Course Overview
Agriculture is simply the growing of crops and the rearing of animals to provide food and other related products. Human ecology on the other hand studies the relationship between the humans, their social, natural as well as the built environments. Combined together, this course gives dual qualifications in Agriculture & Human Ecology. Professionals in this field may be referred to as agricultural cum human ecologists among other titles. These professionals give advisory and management services related to improving agricultural enterprises, better management and utilization of farm produce, family and community resources as a whole for sustainable development.
The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture & Human Ecology Extension is a four year course which has been designed as a double major in Agriculture and Human Ecology. The programme is designed to equip students with knowledge and skills necessary for improving the psychological, physical as well as socio-economic development and well being of individuals, families and the community at large. The curriculum of the course emphasis on appropriate skills transfer in areas such as entrepreneurship, project planning and management, community consultancy, gender and development, appropriate technology transfer among others that address community development issues and concerns.
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates will have the skills and knowledge required to effectively address issues affecting the quality of life of individuals, families and communities as well as being able to adequately advise on the techniques of improving agricultural enterprises, better management and utilization of farm produce, family, and community resources for sustainable development. Graduates will be eligible for careers in areas such as; agricultural extension, rural and urban development, micro and small enterprises, self employment among other areas.
Entry Qualifications
For self sponsored students, at least a mean grade of C+ in KCSE. For Government sponsored students, the minimum cut point which is announced annually applies. The students should in addition have good performance in the following cluster subjects; Subject 1 BIO, Subject 2 CHE, Subject 3 MAT A or PHY or GEO, Subject 4 ENG/KIS or 3rd GROUP II or a GROUP III or any GROUP IV or any GROUP V.
Becoming agricultural cum human ecologist
If you enjoy working outdoor and are interested in farming and want to develop a career in agriculture which is tailored towards socio-economic development and well being of individuals, families and the community, then you may find this course interesting. In addition you should be prepared to develop skills that can help you succeed in this field.
Agricultural cum human ecologists work with farmers and community members helping them in their decision-making and ensuring that appropriate knowledge is transferred and implemented to obtain the best agricultural and development results. They should therefore be able to communicate to farmer’s agricultural information on natural resources, animals and crops on how best to utilise the farmland for enhanced yield. Professionals in this field should have proper interpersonal skills to enable them work with groups of local communities and help them improve farming methods and their livelihoods. Creativity and innovation are crucial as for any professional to remain competitive in the industry; they must practice high level of creativity and innovation.
Good persuasive ability is required in this field as these professionals should be able to encourage farmers to adopt new, improved methods of farming using a variety of methods to reach farmers. Professionals in this field must also have excellent problem solving skills that can enable them solve complex problems that help meet the changing needs of individuals, families and communities at large. Agricultural cum human ecologists should also be able to have the ability to develop and deliver programs related to topics such as human relationships, family systems and society development among others and in a manner that is understandable by the members; this would require good instructional skills.
Work environment.
Graduates of this course may work mostly in the field while at the same time spending some time in offices.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this course can find work in agricultural extension, rural and urban development as well as micro and small enterprises among other areas. They can also find work within various industries and manufacturers of agricultural products as well as farming co-operatives. Graduates can also opt to start their own businesses by becoming a consultant in this field.
You may explore these courses
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education & Extension
Bachelor of Science in Dry Land, Agriculture & Enterprise Development
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
Bachelor of Environmental Studies & Community Development
Bachelor of Science in Agroforestry & Rural Development
Bachelor of Arts in Gender, Women, and Development Studies