INSTITUTIONS OFFERING AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING LISTED AT THE BOTTOM
WHAT IS AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING AND WHO IS AN AGRICULTURAL ENGINEER?
Agricultural Engineering, also known as Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering is the field of study that deals in the application of engineering science and designs principles for agricultural purposes. It combines the various disciplines of mechanical, civil, electrical, food science, environmental, software, and chemical engineering to improve the efficiency of farm and agribusiness enterprises. An agricultural engineer is a person who has studied agricultural engineering. They apply their knowledge of engineering to solve engineering problems in the agricultural industry.
WHERE DO AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERS WORK?
Agricultural engineers work for the government or government agencies such as Food Reserve Agency (FRA) or the Ministry of Agriculture as management supervisors, agricultural engineering designers, field trainers and consultants on agricultural and bio systems engineering facilities, systems and technologies.
Agricultural engineers can also work for agricultural engineering firms and companies such as CAMCO Equipment, Syngenta and Lamasat. These companies supply farmers with agricultural equipment and machinery such as irrigation systems, boom sprayers, tractors, combine harvesters, shellers, hammer mills etc. Agricultural engineers are employed to work on farms and in other agricultural companies like Seed Co Ltd or National Milling where they manage such equipment and provide engineering solutions to diverse problems.
WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?
The work of an agricultural engineer mainly involves designing systems, components, or processes to meet the desired needs for agricultural production. Such systems include irrigation systems, drainage and flood water control systems and agricultural product processing (harvesting, shelling, milling, sorting, packaging, etc.). The agricultural engineer must identify engineering problems in agricultural production and formulate cost-effective solutions for them. Thereafter, they plan and supervise the construction or implementation of such solutions. An example of an engineering solution is automation of harvesting systems or improving efficiency of fertilizer application. Agricultural engineers also make sure agricultural machinery remains in good working order by carrying out routine safety checks, maintenance and repair works.
Other agricultural engineers work in the manufacturing industry for companies that make agricultural equipment and machinery. Here, the engineers are required to design such machinery and to come up with ways of improving their efficiency and safety. The engineers provide specific guidance on how the machines should be made.
WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF AN AGRICULTURAL ENGINEER?
The typical work schedule of an agricultural engineer is 08:00hrs-17:00hrs from Monday to Friday.
WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?
The agriculture sector is increasingly becoming mechanised to improve crop production and yield so as to meet the growing demand for food. This has resulted in an increased demand for agricultural engineers.
WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?
To be an agricultural engineer you must have an interest in mathematics, science and technology. You must also have good problem-solving skills and be ready to work with tools and machines.
INSTITUTIONS OFFERING AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING LISTED AT THE BOTTOM
WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?
In the first year, the courses covered are A’ level Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. In the following years, some of the courses covered are Soil and Water Conservation Engineering, Farm Power and Machinery, Food Process Engineering, Engineering Management & Society, Agricultural Machinery Design, Instrumentation and Process Control, Agricultural Structures and Infrastructures, Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Renewable Energy Sources and Agricultural Mechanization.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
The entry requirements for this program are five O’ level credits or better inclusive of Mathematics, English and Science. The degree program is very competitive and so you need to have scored at least 12 points in your best 6 subjects at grade 12 to stand a good chance of being selected.
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?
After obtaining your degree in agricultural engineering, you may upgrade to a master’s in the same field. Holding such a higher qualification along with job experience will enable you to be employed in higher positions where you may be supervising a team of engineers or working in a managerial position. A master’s also qualifies you to work as a lecturer in a university.
INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
Programme duration: 5 years (Degree) / 2 years (Master’s)
Mode of study: Full-time and Part-time
Admitting school: School of Natural Sciences
Intakes: January only
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 211 292792
E-mail: dean-eng@unza.zm
Website: www.unza.zm/schools/engineering/departments/agricultural-engineering
NATURAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
Programme duration: 3 years (Diploma)
Mode of study: Full-time and Distance
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +0211-282496
E-mail: info@nrdc.biz
Website: www.nrdc.biz/students.html
MULUNGUSHI UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 5 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time and Part- Time
Admitting school: School of Science, Engineering and Technology
Intakes: August
Location: Kabwe
Tel: +260 215 228 004
E-mail: academic@mu.ac.zm
Website: www.mu.ac.zm