Development of the Department of Agricultural Economics in the University of Nairobi 1970-1981. Analysis and assessment.

Abstract

Experience of education and research in agricultural economics at undergraduate and post graduate level in a new university department in a developing country is examined and some general conclusions are drawn. The need for universities to establish formal MSc programmes and PhD research facilities if they are eventually to be able to meet their own staffing needs is stressed. At the initial stages there has to be considerable reliance on foreign staff on loan from older institutions and on overseas training for some advanced students. Growth patterns in the Faculty of Agriculture, and Department of Agricultural Economics, over the study period are analysed in detail and number of graduates and post graduates per worker in agriculture or per ha of agricultural land are compared with those in India and in developed countries. While developments up to 1981 in agricultural economics have been successful it is pointed out that further stepping up of tertiary education in agricultural economics and agriculture depends on a parallel or faster expansion of vocational training in agriculture at primary and secondary levels and on the availability of Kenyan or foreign staff and supporting resources to maintain high standards. The results should in the long run improve food production.