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:

1. Demonstrate broad understanding of the major theories and fundamental principles and practices of crop and animal production.
2. Display theoretical and practical conceptualization of plant science with respect to plant physiology, breeding and pathology in varied contexts.
3. 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.
4. Understand the methodologies, approaches and techniques related agricultural productivity through sustainability of soil and environmental resources.
5. 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,

1. 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.
2. By the end of junior year, a student shall be required to attend 300 hours of internship in a real work environment.
3. 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.

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:

1. Hold a Somaliland GCSE certificate of at least Grade “C”, or its equivalent from a recognized examination body.
2. Successfully complete a one-year freshman programme at Amoud University, and attained a GPA of at least 2.00.
3. Hold a diploma certificate in agriculture or its equivalent from recognized universities.
4. 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:

1. Full-Time Day enrolled students who shall attend classes between 7.30 am 5.00 pm from Saturday to Thursday.
2. Full-Time Evening enrolled students who shall attend classes between 4.00 pm and 10.00 pm from Saturday to Thursday.
3. 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:

1. Graduates of SGCSE who intend to pursue a career in agriculture.
2. Employees of Ministry of Agriculture and other related ministries who intend to acquire specialized knowledge in agricultural science.
3. People working in local and international organizations involved in agricultural production activities who aspire to advance their knowledge in agriculture.
4. 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:

1. Agricultural professionals and practitioners with sound theoretical knowledge, practical skills and positive attitude to contribute to agricultural development in Somaliland and beyond.
2. People who comprehend the problems of crop and animal production in Somaliland and who can liaise with other farming enterprises and propose appropriate solutions.
3. People who can integrate training-research-extension activities to increase agricultural production at local and national level.
4. Person who can promote and disseminate agricultural technologies through training, research and extension/outreach activities.
5. Consultants who can provide professional services to the community and policy makers at large; and advisory services in the field of agricultural production.