Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
Programme Background and Rationale
Agriculture, through provision of food, shelter, employment and cash income, is the mainstay of the economy of Somaliland. Moreover, approximately 60% of the population lives in rural areas of Somaliland’s 137,600 km2 area. About 10% of the land is suitable for agricultural production, but only 3% of this is utilized for cultivation. The crop production system is smallholder dominated farming practiced mainly under rain-fed condition. It is characterized by subsistence farming with crop and livestock husbandry typically put under the same management unit. Some of the challenges facing the agricultural sector currently are inappropriate, exploitative and un planned natural resources’ utilization; environmental degradation on the cultivated and potentially cultivable lands from over-farming, over-grazing and over-deforestation; biotic and a biotic stresses, decreasing productivity of land; and climate change. Thus, there is an increasing demand from the stakeholders and the country at large for trained and highly qualified and skilled professionals to take care of and tackle the multifaceted problems related to agriculture and development of natural resources.
Amoud University has taken a decisive action to accelerate farming development through enhancement of agricultural production. This programme is aligned to respond to the immediate needs of the country to increase crop production and productivity, and thereby contribute to improved livelihood of the people at local and national levels. Agricultural production and productivity of Somaliland in general can be increased through the use of improved production technologies, innovation and research activities, and efficient use and proper management of natural resources; this can be attained if and only if a critical mass number of well trained and highly qualified agricultural professionals are involved in all processes of technology generation, dissemination and development.
Programme Objectives
General Objective
The general objective of the programme is to train high level manpower with practical and conceptual skills to be deployed to increase agricultural production through research, extension education, training, marketing and self-employment.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the course, students should:
- Demonstrate broad understanding of the major theories and fundamental principles and practices of crop and animal production.
- Display theoretical and practical conceptualization of plant science with respect to plant physiology, breeding and pathology in varied contexts.
- Demonstrate a broad understanding of the modern agricultural technologies and the capacity to apply them to solve agricultural problems and food insecurity in Somaliland and beyond.
- Understand the methodologies, approaches and techniques related agricultural productivity through sustainability of soil and environmental resources.
- Demonstrate the capacity to solve agricultural problems through systemic research and dissemination of research outcomes.
Programme Duration
The programme shall run on a semester basis consisting of four semesters each lasting 17 weeks, or other modes as appropriately structured by the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment and department of agricultural science, and approved by Senate.
Programme Modalities
The programme shall be conducted by course work, examinations and project, based on credit units. The last two weeks of each semester of each academic year shall normally be used for end of semester examinations. Further,
- A student shall take foundation/general courses in English, mathematics, science, Arabic, Islamic studies during the first one year in the freshmen programme. The freshman programme also acts as a gateway to full admission into the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture programme.
- By the end of junior year, a student shall be required to attend 300 hours of internship in a real work environment.
- A student shall come up with a well written project during the senior year of study.
Curriculum Plan
The programme shall run on a semester basis consisting of eight (8) semesters each lasting 17 weeks in a period of four (4) academic years on full time or on part time as structured by the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, and the department of agricultural science, and approved by Senate.
Freshman semester I |
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Course Code | Course Title | LH | TH | PH | FH | CH | CU |
FRM 6111 | Introduction to reading | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
FRM 6112 | Introduction to writing | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
FRM 6113 | Introduction to biology | 30 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 75 | 3 |
FRM 6114 | Arabic language | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
FRM 6115 | Pre-calculus | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
Total |
| 210 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 255 | 15 |
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Freshman semester II |
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Course Code | Course Title | LH | TH | PH | FH | CH | CU |
FRM 6121 | English academic writing | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
FRM 6122 | Islamic studies | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
AGR 6121 | Statistics | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
AGR 6122 | Introduction to chemistry | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
AGR 6123 | Introduction to agriculture | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
AGR 6124 | Introduction environmental science | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
Total |
| 270 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 270 | 18 |
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Sophomore semester I |
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Course Code | Course Title | LH | TH | PH | FH | CH | CU |
AGR 6211 | Field crops production | 30 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 75 | 3 |
AGR 6212 | Animal husbandry | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
AGR 6213 | General botany | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
AGR 6214 | Genetics | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
AGR 6215 | Poultry production and management | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
AGR 6216 | Soil science | 30 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 75 | 3 |
AGR 6217 | Survey and mapping | 30 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 75 | 3 |
Total |
| 270 | 0 | 135 | 0 | 405 | 21 |
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Sophomore semester II |
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Course Code | Course Title | LH | TH | PH | FH | CH | CU |
AGR 6221 | Horticulture I (Fruit crops production) | 30 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 75 | 3 |
AGR 6222 | Animal nutrition | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
AGR 6223 | Plant physiology | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
AGR 6224 | Plant ecology | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
AGR 6225 | Beekeeping production | 30 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 75 | 3 |
AGR 6226 | Biochemistry | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
AGR 6227 | Participatory rural appraisal (PRA) | 30 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 75 | 3 |
Total |
| 270 | 0 | 135 | 0 | 405 | 21 |
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Junior semester I |
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Course Code | Course Title | LH | TH | PH | FH | CH | CU |
AGR 6311 | Horticulture II (Vegetable crops production) | 30 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 75 | 3 |
AGR 6312 | Farm management | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
AGR 6313 | Agricultural microbiology | 30 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 75 | 3 |
AGR 6314 | Dairy production and management | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
AGR 6315 | Principles of plant breeding | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
AGR 6316 | Soil fertility and fertilizers | 30 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 75 | 3 |
AGR 6317 | Seed science and technology | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
Total |
| 270 | 0 | 135 | 0 | 405 | 21 |
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Junior semester II |
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Course Code | Course Title | LH | TH | PH | FH | CH | CU |
AGR 6321 | Industrial crops production | 30 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 75 | 3 |
AGR 6322 | Agricultural marketing | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
AGR 6323 | Plant pathology | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
AGR 6324 | Food science and technology | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
AGR 6325 | Agriculture experimental designs | 30 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 75 | 3 |
AGR 6326 | Soil and water conservation | 30 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 75 | 3 |
AGR 6327 | Research methodology in agricultural science | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
Total |
| 270 | 0 | 135 | 0 | 405 | 21 |
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Junior semester III |
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Course Code | Course Title | LH | TH | PH | FH | CH | CU |
AGR 6331 | Internship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 300 | 300 | 5 |
Total |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 300 | 300 | 5 |
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Senior semester I |
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Course Code | Course Title | LH | TH | PH | FH | CH | CU |
AGR 6411 | Agricultural extension | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
AGR 6412 | Tropical crop diseases and their management | 30 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 75 | 3 |
AGR 6413 | Farm power and machinery | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
AGR 6414 | Irrigation and drainage | 30 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 75 | 3 |
AGR 6415 | Agro-climatology | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
AGR 6416 | Senior research project | 30 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 75 | 3 |
Total |
| 225 | 0 | 135 | 0 | 360 | 18 |
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Senior semester II |
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Course Code | Course Title | LH | TH | PH | FH | CH | CU |
AGR 6421 | Rural development | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
AGR 6422 | Agricultural entomology | 30 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 75 | 3 |
AGR 6423 | Weed science | 30 | 0 | 45 | 0 | 75 | 3 |
AGR 6424 | Agro forestry | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
AGR 6425 | Entrepreneurship and agro-business | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 45 | 3 |
Total |
| 195 | 0 | 90 | 0 | 285 | 15 |
Grand Total |
| 1980 | 0 | 810 | 300 | 3090 | 155 |
General Regulations
General University regulations and guidelines for undergraduate programmes shall apply with regard to application, registration, teaching, learning, examinations, research and graduation. A student is required to sign a memorandum of understanding during the registration process on pre-scribed forms.
Admission Requirements
This Bachelor of Science in Agriculture programme is best suited to students who intend to make a career in agriculture. To qualify for admission into the degree of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, an applicant shall:
- Hold a Somaliland GCSE certificate of at least Grade “C”, or its equivalent from a recognized examination body.
- Successfully complete a one-year freshman programme at Amoud University, and attained a GPA of at least 2.00.
- Hold a diploma certificate in agriculture or its equivalent from recognized universities.
- Meet other conditions as spelt out by the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment and the department of agricultural science with approval of the Senate.
Enrolment Types
There are three (3) categories of enrolments as follows:
- Full-Time Day enrolled students who shall attend classes between 7.30 am 5.00 pm from Saturday to Thursday.
- Full-Time Evening enrolled students who shall attend classes between 4.00 pm and 10.00 pm from Saturday to Thursday.
- Sandwich, part-time, and other modes enrolled students who shall attend classes during specific periods as specified by the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment and department of agricultural science, and approved by Senate.
Staff, Facilities and Equipment
The Faculty of Agriculture and Environment has sufficient resources to offer this programme. The faculty has 10 lecture hall, 2 demonstration plots, and a commercial farm; an agricultural laboratory and a library. But the main university library has plenty of information materials on agriculture, environment and animal husbandry science. The faculty has 2 green houses, a borehole and a tree nursery. Coupled with over 20 highly qualified and experienced local and international staff; the faculty ensures that students complete their programme within schedu
Funding
The programme of Agricultural Science is sustained largely by funds from tuition fees and other relevant levies. The student must show proof of ability to pay tuition fees on time before being enrolled into the programme. There are no special funding arrangements for the students enrolled in the programme. However, if, and when, additional funds are available, they shall be dispensed according to the university financial policies.
Target Groups
Persons expected to benefit from this programme include:
- Graduates of SGCSE who intend to pursue a career in agriculture.
- Employees of Ministry of Agriculture and other related ministries who intend to acquire specialized knowledge in agricultural science.
- People working in local and international organizations involved in agricultural production activities who aspire to advance their knowledge in agriculture.
- Graduates of diploma colleges of agriculture who aspire to acquire modern/advanced knowledge in the field of agricultural science.
Expected Programme Outcomes
The graduate of this programme should be:
- Agricultural professionals and practitioners with sound theoretical knowledge, practical skills and positive attitude to contribute to agricultural development in Somaliland and beyond.
- People who comprehend the problems of crop and animal production in Somaliland and who can liaise with other farming enterprises and propose appropriate solutions.
- People who can integrate training-research-extension activities to increase agricultural production at local and national level.
- Person who can promote and disseminate agricultural technologies through training, research and extension/outreach activities.
- Consultants who can provide professional services to the community and policy makers at large; and advisory services in the field of agricultural production.