Preamble

Current: These regulations should be read in conjunction with the General Academic Regulations (GAR) for Diplomas for the Women’s University in Africa (WUA). The regulations shall be subject to approval by the University Senate and shall include objectives of the programme, provision to admission and courses as well as scheme of examinations. The Diploma in Agribusiness Management shall be awarded to students who have completed the course in accordance with these Regulations.

-Suggested: This course (DAM) provides a comprehensive exploration of agribusiness management, students will gain a deep understanding of the key concepts, theories, and applications within this dynamic field. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, hands- on projects, and real-world case studies, learners will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to:

• Understanding of agricultural systems, practices, and technologies.
• Knowledge of business principles, management, and entrepreneurship
• Familiarity with market trends, analysis, and research.
• Comprehension of agricultural policies, laws, and regulations.
• Understanding of sustainable agriculture practices and environmental considerations
• Business planning, management, and decision-making.
• Financial management. Accounting, and budgeting.
• Marketing, sales, and customer service.
• Supply chain management and logistics.
• Communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
• Data analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
• Leadership, teamwork, and collaboration.

Programme Objectives

The Diploma in Agribusiness Management will equip graduates for a range of careers in the agricultural sector and technical fields of agribusiness including:

• farm enterprise managers
• agribusiness services
• merchandising
• research support staff and local government.

Entry Requirements

For admission into the Diploma in Agribusiness Management programme, one should have the following qualifications:

Normal Entry: A minimum of five “O” level passes, including English Language, Mathematics and any Science subject. Candidates who attempted “O” Level Mathematics and obtained at least an “E” grade shall be required to pass a Mathematics Foundation course that is offered by the University. Candidates shall be required to pass Mathematics at “O” Level before they may graduate.

Special Entry: A National Certificate in Agriculture, Environmental Management, Marketing or any other relevant qualification from a recognized institution as approved by WUA senate.

Mature Entry: Should be at least 23 years old and should have at least 2 years relevant industrial experience.

Duration Of Programme

The Diploma in Agribusiness Management shall extend over a period of two years and offered based on conventional, block release, evenings and/or weekend classes.

The programme for the taught courses shall be arranged in four semesters and may commence in any semester as approved by the WUA Senate.

Independent research shall run concurrently with the taught courses.

Assessment Of The Students

Normal evaluation shall be based on continuous assessment as well as an examination at the end of each semester

Ther assessment shall be as follows:

Coursework                             40%

Examination                            60%

Research Project

• The Research Project shall be based on an assessment of the student and on a series of practical agribusiness related activities done during the second year of the programme at an approved site after registration and approval of the proposal.
• The Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Health Sciences shall approve at least one academic member of staff to supervise the student’s dissertation.
• There shall be a minimum 40 hours consultation time between the student and the supervisor during the period of the research project.
• The student must submit two spiral bound copies of the Research project to the Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Health Sciences for marking at a date determined by the Faculty management.
• The assessment of the Research Project shall be based on the format prescribed by the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences Board.
• The written dissertation shall account for 80% and presentations shall constitute 20% of the final mark of the Research Project.
• The Research Project shall be assessed by two examiners.
• The Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Health Sciences Board of Examiners shall consider the two examiners’ assessments and decide on the final mark for the Research Project.

Career Opportunities

The students are prepared for career-entry positions in areas such as:

Private Sector

• Agribusiness companies: management, marketing, sales
• Farming and livestock Enterprises: farm management, operations.
• Food Processing Industries: quality control, supply chain management.
• Agricultural Input suppliers: sales. Marketing, product management.
• Export/Import companies: trade, logistics, market research.

Public Sector

• Government Ministries (Agriculture, Rural development).
• Agricultural Extension Services: advisory, training,
• Research Institutions: research assistance, data analysis.
• Regulatory Bodies (for example agricultural standards, quarantine).

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs):

• Agricultural development Projects.
• Rural development Initiatives.
• Sustainable agriculture Programs.
• Food Security Projects.

Entrepreneurship:

• Start own agribusiness (farm, processing, input supply).
• Consultancy services (farm management, marketing).
• Agricultural project management

Other Opportunities:

• Banking and finance (agricultural lending, insurance).
• International Organisations (for example, FAO, IFAD).
• Academic and Research Institutions.
• Agricultural journalism Media.

Key Skills:

• Business planning and management.
• Marketing and sales.
• Financial management.
• Supply chain management.
• Communication and interpersonal skills.

Additional Information

All the Diploma in Agribusiness Management students are expected to Accumulate a minimum of 290 credits. Students are expected to do a minimum of twenty-two courses. Students will undertake twenty-two courses and a research project to meet these requirements. In the first year, students shall undertake twelve courses on offer, and in the second year, students shall undertake ten courses. For each semester, the Panel of Examiners shall determine, for each student a continuous assessment mark, a formal examination mark and a final mark to determine the final result. For each student, the Panel of Examiners shall submit the Research Project mark, the final mark and the result to the Academic Board. In order to proceed to register for the research project, a student must also have passed Agribusiness Research Methods.