Program Overview
PAID-WA’s Agricultural development training programs have a large selection of categories from which students can choose from including crops, dairy and livestock production. Whether you are looking to work on a small family farm, or want to gain experience with a large farming operation, an Agriculture Training Program is a great way to gain hands-on experience and learn about the agriculture industry in Cameroon. The two-year program combines a scientific approach to solve agriculture related problems in developing countries with a broader social understanding of the conditions for development. The course includes field trips, interaction with agri-environmental organizations including local conventional and organic farms and companies specializing in agri-environmental consultancy and research, seminars and practical exercises. The Institute has its own farm with a poultry enterprises and land managed to provide environmental benefits.
Main Objective
Agricultural Development focuses on sustainable development in developing countries and provides you with scientific and practical knowledge about farming, forestry systems, aquaculture, food processing and quality, economic development, rural livelihoods and environmental and natural resource management. As an MSc student in Agricultural Development, you will be making sustainable positive changes to the lives of some of the poorest people in the world.
Expected learning outcomes:
As a graduate in Agricultural Development and an expert on development, you are, among other things, able to:
- Provide a detailed account and critical evaluation of current research theories in connection with sustainable agriculture in developing countries.
- Distinguish critically between sustainable and livelihood-related issues in connection with the agricultural production and food security.
- Carry out research, advisory and policy-related activities within agricultural development.
- Identify and analyze agricultural research issues and communicate these to the general public.
Program Duration
The masters’ program runs for three academic semesters over 18 months. Emphasis is placed on lectures, tutorials, field placement, internships, and a thesis writing project.
Target Audience
Farm land owners, leaders/members of government and nongovernmental organizations in the agricultural sector, and students.
Career Opportunities
The MSc. program in Agricultural Development gives you the opportunity to work as a seed technologist, post-harvest valorization specialist, crop production specialist, soil scientist, gardener, fisheries and livestock producer specialist, agricultural project designer, planner and manager. In addition, the program gives you the opportunity to work with sustainable development organizations and agencies in developing countries by means of economic growth, food supplies and nature preservation. As a Masters Degree holder in Agricultural Development, you can, among other things:
- Become a consultant in an international organization specializing in development and/or food, e.g. UN’s environment and agriculture organizations, UNEP and FAO or the EU.
- Work within research in National or an international research institution, e.g. at universities and government research institutions.
- Find employment with one of the many development-oriented organizations focusing on developing countries.
- Find employment with companies engaged in fair trade, ecology and global trade, e.g. certification, labeling, purchasing and sales.
- Farm and agri-business management.
- Banking, finance and marketing in the agri-food industry.