CURRICULUM MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Transcription

1 CURRICULUM MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURAL RISK MANAGEMENT

2 Published by: African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry and Natural Resources Education P.O. Box Nairobi, Kenya Tel: , (operator) or via USA Fax: or via USA This document has been financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Sida does not necessarily share the views expressed in this material. Responsibility for its contents rests entirely with the author. All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein. ISBN: African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry and Natural Resources Education 2014 Master of Science in Agricultural Risk Management

3 African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry & Natural Resources Education TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface iv Master of Science in Agricultural Risk Management 2 Rationale 2 Curriculum objectives 3 Curriculum coverage 4 Entry qualifications 4 Structure and Duration 5 Study Programme Summary 7 Year 1: Coursework 7 Year 2: Research and Dissertation 8 Details of Courses 8 Special studies 21 Proposed Guided Study Topics 21 iii

4 PREFACE African agriculture and natural resources management is confronted by many challenges; among others we have inadequate or poorly implemented policies, low investment, age-old technologies, unpredictable and often inclement weather patterns and unfavourable market conditions. All these represent risks to those entrusted to manage agriculture and natural resources. At the center of it all is the smallholder farming family that carries the burden of absorbing many forms of risks, associated with their daily livelihood activities as they interact with land and related natural resources. It is a paradox that despite the huge risks endured by farmers and all other stakeholders in the agricultural value chains very little has been done to empower them with the knowledge and tools to reduce their vulnerability, and raise their capacity to mitigate and cope with risks. Since 2012, ANAFE has been supporting initiatives to unravel the complex issues surrounding risk management in agriculture and natural resources management. At various workshops and other forums, stakeholders of ANAFE (educators, farmers, students and agribusiness entrepreneurs) have expressed the need to develop adequate capacity for risk management. A recent survey on risk management education revealed that there is very little teaching on agricultural risk management. Worse, it was established that current educators do not have the necessary skills in this area, and that relevant learning resources are required. ANAFE was tasked to resolve this situation by providing guidance on curricula, capacity building for educators and the development of learning resources. This document serves as a curriculum guide for universities wishing to establish the Master of Science in Agricultural Risk Management degree programme. We consider this as a very important starting point because it will establish the cadre of experts who will later strengthen training in this area, at lower levels of education. ANAFE is confident that universities will take up the challenge, and establish graduate studies in Agricultural Risk Management. I wish to thank ANAFE member colleges and universities, and all stakeholders who have contributed to the discussions on this subject. I trust that they will iv Master of Science in Agricultural Risk Management

5 African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry & Natural Resources Education find this document a useful guide. I wish to extend special thanks to Professor August Temu and Professor Inonda Mwanje, whose meticulous compilation and analysis have made this publication possible. Dr. (Mrs.) Aissetou Drame Yaye ANAFE Executive Secretary May

6 MASTER OF SCIENCE IN AGRICULTURAL RISK MANAGEMENT RATIONALE This curriculum is based on extensive and intensive consultations carried out by ANAFE at various colleges and universities teaching agriculture and natural resources education. The process involved workshops, visits and surveys of existing agricultural risk management content and capacity at several colleges and universities. The results are captured in a report from a workshop conducted on April 24-25, This report is available from ANAFE and may be downloaded from During the workshop, there was a consensus that the current state of affairs is as follows: a) Despite the importance of risk management in agriculture and natural resources, there is not a single institution with a comprehensive programme to teach this subject; b) Current teaching is scant, and only covered as part of other subjects, and not separately examined; c) Many colleges and universities recognize the shortfall and are eager to secure support and capacity to teach this subject; d) Teaching capacity on Agricultural Risk Management (ARM) is practically non-existent. Many lecturers currently involved, only deal with economic analyses, and have little or no training on risk management. In forestry, risk and uncertainty covers wild fires, entomology and pathology; Recent work on REDD+ is injecting aspects of climate change mitigation and adaptation into forestry. e) Learning resources on ARM are inadequate and often lacking in local relevance; f) Some universities have Disaster and Risk Management education, but that is taught outside agriculture and natural resources. This provides an opportunity for collaboration with departments dealing in general disaster management courses; g) All graduates of agriculture should have some knowledge on ARM. 2 Master of Science in Agricultural Risk Management

7 African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry & Natural Resources Education This will be best done by first producing specialists on this subject at the postgraduate level. CURRICULUM OBJECTIVES This curriculum is a learning guide for students registered for Master of Science in Agricultural Risk Management {MSc (ARM)}. It is particularly tuned for students learning in Africa, although it may be used elsewhere in the world. The overall goal is to produce specialists in agricultural risk management. In doing so, we have designed the curriculum with outcome orientation, to ensure both academic achievement as well as development relevance. Therefore the graduates of this program will be able to: a) Understand the nature and extent, principles and concepts, of agricultural risks management and impact to society; b) Assess agricultural risks along the value chains; c) Advise on short and long term/strategic planning of agricultural risk management; d) Implement agricultural risk management plans and projects; e) Advise and develop policies on agricultural risk management; f) Undertake research and design mitigation and adaptation technologies on agricultural risks; g) Monitor and evaluate agricultural risk management programs and projects; h) Write reports and communicate effectively on issues relating to ARM; i) Build capacity for agricultural risk management. Graduates of this programme can practice in the areas of policy making, planning, agricultural management, natural resources conservation and management, food security, finance and banking, insurance, rural advisory services, community and rural development, public health management, conflict resolution, response to terrorist acts, legal bureaux, among others. 3

8 CURRICULUM COVERAGE The Master of Science in Agricultural Risk Management degree aims to equip individuals working in various capacities within agriculture related fields with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to qualify as specialists in Agricultural Risk Management. The course constitutes theory, praxis, seminars, experiential learning, research and dissertation writing as modes of study. The curriculum is also designed to be both intra-mural and extramural so as to expose students to various risk situations, thereby enhancing their practical learning experiences. The thesis research on the other hand provides an additional opportunity for students to carry out an independent study, which will generate additional knowledge by engaging them to resolve a specific risk area. The thesis/dissertation will be examined separately, from the main course work. ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS Each university has its own regulations for entry into graduate courses. However, for the MSc degree in Agricultural Risk Management we recommend the following minimum requirements: A first degree with at least second class honors, lower division (or equivalent) in any of the following areas of study: Agriculture Crop Science Horticulture Forestry Fisheries Animal Science Veterinary Science/ Medicine Wildlife Management Tourism Natural Resources Management Environment Science/ Management Food Science Rural Development Agricultural Economics Soil Science or Agricultural Engineering 4 Master of Science in Agricultural Risk Management

9 African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry & Natural Resources Education There may be some study areas that are named differently but relevant to agriculture and natural resources. Students with first degree courses outside agriculture and natural resources may be required to undertake some prerequisite courses that will ground them well enough in the fundamentals of agriculture and natural resources management. Such prerequisite courses may take up to but not exceed 6 months. At least two years of working experience in a field related to agriculture and/or natural resources. STRUCTURE AND DURATION The Master of Science in Agricultural Risk Management is expected to take 24 months, depending on the internal recommendation of the relevant university. The recommended structure is as follows: Coursework 12 months, during which the student will cover all theory, praxis (experiential learning), seminars and colloquium (guided reading). A course is interpreted as a unit of teaching and learning that runs through the whole semester. Core courses are those which must be completed and passed by all students studying for the MSc (ARM) degree. Elective courses are those independently selected by the student on the basis of his/her own interest. The guided reading takes place throughout the first year of study and ideally, it should lead to a thesis/dissertation research. Each student is required to present a seminar at the end of each semester. The seminar presented in the second semester of the first year should be on the thesis research proposal. Thesis Research Total 12 months. Each student will carry out research for up to 6 months on a risk area of interest. The research will lead to a thesis/ dissertation which must be written and examined within the last 6 six months of study. For the award of the degree the student must pass all coursework and thesis examinations. 5

10 Important notes 1. General university regulations apply for those universities adopting/ adapting this curriculum. 2. Prerequisite courses will depend on the background of the student. In general, it is assumed that students undertaking this programme will meet the entry qualifications. If this is not the case, then either prerequisite courses may be prescribed depending on the needs of particular students, or remedial programmes may be organized to give students complete grasp of the subject areas. Note that pre-requisites have to be examined and passed while remedial courses only need to be satisfactorily attended. 3. The topics identified under each subject may be extended as needs arise. 4. Elective courses are intended to fill in the credit units to the minimum of 20 for the MSc (ARM) degree. 5. Collaboration across the disciplinary divide and different departments within the university is expected. 6 Master of Science in Agricultural Risk Management

11 African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry & Natural Resources Education STUDY PROGRAMME SUMMARY Year 1: Coursework Semester 1 Core courses (compulsory) C-01 Biostatistics for Agriculture and Natural Resource Management (NRM) Credit units C-02 Agricultural Research methods 3 C-03 Agricultural Risks Surveillance and Management 3 C-04 ARM Project Planning and Management 3 C-05 Climate Change Risks 2 Guided study seminar 2 Total Credit Units 16 3 Elective courses (student to select Two) E-01 Pricing and Market risks and Opportunities 2 E-02 Agribusiness risks 2 E-03 Livestock Management Risks 2 Total Credit Units Required for Semester 1 20 Semester 2 Core courses (compulsory) Credit units C-06 Biodiversity and the Environment 3 C-07 Agricultural Policies, Laws and Institutions 3 C-08 Risks Arising From Technologies 3 C-09 Natural Resources Risks 3 C-10 Agroforestry and Conservation Agriculture 2 Guided study Seminar (Thesis research proposal) 2 Total Credit Units 16 Elective courses (student to select Two) Special studies on Forestry Risks 2 Special studies on Fisheries Risks 2 Special studies on Wildlife Management Risks 2 Special studies on Environment Risks 2 Total Credit Units Required for Semester

12 Year 2: Research and Dissertation Each student is required to undertake research on a specific risk area or aspect and produce a dissertation that will be examined separately. Course Details Core Course No. C-01 Credit units 3 Course Name: Biostatistics for Agriculture and NRM CONTENTS Purpose: To equip the graduate with statistics and analytical tools. At the end of this course the student should be able to: Understand the meaning of data and information Apply different statistical tools to data to extract useful information Present and interpret information/knowledge Identify errors and misrepresentations in data/information Use computer applications in the analysis of data Apply wisdom in the sharing of agricultural statistics. Course Description: The value of biostatistics in agriculture and natural resources management. Tools to measure frequency distributions, means and variance. Coefficient of variation and Sample size calculations. Comparative statistics - Paired and unpaired T-tests, F-tests Data management methods and tools; Analysis of variance and covariance, tests of significance; Regression and correlation theory and analysis; Multiple regression analysis; Statistical tables. Agricultural statistics: Land productivity classification, crop production statistics;, trade statistics; Price indices; Automated data management systems (E.g. FAO agricultural data systems) Natural resource statistics: Forest inventories, rate of growth of trees and yield functions, tree form and volume tables, forest valuation, biodiversity analyses, wildlife inventories. Software: Algorithms for analysis of agricultural and natural resource data. Global data sharing and trade statistics. Legal aspects and ethics in data sharing and associated risks. Data security. Teaching methods: Lectures, laboratory exercises, assignments, clinics Methods of evaluation: Coursework assessments and final written examination. 8 Master of Science in Agricultural Risk Management

13 African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry & Natural Resources Education Core Course No. C-02 Credit units 3 Course Name : Agricultural Research Methods CONTENTS Purpose: To equip the graduate with capacity to carry out research in agriculture and natural resources. At the end of this course the student should be able to: Plan and implement research projects Analyze qualitative and quantitative data Communicate research results through publications, policy briefs and other media. Course Description: Experimental designs; Sampling methods and tools (systematic sampling, stratified sampling, cluster sampling, 3P sampling); Population variability and randomization; coefficient of variation and sample size calculations; Plot size and shape; treatments, controls and replications; field layout of plots (RCBD, Latin square, split plot etc.); Confounding factors; Common experimental design errors; data collection and logging techniques. Action research, Gender research; Social science research; Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), Participatory methods, Rapid rural appraisal. Writing scientific papers; Developing policy briefs; sharing knowledge through print, meetings, electronic and other media. Development of research problem statements with goals and objectives, implementation procedures, presentation and interpretation of results; and field research practice. Risk prediction and mapping (spatial and temporal); Impact evaluation and feedback. Risk Forecasting and Early Warning Systems; Quantitative methods and risk modeling. Research on and analysis of agricultural risks (surveys on communities). Teaching methods: Lectures, group exercises, assignments Methods of evaluation: Continuous assessments and final written examination. 9

14 Core Course No. C-03 Credit units 3 Course Name: Agricultural Risks Surveillance and Management CONTENTS Purpose: To develop a well-rounded view on what is meant by agricultural risks. At the end of this course the student should be able to: Define, map and classify risks Explain the different perceptions of risks Measure the severity of risks, exposure and vulnerability by different communities Develop a strategy for risk management Provide advice on risk management to policy makers and institutions Course Description: Definitions of risk; risk typology; sources of risk in agriculture and natural resource enterprises; Risks along the agricultural value chains; Spatial and temporal aspects; frequency and duration; Risk management cycles; Perception of risk by different social systems; Tools for Measurement and mapping of risks; Agricultural investment risks; Credit and operational risk assessments; labour related risks; Local and global statistics on agricultural risks (frequency and magnitude); Legal aspects. Principles of risk management; Attitudes and risk bearing ability; Vulnerability assessment tools; Mitigation techniques, Adaptation strategies; market-based risk transfer instruments (e.g. commercial insurance and hedging). Traditional risk management practices; Risk apportioning by gender and other social groups. Policy strengths and weaknesses at different scales; Risk management by institutions; Risk impacts on different social groups; Individual and Community approaches to risk management; Processes in agricultural risk management inquiry; Risk management Instruments (e.g. Financial Instruments such as hedging, bonds, among others; Insurance policies, etc.). Behavioural issues e.g. the psychology of risk taking/averting. Simulation software for agricultural production. E.g. RightRisk software to formulate expectations, risk forecasts and analysis (RightRisk.org); Evaluating decision-making strategies, including use of PrecisionTree software. Teaching methods: Lectures, group exercises and discussions, assignments, field visits to experience different risks along the value chains and in related sectors. Discussions with local communities. Surveys of stakeholder perceptions of risks Praxis: Intensive mapping, classification and assessment of actual risks along the agricultural value chain Praxis: Sorting out roles of stakeholders in mitigating risks Methods of evaluation: Continuous assessments and final written examination. 10 Master of Science in Agricultural Risk Management

15 African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry & Natural Resources Education Core Course No. C-04 Credit units 3 Course Name: ARM Project Planning and Management CONTENTS Purpose: To equip the graduate with capacity to design, effectively implement and report on projects relating to risk management. At the end of this course the student should be able to: Identify suitable agricultural risk management opportunities/challenges that can be addressed through a project; Collect relevant data and consult with relevant stakeholders Apply teaming processes in planning a project to address the identified opportunity or challenge Mobilize resources to meet the requirements of the project Efficiently implement the project and account for the resources Monitor, evaluate and report on the project at different stages Write bankable research proposals Course Description: Needs assessments; team building for projects; analysis of project options; concept notes; proposal writing; results-based management approach, log-frames approach; Planning the activities; project planning matrix; network diagrams; critical paths (activity on node); budgeting, accountability, PERT- program evaluation review and evaluation techniques; Project scheduling (e.g. using GANTT charts); Project appraisal; project termination and reporting; Proposal writing and Resource Mobilization. Teaching methods: Lectures, guest lecturers, group work and discussions, visits to ongoing projects Methods of evaluation: Project design assignments, final written examination. 11

16 Core Course No. C-05 Credit units 2 Course Name: Climate Change Risks CONTENTS Purpose: To equip the graduate with knowledge and analytical tools for understanding climate change and related risks. At the end of this course the student should be able to: Explain how agriculture and natural resource management activities contribute to climate change (enterprise by enterprise approach) Assess and rate the risks of climate change to agricultural enterprises Understand and assess local strategies to minimize vulnerability to climate change Develop strategies for mitigation and adaptation to climate change risks Provide policy advise and communicate effectively on climate related matters Course Description: Global weather systems, weather prediction; Agricultural climatology and its challenges. Greenhouse gases - carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) Nitrous oxide (N2O), and Halogens (Chlorine, Fluorine, Bromine and Iodine). CO2 as the key anthropogenic GHG and its effect on global warming; CO2 Sources and sinks; Roles of vegetation; Contributions of agriculture, forestry, fisheries and livestock/wildlife to greenhouse gas emissions; Introduction to climate change predictive models; Changes in weather patterns including droughts, floods, hurricane, cyclone, sudden drop or increase of temperature, frost, etc.; identification of major weather risks, assessment of current risk management capacity. Policy analysis, organizational aspects for mitigation and adaptation to risks, recovery from risks/crises) Vulnerability of communities and ecosystems and impacts of livelihoods and the environment; Local Mitigation measures; Local Adaptation measures including migrations across the landscape and out of agriculture; REDD+ programmes and Carbon as a commodity; Measurement of terrestrial Carbon; Climate smart strategies for agriculture and natural resources; Global agreements and processes (UNFCCC convention and COP processes) Teaching methods: Lectures, reading assignments, debates and Guest lectures. Field visits to sites impacted by climate change. Exposure to local and national projects on Climate change, especially REDD+ Methods of evaluation: Continuous assessments and final written examination. 12 Master of Science in Agricultural Risk Management

17 African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry & Natural Resources Education Core Course No. C-06 Credit Units 3 Course Name: Biodiversity and the Environment CONTENTS Purpose: To equip the graduate with capacity to understand and protect biodiversity. At the end of this course the student should be able to: Identify conditions, laws and actions that lead to biodiversity losses Assess biodiversity in a given area Assess the losses and consequences Engage in biodiversity debates at local national and international scales Evaluate risks on human health and environment arising from agrochemicals Develop policy advice and strategies to stem loss of biodiversity and exposure to agrochemical risks Course Description: Definitions of biodiversity and environment; Agricultural biodiversity; Diversity of natural resources; Ecosystem variations and their value/benefits; Alleles, genes and species variations ; Biodiversity indices; Genetically modified Organisms (GMOs); Biodiversity and value of ecosystem services; Threats to loss of biodiversity (natural and anthropogenic); Threatened and extinct species, ecosystems/biomes; Assessing biodiversity, quantifying losses; Tools and techniques for managing biodiversity in diverse habitats. Biodiversity measurement, indices biodiversity; functional diversity; diversity index; evenness; relative abundance, species richness; richness accumulation curves; local threats to biodiversity. Causes of biodiversity loss; Risks associated with loss of biodiversity; mitigation and adaptation measures. Policy and legal frameworks on biodiversity. National laws and international conventions; International trade in species and CITES processes. International material transfer agreements. The physical and biological environment, environmental pollution of water, soils, air and consequences on different habitats and life forms; Energy use and its impact on environment and agriculture (fuelwood, fossil fuels). Green energy sources. Ecologically unsustainable agriculture Use of agro-chemicals (herbicides, fertilizers and pesticides) characterization, toxicity, exposure, risks to health, short and long-term effects t on health and environment; awareness of formers and stakeholders in the value chain, legal aspects. Limits to earth s resilience. Forest and land degradation. Teaching methods: Lectures, guest lecturers, group work and discussions, visits to biodiversity hotspots, case studies on use and risks of agrochemicals. Special Resources Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report; UN convention on biodiversity, UN Convention on environment. Methods of evaluation: Continuous assessment tests, Biodiversity field tests, final written examination. 13

18 Core Course No. C-07 Credit Units 3 Course Name: Agricultural Policies, Laws and Institutions CONTENTS Purpose: To anchor the student s learning and experience on the policies and institutions that drive human development. At the end of this course the student should be able to: Understand different policy statements and operational environments Critique the policy frameworks and implementation arrangements Contribute to the development and implementation of good policies Communicate and advice policy makers and implementers Course Description: Values, goals and policy making processes; economic rationale and effects of policy; historical development and current characteristics of agricultural pesticides and herbicides, seeds, fertilizer, commodity, credit, subsidies, and trade policies; evaluation of public policies and laws as related to agricultural industry and rural areas development. Pro-poor livelihoods enabling policies; agribusiness enabling environment (changes in government or business regulations, macro-economic environment, political risks, conflicts, trade restrictions, etc.). Agricultural contract laws, statutory compliance, tort liability, and business structure e.g. under public-private partnerships (PPPs); and inherent risks in policies and statutory laws administration and enforcement Agriculture Policy Implementation, Monitoring and Impacts Frameworks and institutions for policy implementation; design of institutional changes to improve policy implementation efficiency and equity, with emphasis on the potential applicability of market-type and incentive-based policy mechanisms. Policy forecasting and policy monitoring and evaluation methods. Case studies of evaluation of public policy as related to agricultural industry and rural areas. Teaching methods: Lectures, guest lecturers, Focused group debates and policy analysis, Case studies. Methods of evaluation: Policy analysis assignments, final written examination. 14 Master of Science in Agricultural Risk Management

19 African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry & Natural Resources Education Core Course No. C-08 Credit Units 3 Course Name: Risks Arising From Technologies CONTENTS Purpose: To gain a deep understanding of the positive and negative impacts of agricultural technologies. At the end of this course the student should be able to: Interrogate proponents of agricultural technologies on the benefits and costs associated with such technologies Develop protocols for assessing risks in agricultural technologies Provide good advice to farmers and other stakeholders Course Description: Soil moving machines, compaction, hard pan, and erosion; Soil mining and soil fertility loss; Irrigation systems and losses of water; Sloping landscape management technologies; Use of GMOs and the threats to local crop varieties; Key Tree pests and diseases; Key animal pests and diseases; Handling facilities - Post-harvest crop losses (fungi, insects and cereal damage); Fruit and vegetable losses; Fish losses; Product processing facilities (damage to food, risks to human health). Large commercial farms. Praxis with chemical industries to study chemical risks; Water harvesting and use water saving irrigation systems, Firefighting techniques; Silo management. Teaching methods: Lectures, Field visits to erosion sites, cereal handling institutions; Case studies on crop or system failures, Guest lectures. Methods of evaluation: Reports on risks of current technologies, final written examination. 15

20 Core Course No. C-09 Credit Units 3 Course Name: Natural Resources Risks CONTENTS Purpose: To broaden the scope of the graduate to position agriculture within the wider context of natural resources management. At the end of this course the student should be able to: Appreciate the consequences of unsustainable land use practices Plan comprehensive agriculture and agribusiness projects Counsel planners and decision makers on the natural resource conservation aspects Course Description: Forests, Water and Tree Resources: Land clearing for agriculture removal of trees and shrubs, fires used in land clearing, threats to wildlife, bees and other pollinating insects, threats to bird life. Unsustainable harvesting of trees for energy resulting in land degradation and denudation; Use of agrochemicals loss of soil fauna, water pollution resulting in threats to human and animal health; Overall deterioration of the natural capital for agriculture. Trees that threaten water resources; Invasive species; Full landscape management options. Wildlife Risks: Wildlife migrations and their interface with agricultural production with risks to crops and to wildlife; Policies and practices for protection of human life and property in wildlife areas; protection of wildlife from poaching and in conflict zones; Wildlife diseases and risks to human livestock (e.g. sleeping sickness, bird flu); Risks of wild pests migrating into farming areas. Teaching methods: Lectures, Case studies on natural resource degradation. Guest lectures from different sectors, visits to forests and wildlife areas. Methods of evaluation: Continuous coursework assessments and final written examination. 16 Master of Science in Agricultural Risk Management

21 African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry & Natural Resources Education Core Course No. C-10 Credit Units 3 Course Name: Agroforestry and Conservation Agriculture CONTENTS Purpose: To reinforce the knowledge of how integration of land management disciplines reinforces sustainability of production and livelihoods thereby reducing exposure to risks. At the end of this course the student should be able to: Appreciate the value and challenges of modern high input agriculture Analyse and understand the productions systems and associated land use challenges Critique unsustainable land use systems Design and implement agroforestry innovations under different cultural social and environmental settings Design and implement projects in agroforestry. Course Description: Land tenure and use challenges; Global needs for food, fuel and fibre; Limits of high input agriculture; needs of the smallholder farmers in Africa. Challenges of integrating food crop production with perennial tree-based products; Species suitability for agroforestry selection and propagation techniques; Tree-croplivestock interactions and outcomes; Management for optimal production of products and services; Biodiversity expansion and sustenance of ecosystem functionality; Analysis of agroforestry systems; Production and marketing of ecosystem services and products (water, carbon sequestration, biodiversity enhancement). Conservation Agriculture; Benefits to soils; Land and tree tenure, Policies: incentives and restrictions; Household risk aversion and mitigation; labour reduction (through perenialisation of agriculture); gender benefits; Post harvest value adding; Cottage industries and Agroforestry enterprises. Ecological risks ( invasive species, allelopathy, pests and diseases); Trade-offs (the long rotation of tree crops); Balancing on-site benefits with off-site impacts; Competitiveness of agroforestry systems versus monocultures; Managing landscape mosaics generated through agroforestry. Agroforestry Research. Teaching methods: Lectures, guest lecturers, Field visits to land use sectors, Case studies. Practical: setting up of agroforestry combinations for different landscapes. Methods of evaluation: Agroforestry evaluation assignments, final written examination. 17

22 Elective Course No. E-1 Credit Units 3 Course Name: Pricing and Market risks and Opportunities CONTENTS Purpose: To reinforce the entrepreneurial attitude and approaches to agriculture. At the end of this course the student should be able to: Determine the financial and ecological benefits and losses for specific enterprises; Understand local, regional and international market forces and how they operate Design and implement a marketing strategy for products and services Evaluate the viability of agricultural and natural resources projects Identify risks and uncertainties associated with pricing and marketing Provide advice on pricing and marketing to stakeholders Course Description: Agricultural commodity pricing systems; Price volatility; Price trends (time and spatial price uncertainty), Contract farming (with forward pricing); changes in price/external conditions; hedging; exchange rate gains and losses; Bank credit systems; Bank interest rate volatility; Government subventions and subsidies; Impacts of input and food handouts; Financial management; Concepts in agribusiness marketing systems and decisions. Analysis of agricultural markets; Pricing natural resource products and services; buyer behaviour analysis; competitive versus monopoly/oligopoly environments; Value addition and price changes along the value chain. Middleman-ship; Supermarket approaches to business; Price bargaining power and traps; Power of collectives; Market control systems; Tariffs and taxation systems; International trade rules and regulations; Import and export trade challenges; Non-tariff barriers to trade; Free market environments, privileged market conditions. Profitability analysis of marketing and distribution decisions; market planning and strategy; product evaluation and new product promotion; Advanced theory and topics in market and price analysis; technical and pricing efficiency in agricultural markets; interregional and international competition. Teaching methods: Lectures, field visits to local markets, pricing analysis exercises, case studies on regional and international markets, Guest lectures. Methods of evaluation: Reports on market analysis for different products, final written examination. 18 Master of Science in Agricultural Risk Management

23 African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry & Natural Resources Education Elective Course No. E-02 Credit Units 3 Course Name: Agribusiness risks CONTENTS Purpose: To enable the graduate to appreciate that agriculture is about business and profit making is essential at all scales. At the end of this course the student should be able to: Incorporate business concepts into all agricultural activities Evaluate the viability of agricultural enterprises Advise stakeholders on business risks Course Description: Agribusiness Risk Management: Principles and concepts of supply chain systems. Risks in purchasing, transportation and storage of goods; Forecasting supply chain risks and vulnerability; Methods to reduce risk and uncertainty; Managing in customer and supplier relationships; Stakeholders in risk management; Developing risk management and resilience strategies; Business risks and applied management principles such as strategic inventory control and pricing techniques; Internationalization strategies and challenges; Labour capacity and management; Succession risks; Business games and simulation; Risk scenarios analysis and Case studies. Financial and Investment Risk: Cash flow analyses and variability in debt/equity capital, and ability to meet cash demands; asset values assessment, foreclosure/ bankruptcy, enterprise budgets, financial statements, financial evaluations, credit and interest rate risk management, operational risk management, foreign exchange rate risk management, liquidity risk management, pacing investments, assets acquiring, and maintaining reserves for agricultural enterprises; Use of a financial software such as QuickBooks. Teaching methods: Lectures, visits to agribusiness enterprises, Case studies on business success and failures, Guest lectures. Methods of evaluation: Agribusiness projects by students, final written examination. 19

24 Elective Course No. E-03 Credit Units 3 Course Name: Livestock Management Risks CONTENTS Purpose: To reinforce the understanding of challenges associated with livestock production. Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to: Analyze the health and environmental consequences of livestock rearing Provide technical support during the planning of livestock production systems Guide investors on how to minimize agricultural risks. Course Description: Beef and dairy production: Ranch quality management in different seasons; Fodder supplies and quality; forage allocation, culling, and long-term impacts of drought on ranch economic viability. Animal health issues Performance analysis of production and profitability; Insurance options; Animal disease management; Product branding and labeling; Modeling of risk scenarios in beef and dairy production systems and decisionmaking processes. Risk transfer options; Case studies. Piggery Production: As above, paying special attention to foraging options for pigs. Chicken and other avian production: As above, paying special attention to foraging options for avian feeds and diseases. Include competition for cereals as human and chicken feed. Fisheries production: Sustainable fish ponds, spawning challenges, fingerlings management, water pollution, fish management storage and supply chains management. Teaching methods: Lectures, case studies on livestock production and marketing; successes and failures. Methods of evaluation: Reports on risks of livestock production and marketing studies, final written examination. 20 Master of Science in Agricultural Risk Management

25 SPECIAL STUDIES African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry & Natural Resources Education In the second semester of the first year, each student will select one of the following fields for intensive studies; Forestry, Wildlife, Environment and Fisheries. Students will work in groups to develop their understanding of risks in their selected areas. At the end of the semester, they will be examined individually through written examinations. Proposed Guided Study Topics Agriculture 1) Agricultural Insurance 2) Agricultural 3) Agricultural Finance and Investment Instruments. 4) Understanding and Using Futures and Options Markets 5) Fisheries Risk Analysis and Management 6) Animal Health Risk Assessment 7) Agricultural Practices and Technology 8) Pastoralism and Drylands Husbandry Environment, Livelihoods and Food Security 1) Community Participation 2) Poverty Reduction and Rural Development 3) Anthropogenic Environmental Degradation Institutional Arrangements 1) Agricultural Co-operatives 2) Agriculture Quality Standards Natural Resources 1) Land-use Planning and Rural Extension 2) Agroforestry Systems 21

26 3) Forest Management 4) Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development 5) Drought Risk Assessment. Public Health 1) Agricultural Risks and Nutrition 2) Biosafety and Risk Assessment in Agricultural Biotechnology 3) Food Nutrition and Risk Management 4) Managing Public Health under Uncertainty 5) Agricultural Safety and Clean Production Systems 22 Master of Science in Agricultural Risk Management

27 African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry & Natural Resources Education 23

28 African Network for Agriculture, Agroforestry and Natural Resources Education Secretariat P.O Box , Nairobi, Kenya Tel: , (operator) or via USA Fax: or via USA Master of Science in Agricultural Risk Management