The Agricultural Systems and Innovation Program is designed to equip students with practical, industry-relevant skills in modern agriculture. From agribusiness to cutting-edge innovations in sustainable farming, students engage in hands-on learning, case studies, and industry partnerships to ensure they are well-prepared for careers in agribusiness, food security, and agricultural technology. The curriculum emphasizes entrepreneurial approaches to farming, technological advancements, and environmental sustainability. Students also have opportunities to collaborate with leading agricultural enterprises and government agencies to address food security challenges.
Agriculture Learning Pathways and Courses
This course introduces the structure and function of agribusiness systems, from farm to market. Students explore key concepts such as value chains, agripreneurship, and the role of agribusiness in local and global economies.
Learn how to analyze agricultural markets, conduct demand assessments, and apply basic economic principles to farming and agribusiness ventures. This course equips learners with the tools to understand price dynamics and market trends.
Explore the movement of agricultural products from production to consumer, including storage, transportation, and distribution. Students learn how to optimize supply chains for efficiency, profitability, and food security.
This course focuses on the structure and management of agricultural cooperatives and community-based enterprises. It examines how smallholder farmers can collaborate for scale, shared investment, and collective marketing power.
Learn strategies for growing agribusinesses, expanding into new markets, and managing operational complexity. Topics include product development, branding, export readiness, and managing agricultural risk.
Gain the knowledge needed to attract capital and manage agribusiness finances. Students explore lending tools, investor expectations, budgeting, and financial statements to prepare for sustainable growth.
This course explores the relationship between agricultural policy, governance, and food security across the African continent. Students will examine how policies shape land use, trade, subsidies, and food access—while analyzing real-world case studies of national and regional agricultural strategies. Emphasis is placed on the role of policy in supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems.
Gain a foundational understanding of sustainability in agriculture, including ecological balance, resource conservation, and long-term productivity. The course introduces learners to integrated approaches that support food security while protecting natural systems.
This course explores the role of agricultural extension in strengthening farmer knowledge, technology adoption, and rural development. Students will learn communication strategies, participatory learning techniques, and how to bridge the gap between research and practice in diverse communities.
Dive into the technologies transforming agriculture—from drones and IoT sensors to GPS-guided machinery and data analytics. Learners will explore how to enhance productivity and sustainability through real-time, data-informed decision-making.
A hands-on, project-based course where students design, test, or pilot innovative solutions to real agricultural challenges. Learners will apply systems thinking, design tools, and stakeholder collaboration to drive meaningful field-level impact.
This capstone-style course invites learners to craft holistic rural development strategies that integrate agriculture, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure. Students work on place-based challenges using systems maps, policy tools, and community consultation frameworks.
An introduction to the science and practice of poultry farming. This course covers breed selection, nutrition, disease management, and production systems used in both small- and large-scale poultry enterprises.
This course introduces students to the science and best practices of pig production, from breeding and nutrition to health management.
Examines feed composition, nutrient requirements, and ration formulation across livestock types.
Covers disease prevention, diagnosis, vaccination, and herd health planning.
Explores animal genetics, reproductive cycles, artificial insemination, and breeding programs.
Focuses on the care, production, and business of managing dairy cattle, goats, and sheep.
Capstone course applying systems thinking to mixed livestock operations, with hands-on project work.
This course introduces principles of regenerative farming that improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and build long-term sustainability. Students explore low-input, high-impact farming methods applicable across rural and peri-urban settings.
Learn the fundamentals of crop production, including plant physiology, growth cycles, and environmental interactions. The course provides a strong foundation in managing crops for both subsistence and commercial farming systems.
Understand the science behind healthy soil and its critical role in crop productivity. Topics include soil composition, fertility, composting, and the use of organic and inorganic inputs to improve yields.
Explore sustainable practices that increase resilience to climate change while enhancing food security. Students will study agroecological principles, adaptive farming techniques, and integrated land-use systems.
This course examines how solar energy systems can be combined with agricultural production to maximize land use and income. Learners will explore agrivoltaic system design, crop compatibility, and farm-level implementation strategies.
A capstone experience where students apply their knowledge in real-world settings through farm internships or community-based sustainability projects. Focus is placed on problem-solving, innovation, and collaborative learning in the field.
Introduces principles of sustainable landscape architecture, environmental planning, and low-impact site design.
Focuses on the maintenance, management, and commercial application of landscape systems in residential and commercial settings.
