The Bachelor in Science (BSc) in Dryland Economics and Agro-Ecosystem Management (DEAM is accredited by the University of Nairobi.
The training programme for the degree of Bachelors Science in Dryland Economics and Ecosystem Management is conceptualised and designed to produce manpower that is expected to contribute towards redressing these unique constraints limiting the productivity and ecosystem management within the IGAD drylands. It is conceived taking cognizance of the diverse educational backgrounds of the students emanating from the IGAD region. The aim is to contribute to increased food security and the resilience of communities living on (semi-) arid lands 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.
The first two years of the Bachelors Science in Dryland Economics and Ecosystem Management programme will be spent on core courses which will ground the students in dryland agriculture related basic sciences and the fundamentals of the professional agricultural disciplines (i.e. agricultural economics, animal science, crop protection, crop science and soil science). In the third year of study, the students will opt and specialize in any of the following majors: Land Resource Management, Agricultural Extension and Drylands Agricultural Economics. The respective majors will appear on students’ transcripts and degree certificates (e.g. Bachelors Science in Dryland Economics and Ecosystem Management – Drylands Economics major).
Objectives
The overall objective of this degree program is to produce competent graduates in agricultural sciences and environmental management with adequate knowledge and skills to contribute to increased food security and the resilience of communities living on (semi-) arid lands by strengthening their ability to cope with environmental and socio-economic change.
Options and specific objectives:
Dryland Economics Major
The specific objectives of this major are:-
- To impart knowledge and skills to learners to generate employment opportunities
- To equip learners with skills in use and management of dryland resources for increased revenue generation
- To build knowledge base for allocative efficiency in dryland resource use
- To equip learners with agri-business skills for entrepreneurial development
Extension Major
The specific objectives of this major are:-
- To train individuals for enhancement of productivity, commercialization and competitiveness in dryland agro-ecosystems
- To equip learners with the necessary know-how for effective information dissemination and technology transfer
- To equip learners with leadership and business management skills for diversification of income sources and empowerment of communities
Land and water Resource Management Major
The specific objectives of this major are:-
- To equip learners with knowledge and skills to promote sustainable land and water management for increased livestock, Drylands crops and environmental protection
- To impart knowledge and skills for prevention and alleviation of land degradation
- To provide leadership in the implementation of the national policies relating to natural resource management
Teaching Methodology
Courses taught by highly qualified and experienced ISTVS staff . The course is implemented through:
- Lectures
- Practical (both laboratory and field based)
- Tutorial/seminars
- Field attachments
- Study trips
Course content
DEAM is a four year degree course
Each academic year consists of 2 semesters with 7 courses covered per semester
- 1st year – basic sciences including chemistry, ICT and communication skills are covered.
- 2nd year – covers pastures and fodder production, ecology, climate change, biodiversity and conservation, animal production, dryland crop production, entomology, ICT and Sociology.
- 3rd and 4th years – land water recourse management major – covers rangeland management, production economics, pastoral production system, economics of natural resources, development economics.
- 3rd and 4th years – extension major – covers firm accounts and planning, land information systems rural sociology and development, livestock production systems and dryland agro-forestry.
- 3rd and 4th years – economics major – covers firm accounts and planning, land information systems, production economics, principles of range management, pastoral production systems and technological change, intermediate microeconomics and development economics
Assessment
- 2 continuous assessment tests (CATs)/ semester
- 1-2 assignments per subject/ per semester
- Final examination of each subject/ per semester which account for 70% of the final mark (must pass all courses, supplementary exams allowed if necessary for a maximum of 4 subjects)
- Field practice/attachment examined by oral examination and a written special project examined by written report and seminar presentation
