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Read the full noticeSchool of Agriculture
B.Sc. Agricultural Economics and Farm Management
Programme Overview
The Agro-Economics and Farm Management programme at the University of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Ihugh (UAST) consists of a comprehensive undergraduate education in the economic, financial, managerial, and technological dimensions of agricultural production, farm enterprise development, agribusiness management, and food systems. For students in the programme, a core learning objective is building and demonstrating foundational competencies in agricultural economics, farm business management, agricultural finance, commodity market analysis, policy evaluation, data analytics, and sustainable enterprise development through the successful completion of rigorous coursework, field investigations, business simulations, and a capstone professional integration project. Students are also eligible for accelerated professional pathways, including postgraduate research, industry leadership, consultancy practice, and entrepreneurial ventures in the agricultural sector.
Programme Distinctiveness
A Curriculum Benchmark Internationally
The UAST Agro-Economics and Farm Management curriculum is benchmarked against leading agricultural economics and farm management programmes at institutions including Wageningen University & Research, Cornell University, University of California-Davis, and University of Reading, while addressing agricultural production systems, market dynamics, and rural enterprise challenges specific to Nigeria and Africa.
A Programme Rooted in National Priorities
While maintaining international standards, the programme equips graduates to address Nigeria's most pressing agricultural economic challenges: farm productivity and profitability, agricultural finance and financial inclusion, commodity market development, value chain competitiveness, agricultural policy formulation, climate-smart investment, export development under AfCFTA, and sustainable agricultural transformation.
Integrated with National Academic Standards
The programme is structured around the National Universities Commission (NUC) Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), with a distinctive 30% UAST proprietary component that substantially strengthens competencies in agricultural data analytics, programming for agro economists, artificial intelligence for decision support, agricultural finance and investment analysis, commodity market forecasting, agricultural policy analysis and economic modelling, precision agriculture economics, sustainable agribusiness and circular bioeconomy, AfCFTA and global value chains, agribusiness consultancy, project management, leadership, and professional practice.
The UAST Advantage: Professional Competencies
Graduates of this programme acquire competencies in:
- Agro-Economic Analysis
- Farm Business Management
- Agricultural Data Analytics
- Programming and Computational Economics
- Artificial Intelligence for Decision Support
- Agricultural Finance and Investment Analysis
- Commodity Market Analysis and Price Forecasting
- Agricultural Policy Analysis and Economic Modelling
- Precision Agriculture Economics
- International Agricultural Trade and AfCFTA
- Sustainable Agribusiness and Circular Bioeconomy
- Agribusiness Consultancy and Project Management
- Leadership and Corporate Governance
Programme Structure
The programme is delivered over four academic years (100–400 Levels) and comprises UAST proprietary courses complementing the NUC 70% core curriculum.
Year One: Foundations
- Introduction to Agro Economics, Farm Management and Food Systems
- Digital Literacy and ICT Applications in Agro Economics
- Professional Communication and Scientific Writing
- Climate Change, Food Security and Sustainable Agricultural Development
- Entrepreneurship Mindset and Innovation in Agriculture
Year Two: Analytical and Digital Foundations
- Agricultural Data Analytics and Decision Support
- Programming for Agro Economists
- Agricultural Value Chain Analysis and Market Intelligence
- Agribusiness Innovation and Design Thinking
- Research Methods and Experimental Design in Agro Economics and Farm Management
Year Three: Core Emerging Competencies
- Artificial Intelligence for Agricultural Decision Support
- Agricultural Finance and Investment Analysis
- Commodity Markets and Price Forecasting
- Agricultural Policy Analysis and Economic Modelling
- Sustainable Agribusiness, Climate Finance and Circular Bioeconomy
Year Four: Advanced Professional Integration
- Agribusiness Consultancy and Project Management
- Precision Agriculture Economics and Digital Agriculture
- International Agricultural Trade, AfCFTA and Global Value Chains
- Leadership, Corporate Governance and Strategic Agribusiness Management
- Professional Practice and Contemporary Issues in Agro Economics and Farm Management
Career Pathways
UAST Agricultural Economics and Farm Management graduates are prepared for careers in:
Agricultural Financial Institutions
Agricultural banking, investment analysis, credit evaluation, and financial inclusion programmes
Government Ministries and Agencies
Agricultural policy analysis, economic planning, commodity regulation, and trade promotion
International Organizations
FAO, World Bank, IFAD, UNDP, and regional development banks
Agribusiness Enterprises
Farm management, agribusiness strategy, supply chain economics, and business development
Commodity Marketing and Trading Firms
Market analysis, price forecasting, and commodity trading
Agricultural Consultancy
Feasibility studies, investment advisory, policy analysis, and project evaluation
Research and Academic Institutions
Agricultural economics research, postgraduate studies, and teaching
Development Finance Institutions
Project appraisal, impact assessment, and development programme management
Agritech and Digital Agriculture Firms
Precision agriculture economics, digital farm management, and data analytics
Non-Governmental Organizations
Agricultural development, food security, and sustainable livelihood programmes
Fast-Track and Professional Pathways
Qualified students are eligible for accelerated pathways, including:
Industrial Training (SIWES)
- Supervised internships in agricultural finance institutions, commodity exchanges, government agencies, and consultancy firms
Professional Certifications
- Preparation for certifications in project management, financial analysis, and data analytics
Entrepreneurship Incubation
- Access to agribusiness innovation hubs and enterprise development support
Postgraduate Pathways
- Progression to M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes in Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness, Development Economics, and related disciplines