The B.Sc. Agricultural Economics program melds the principles of economics with the complexities of the agricultural sector. Students delve into the economic aspects of food production, distribution, and consumption, as well as the use and conservation of resources. Core topics often include farm management, market analysis, agricultural finance, trade policies, and rural development. Emphasizing both theoretical understanding and practical applications, the program equips students with analytical tools to tackle challenges like food security, sustainability, and market dynamics. Graduates are poised for diverse roles in policy-making, agribusiness, research, and international agricultural development.

Admission Requirements

Candidates are admitted into the BSc. Agricultural Economics degree programme in any of the following two ways:

1. The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)
2. Direct entry

UTME – Four-Year Degree Programme

In addition to the UTME score, the candidate should possess five credit passes in Senior Secondary Certificate (SSC) to include English Language, Mathematics, Biology or Agricultural Science and any other two subjects from the following list: Chemistry, Physics or Geography and Economics in not more than two sittings.

Direct entry

Candidates must have at least 2 credit passes in advanced level or equivalents in Chemistry and Biology plus five SSC (or its equivalent) credit pass prescribed for UTME entry mode. Diploma Holders with a minimum of Upper Credit plus Five SSC (or its equivalent) credit pass Levels at a maximum of two sittings are eligible for consideration for admission into 200- levels.

Duration

The minimum duration for the programme is four (4) academic sessions (4-year duration) for candidates who enter through the UTME Mode. Direct Entry candidates admitted to the 200-level in Agriculture programmes will spend a minimum of three (3) academic sessions (3-year duration).

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, a student shall have undergone 3 or 4 years of study, depending on his/ her entry point, including SIWES and practical training programme. The activities of the practical year should include periodic seminars on the student’s work as a way of stimulating interest, as well as the presentation of a written report to be graded at the end of the year.

Course workload must meet the graduation requirements. Candidates admitted through the UTME mode shall have registered for at least a minimum of 90 or 120 credit units for the 3-year (direct entry) and 4-year track, as indicated under course requirements. Candidates must also have registered and passed all the compulsory courses specified for the programme.

The submission of an undergraduate project report based on supervised research is another graduation requirement which must not be compromised. This requirement exposes the student to problem-solving techniques and provides him/her with an ability to organize ideas from literature and research findings. It prepares the student for the work ahead and for further training at the postgraduate level. This area of academic preparation needs to be maintained and further developed.

Graduates with a B.Sc. in Agricultural Economics are equipped with the skills to navigate both the agricultural and economic sectors. Here are some potential career opportunities for these graduates:

• Agricultural Economist: Analyzing and offering insights on economic trends and strategies in the agricultural sector.
• Farm Manager: Overseeing and making economic decisions related to farm operations.
• Agricultural Policy Analyst: Advising government or non-governmental organizations on policy development and implementation related to agriculture.
• Agribusiness Consultant: Providing economic consultancy services to agribusiness firms and farmers
• Rural Development Officer: Working on economic development projects in rural areas.
• Agricultural Finance Officer: Evaluating the financial health of agricultural enterprises and granting loans in banks or financial institutions.
• Supply Chain Analyst: Optimizing the supply chain from agricultural production to market delivery.
• Market Research Analyst: Studying market conditions to examine the potential sales of agricultural products or services.
• Agricultural Resource Appraiser:** Determining the value of agricultural land for sales, taxation, or lease agreements.
• Researcher or Academic: Engaging in agricultural economic research and teaching in higher educational institutions.

These careers span public, private, and nonprofit sectors, allowing graduates the flexibility to apply their skills in a variety of contexts and scales, from local communities to international projects.