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WHAT IS AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS AND WHO IS AN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIST?
Agriculture economics is the study of the distribution, allocation and utilization of agricultural resources and products like agricultural inputs, crops, livestock products and fiber commodities etc. It is the application of theories and principles of economics to better understand and optimize agricultural production and markets. Agricultural economists or agro-economists for short, are people who have studied agriculture economics at university or college. They influence food policy, agricultural policy, and environmental policy.
WHERE DO AGRICULTURAL ECONOMISTS WORK?
Agro-economists work for the government in the ministry of agriculture where they conduct surveys and use mathematical modeling schemes in order to make agricultural economic interpretations. Agro-economists may also be employed by agribusinesses and NGOs such as ACDI/VOCA. Here they deliver technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security in order to promote broad-based economic growth and a vibrant civil society in the country. Agro-economists head agricultural banking programs in banks and other financial institutions e.g. Zanaco Bank.
WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?
Agro-economists study how the society utilizes land, labor, and agricultural raw materials to produce and distribute agricultural goods and services. They conduct research work and observe trends to forecast their economic interpretation by using a variety of mathematical models, reports and charts to present their data. Agro-economists are trained to present this data in a way that the general public can understand. Many agro-economists provide economic commentary on television. They can monitor how financial factors like bank interest rate changes affect the agricultural sector. International agro-economists study a variety of international economic issues such as how the trade of agricultural and livestock products between two or more countries is being conducted.
WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF AN AGRICULTURAL ECONOMIST?
Work schedules vary depending on the employers. An agro-economists will typically work from Monday to Friday, 8:00hrs to 17:00hrs. It is not uncommon to overtime in order to meet the work agenda and deadlines.
WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?
There are many jobs available for those who earn an agro-economics degree or diploma in positions such as financial analyst or research assistant. Employment opportunities for agro-economists have increased as the need for improved agriculture and livestock production has caught the world’s attention. They are often utilized to forecast business and sales, as well as recognising and analysing new economic trends. This process increases the demand for agro-economists at both local and international levels.
WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?
The career personality of agro-economists couples the qualities of both agriculturists and economists. Agro-economists must enjoy working outdoors and doing hands-on work. They should detail-oriented, organised and analytical. To enjoy studying this program you need to have an interest in mathematics, business studies and agricultural science.
Scroll to the bottom for a list of institutions that offer Agricultural Economics
WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?
The range of subjects covered in this program include; Agribusiness Management, Fundamentals of Micro Economics, Fundamentals of Macro Economics, International Agricultural Markets, Trade & Development, Agricultural Project Planning & Appraisal, Quantitative Methods in Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Marketing & Pricing, Agricultural Policy Analysis, Rural Sociology, Agricultural Finance, Farm Management, Agricultural Organization & Administration and Production Economics.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
The minimum entry requirements for admission to this program are 5 O' level credits (grade 6) or better inclusive of Mathematics, English and Science. Science-based programs are quite competitive and to stand a good chance of selection you need to have scored at least 12 points in 6 subjects at grade 12.
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?
An agriculture economists can advance his/her education by pursuing a masters or a doctorate in agro-economics or other related fields such as food security & agricultural productivity, agribusiness & marketing, rural sociology & agricultural extension, and environmental & resource economics. This allows for specialisation in a specific area of agro-economics which increases the employments prospects. A master's also allows you to work as a lecturer in a university.
INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS
UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
Programme duration: 5 years (Degree)
Mode of study: Full-time
Admitting school: School of Natural Sciences
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 211 250587
E-mail: dean-agric@unza.zm
Website: www.unza.zm/schools/agricultural-sciences/departments/agricultural-economics
ZAMBIA OPEN UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (Degree)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Agricultural Sciences
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 211 427600 / +260 969 672965 / +260 976 123055
E-mail: admissions@zaou.ac.zm or lovejoy.malambo@zaou.ac.zm
Website: zaou.ac.zm/school-of-agricultural-sciences/
GIDEON ROBERT UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Agriculture Science and Environmental Studies
Intakes: January and July
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 969 899875
E-mail: vc@gideonrobertyuniversity.com
Website: www.gideonrobert.education