Rural Development and Agricultural Extension

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

BSc Degree in Rural Development and Agricultural Extension is one of the many programs in which M.A. College has obtained full-fledged accreditation from FDRE Education Authority in distance education.

The degree to be issued to the students upon completion of the graduation requirements set by the college has the following nomenclature: In English: Bachelor of Science Degree in Rural Development and Agricultural Extension In Amharic: የሳይንስ ባችለር ዲግሪ በገጠር ልማት እና ግብርና ኤክስቴንሽን

The standard study period to complete the program is eight semesters (four years) and twelve terms as it is for distance learners and requires a successful completion of 151 credit hours.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

The profession of development interventionist requires a wide range of qualities such as versatility, impartiality, openness, flexibility, innovativeness, persistence, etc. In general, the graduates in their profession will have the competencies to uplift the living situation of the rural poor whose problems are much intertwined with cultural, socio-economic, institutional and situational factor.

KNOWLEDGE

  • Facilitate rural and agricultural innovations (technological and institutional innovations) process through network building, social learning and negotiation using effective communicative interventions,
  • Collect and analyze information and translate this into easily manageable and understandable terms for use by the rural community,
  • Promote and disseminate agricultural information and technology through training of farmers and extension workers,
  • Assist in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating programs/projects related to development initiatives in sustainable manners,
  • Undertaking research in the areas of agricultural extension, rural livelihoods, food security, marketing, gender, development and sustainable development,
  • Deliver consultancy and advisory services in the field of rural development,
  • Support to run value adding product processing activities,
  • Serve as gender and development officers and promoters, social workers, community mobilizes and public administrators.
  • Serve as social workers, community mobilizes and public administrators

SKILL

A graduate in Rural Development and agricultural extension program will be able to: –

  • Apply proper methods of how different community groups are organized and enter into development endeavors,
  • Identify and analyze problems related to rural development intervention,
  • Design and conduct trainings for specialized skill and knowledge in areas of rural development in agricultural colleges, universities and training centers,
  • Generate self-employment and establish and manage enterprise in their profession and related fields,
  • Plan, coordinate, implement, monitor and evaluate rural development programs/projects,
  • Formulate and advocate rural development policies and strategies
  • Disseminate new and improved technologies for the benefit of society,
  • Develop communication and analytical skills,

ATTITUDE

A graduate in rural development and agricultural extension program will be able to:

  • Perceive the importance of rural development for poverty reduction,
  • Appreciate rural development in social, economic, environmental, cultural and political context,
  • Develop sense of enthusiasm to work with farmers in rural areas,
  • Involve in an intellectually stimulating and satisfying experience of learning and studying,
  • Desire to run private farms and agro-industries as self –employment,

GRADUATE PROFILE

After successful completion of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension program, Graduates will be able to:

  • Apply proper methods of how different community groups are organized and enter into development endeavors,
  • Facilitate rural innovation (technological and institutional innovations) process through network building, social learning and negotiation using effective communicative interventions,
  • Collect and analyze information and translate this into easily manageable and understandable terms for use by the rural community,
  • Assist in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating programs/projects related to development initiatives in sustainable manners,
  • Conduct research in the areas of rural development, rural and agricultural extension, marketing, gender, development and sustainable development,
  • Identify and analyze problems related to rural development intervention,
  • Design and conduct trainings for specialized skill and knowledge in areas of rural development in agricultural colleges, universities and training centers,
  • Generate self-employment and establish and manage enterprise in their profession and related fields,
  • Formulate and advocate rural development policies and strategies

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Successful completion of the Preparatory Program and meeting all the requirements set by the Federal Ministry of Science and Higher Education. For advanced standing applicants, the criteria shall be:

  • Completion of a diploma program/level IV with CoC/ in any related field,
  • Candidates from both natural and social science streams can be accepted,
  • When there is high competition for admission, grade point average at graduation, additional training after graduation, service year, gender and supporting letter from their

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

B.Sc. degree in Rural Development and Agricultural Extension will be awarded to a candidate who has fulfilled the general graduation requirements of the University. This includes, but not limited to, taking a minimum of 248 ECTS/151 Credit hours and earning CGPA greater than or equal to 2.00 with pass grade in all courses and No F grade in any course (s) is/ are taken.

 DEGREE NOMENCLATURE

English: Bachelor of Science Degree in Rural Development and Agricultural Extension

In Amharic: የሳይንስ ባችለር ዲግሪ በገጠር ልማት እና ግብርና ኤክስቴንሽን