Message from CoD, Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences

Welcome to the Department of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences (AVS). I welcome you on behalf of our ten(10) member team of academic and technical staff including Professor Solomon Shibairo (Horticulturalist); Professor Donald Siamba (Veterinarian); Dr. Kefa Nyende (Animal Scientist); Dr. Jonathan Mutonyi (Agronomist); Esther Machana Magembe (Agricultural Economist); Kombo Barasa (Agricultural educationist); Collins Majengo (Soil Scientist); Patrick Oluko (Soil Scientist/ Biotechnologist); Grace Olwenyo (Biotechnologist); and Cyprian Ontyiayoh (Agriculture, Technician).

Our department hosts three undergraduate programmes namely, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Biotechnology, Agriculture Education and Extension, Agricultural Economics & Resource Management. Several PhD, Masters and Diploma programmes have been proposed and their development is underway. Our programmes prepare integrated graduates able to respond to society needs at household, local, national and global levels.

Agriculture and Biotechnology combines two aspects in one: Agriculture (the art and science by which elements of nature are harnessed to produce plants and animals to meet human needs) and Biotechnology (the exploitation of biological processes for industrial and other purposes, especially the genetic manipulation of microorganisms for the production of antibiotics, hormones, etc.).

Agriculture Education and Extension prepares graduates for two degrees in one: both education professional and agriculture professional.

As the title suggests, Agricultural Economics and Resource Management is a hybrid course which combines three programs in one that is agriculture, economics and natural resources. This program as offered in Kibabii University represents a complete package of three aspects (agriculture, economics and natural resources) in order to give our students a competitive advantage in the job market.

Every graduate of Agriculture identify with the words of our Senior Technologist, Mr. Patrick Oluko:

“Agriculture feeds the world. The many disciplines in Agriculture make it a very diverse field. It opens up to breeding, economics, production, extension services, teaching, and managers among others. Agriculture helps create a wider, deeper talent pool that taps the potential of our diverse population and opportunities. It opens doors to good jobs and a higher standard of living. Ever since my first Agriculture Classes?in College, I have not ceased to be fascinated with the possibilities of research and innovation. With each?day, my passion for Agricultural Science grows and I continue to receive inspiration for my intended work with the development of each new form of global technological development in Agriculture”.

Contrary to the shallow traditional opinion held, Agriculture professionals are not just farmers, ranchers and foresters. With the ever increasing world population, careers in Agriculture continue to expand in production and processing industries. There is great interest around specialized technological production mechanisms `from farm to fork’. A degree in agriculture gives you the skills and knowledge to deal in the agricultural value chain (crop and livestock production, agribusiness, food processing and value addition). Self employment opportunities are also abundant in this field!

Job Opportunities for Agriculture Professionals

Courses in our department will open ways to so many job opportunities. You can work anywhere. These are some of the areas where you can be employed.

1. Government Officers (National and County): Agricultural Extension Officer or Agricultural Manager.
2. International organizations-FAO, ILRI, ICIPE, IITA, IFPRI, WTO, International potato center, etc.
3. Research institutions-KALRO, Coffee research.
4. Parastatals -KTDA, KMC, KEPHIS, KIPRA, KEBS.
5. Agro-based industries- Agrovets, Unga feeds, Twiga Chemicals, Farm Care, EABL, Kakuzi, Brookside, Kenya Nuts etc.
6. Banking sector/industry- World bank, Central bank, Commercial banks, Equity, Cooperative etc.
7. Food processing firms-Ken-chick, Delmonte, Unilever, Unilever, Proctar and Allan
8. NGOS-world vision, GiZ, ADRA, One Acre Fund etc
9. Agricultural input based industries- Kenya Seed company, fertilizer producing companies, Bayer
10. Teaching industry- High School teachers and also becoming lecturers after doing masters and PhD.

Objectives

This department will be guided by the following objectives:

1. To provide quality training in veterinary and agricultural science through excellent teaching and practical engagements
2. To engage in quality research programmes for knowledge and technology generation towards sustainable livelihoods and food security levels
3. To promote knowledge and technology through development of sustainable veterinary and agriculture technologies
4. To disseminate agricultural production and extension technologies to stakeholders in Kenya and beyond
5. To identify, attract and network with stakeholders in agriculture and veterinary service provision over emerging issues through timely outreach and linkage interventions
6. To distribute essential veterinary and agriculture technologies through academic forums, publicity and publications