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Code and Overview

Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Studies (Agroforestry and Rural Development) – (EFA 900 – PhD Thesis) shall take a minimum period of three academic years and will be offered through thesis only. Students shall develop a proposal, carry out research and write a thesis for examination. The student will be supervised by a member of the Kenyatta Uni­versity faculty and any other person that may be found suitable by the Department of Environmental Science and Education to undertake such supervision. A candidate shall publish two articles in a recognized and refereed journal.

 

Rationale of the Programme

Agroforestry as a land use system holds the potential in solving many of the social, economic, cultural and environmental challenges currently facing the world. Agroforestry practices are important in sustainable ecosystem management and conservation, and for provision of many tree related benefits and services. In particular, trees on farms boost land productivity, increase farm incomes, improve food security, and alleviate pressures on natural forests. They also play a big role in meeting the increasing demand of forest products, and addressing the declining ecological services associated with tree cover. Agroforestry provides an opportunity for tree farming on private land to provide wood and non-wood forest products, improve agricultural productivity, food security, water conservation, and many other socio-economic benefits of trees. Facilitation of the up-scaling of the adoption of agroforestry and innovation is therefore very important. The effectiveness of agroforestry practice at the farmers’ fields depends on the amount of knowledge the farmers have on different agroforestry technologies. The understanding of agroforestry is evolving very rapidly with new topics emerging very often. The field of agroforestry is also very complex, because it embraces several traditional sectors: agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry. Developing human resource capacity to impart agroforestry knowledge and skills to enhance agroforestry adoption and innovation is therefore a very vital link in the development of agroforestry.

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Objectives

By the end of the programme it is expected that the graduate will be able to;

1. Employ sound knowledge and skills in analysing, planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating agroforestry and rural development initiatives.
2. Show good interpersonal skills, resourcefulness and integrity in management and promotion of agroforestry and rural development programmes.
3. Mobilize, sensitize and train communities and other stakeholders in appropriate agroforestry technologies, practices and innovations for profitable farm production, and optimum other agroforestry related benefits.
4. Undertake research and innovation in agroforestry and rural development.

 

Mode of Delivery

The course is offered through blended learning.

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Admission Requirements

The ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ and School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences admission regulations shall apply. Applicants will be required to have Master of Science Degree in any of the following areas: Environmental studies, Forestry, Agriculture, Geography, Ecology, Wildlife, Biological Sciences, Meteorology or any other relevant discipline from ³Ô¹ÏÍ·Ìõ or any recognized University and had pursued a relevant programme at undergraduate level.

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Fee Structure

Full Time; Fees ksh.367,200; Non East Africans ksh.459,000 p.a

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Career Opportunities

Our graduates find employment in a wide range of organisations in both the private and public sectors. Most of them have made successful careers as local and global consultants in agroforestry, agriculture, climate change and sustainability and other related disciplines.