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College of Agriculture - Postgraduate Studies
More than 80 percent of the Eritrean population depends on the agricultural sector for its livelihood. The livestock sector is equally important. In both sectors, production in recent years has been low due to drought, inappropriate management practices, diseases, and manpower problems. In past years, production in these sectors has not increased to meet the much needed demands of the country, both for local consumption and export.
The College of Agriculture seeks to address these pressing problems of Eritrea with the introduction of Master of Science degree programs that will develop professionals who can work on their solutions. New and relevant research directed specifically to Eritrean conditions is especially important, and much of the work in the new postgraduate programs will emphasize training students in research at a high academic level. Most of this research will take a thematic, cross-disciplinary approach, involving many instructors and researchers from different disciplines.
In all the agricultural sub-sector activities, unsustainable land use practices under a harsh climate leads to soil degradation and a serious reduction in production potential and environmental quality. Environmental concerns must be integrated with the production systems and natural resource management. In view of this, the Government of the State of Eritrea has placed the development of the agricultural sector among its top priorities.
Their main aims are:
- to attain increased levels of food security;
- to supply raw materials for domestic agro-industries;
- to earn foreign exchange through export of high value agricultural and agro-industrial products;
- to protect and restore the environment;
- to generate employment and increased income for the rural population.
Graduates of the M.Sc. programs in agriculture are expected to contribute to the improvement of living conditions in Eritrea by helping to increase food production and promote the sustainable use of natural resources. Beyond knowledge of the subject matter, graduates must also be able to make sound judgments, translate their knowledge into actions, and work with people in a responsible way.
For more information, click on the links below:
College of Agriculture Research Program
Land Resources and Environmental Studies M.Sc. Program