recommendation of the Faculty Board of examiners be allowed to resubmit the thesis within six months up to a maximum of two times.
    6.2.4 A candidate who fails after the second resubmission or fails to complete the course in the prescribed period shall, on the recommendation of the Faculty Board and approval by Senate, be discontinued.
    7.0 AWARD OF DEGREE
    Candidates who satisfy the examiners in all written and thesis examinations shall be awarded a Master of Science degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics.