Bachelor of Science in Science Agricultural Economics and Resource Management
The Bachelor Of Science In Science Agricultural Economics And Resource Management is a degree programme that equips students with knowledge and skills in in science agricultural economics and resource management. The programme falls under the Agriculture & Environment category and typically spans 4 years of full-time study at accredited Kenyan universities.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 324,000 a year at a public institution, Ksh 1,296,000 for the whole course. Up to Ksh 188,700 a year at a private one.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus) mean grade at KCSE or above, plus 4 subject grades. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 4 years, full-time, with 8 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 6 institutions.The detail
- Where it leads
- 8 careers in the catalogue. The least exposed to AI is Aquaculture Technologist, at 3 out of 100.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers Agricultural Economics, Resource Management, Farm Management, Agribusiness, Economic Analysis, Sustainable Resource Use. Students engage with both theoretical foundations and practical applications, developing competencies in Advanced Econometrics, Advanced Statistics for Agricultural Research, Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship, Agribusiness Finance and Accounting, Agribusiness Information Systems. The coursework is designed to build progressive understanding from foundational concepts to advanced topics.
Throughout the programme, students study Resource Economics, Agricultural Marketing, Production Economics, Agricultural Finance, Project Planning and Evaluation. The teaching approach combines lectures, laboratory practicals, tutorials, assignments and independent research projects. This blend ensures graduates can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems in their field.
The programme offers specialisations in Resource Economics, Agricultural Policy, Farm Management. Students can focus their studies on areas of particular interest, allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career goals. The flexibility enables graduates to pursue diverse professional paths within the sector.
Graduates of the Bachelor Of Science In Science Agricultural Economics And Resource Management pursue careers as Agricultural Economist, Farm Manager, Resource Manager, Agricultural Policy Analyst. They find employment in various sectors including government agencies, private companies, research institutions, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions. The degree opens doors to both local and international opportunities.
The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE) and offered at recognised universities across Kenya. Students benefit from industry attachments, fieldwork and practical training that complement classroom learning and enhance employability upon graduation.
What you study
6 subjects- Agricultural Economics
- Resource Management
- Farm Management
- Agribusiness
- Economic Analysis
- Sustainable Resource Use
Modules
12 in the programmeIntroduction to Agricultural Economics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Overview of agricultural economics, economic principles, and agricultural systems.
Microeconomics
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Microeconomics: Microeconomic principles, supply and demand, and market analysis. Covers economic theory, market analysis, and policy evaluation.
Macroeconomics
Year 1Semester 33 creditsCore
Macroeconomics: Macroeconomic principles, economic policy, and national economy. Covers economic theory, market analysis, and policy evaluation.
Farm Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Farm planning, budgeting, and farm business management. The module covers theoretical foundations, practical applications and industry-relevant skills, assessed through continuous assessment tests,...
Resource Economics
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Resource Economics: Resource valuation, resource economics, and sustainable resource use. Covers economic theory, market analysis, and policy evaluation.
Agricultural Policy
Year 2Semester 33 creditsCore
Agricultural Policy: Agricultural policy analysis, policy formulation, and policy evaluation. Covers theoretical foundations, practical applications, and industry-relevant skills.
Agribusiness Management
Year 3Semester 13 creditsCore
Agribusiness Management: Agribusiness principles, business management, and agricultural marketing. Covers planning, organising, leadership, and control in organisational contexts.
Production Economics
Year 3Semester 23 creditsCore
Production Economics: Production functions, cost analysis, and production optimization. Covers economic theory, market analysis, and policy evaluation.
Agricultural Finance
Year 3Semester 33 creditsCore
Agricultural Finance: Agricultural credit, financial management, and investment analysis. Covers financial reporting, budgeting, investment analysis, and regulatory frameworks.
Agricultural Marketing
Year 4Semester 13 creditsCore
Agricultural Marketing: Marketing principles, market analysis, and agricultural marketing strategies. Covers market analysis, consumer behaviour, branding, and promotional strategies.
Project Planning and Evaluation
Year 4Semester 23 creditsCore
Project Planning and Evaluation: Project planning, project evaluation, and economic analysis of projects. Covers planning theory, regulatory frameworks, and sustainable development practices.
Agricultural Economics and Resource Management Project
Year 4Semester 36 creditsCore
Agricultural Economics and Resource Management Project: Independent project on agricultural economics or resource management topic. Covers project lifecycle, resource allocation, risk management, a...
Specialisations
Farm Management
Focus on farm planning, budgeting, and farm business management. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Resource Economics
Specialization in resource valuation, resource economics, and sustainable resource use. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
Agricultural Policy
Focus on agricultural policy analysis, policy formulation, and policy evaluation. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
General Practice
Broad foundational knowledge covering core principles and practices in the field. This specialisation equips graduates with discipline-specific competencies for professional practice in Kenya and the East African region, with pathways to postgraduate study and professional certification.
A day as a student
Students attend lectures, conduct fieldwork on farms, participate in economic analysis, and engage in agricultural research.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| Critical role in improving agricultural productivity and ensuring food security. | Agricultural economics can be complex due to market volatility and policy changes. |
| Growing demand for agricultural economists due to agricultural sector development. | Farm management can be challenging due to weather risks and market uncertainties. |
| Combines economics with agriculture for comprehensive understanding of agricultural systems. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 303 agriculture coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
UoN agro 324K/yr (fee schedule). KU B.Com 183.6K/yr (KUCCPS). Kabarak 188.7K, MKU 109.1K/yr.
HELB loans available for eligible students. Some universities offer scholarships based on academic performance.
Funding options
Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
Scholarships
4 recordedHigher Education Loans Board (HELB) Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students admitted to recognised universities demonstrating financial need.
Higher Education Fund (HEF)
Government fundingKenyan
Kenyan students in public universities under the new funding model based on financial need assessment.
County Government Bursaries
BursaryKenyan
Residents of respective counties pursuing undergraduate studies
TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship at Egerton University
ScholarshipKenyan
Students admitted to agriculture, natural resources and food science programmes at Egerton University
Scholarships you could apply for
9 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- University of Eldoret TAGDev 2.0 Scholarship
Closes 1 May 2027FullUniversity of Eldoret / Mastercard Foundation
Full tuition + living expenses
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Komaza Scholarship Program
RollingPartialKomaza
KES 50,000 to 150,000 per year
- Moi University Merit Scholarship
Before semester startsPartialMoi University
50% tuition waiver
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Diploma holders in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Economics, or related fields with Credit pass from recognized institutions may also apply.
When it next starts
Taught at 6 institutionsIncluding Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Maseno University, University of Eldoret.
Including Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Maseno University, University of Eldoret.
Including Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Maseno University, University of Eldoret.
How you are assessed
4 componentsEnd of Semester Examinations
Exam70% of the mark
Comprehensive written examinations at the end of each semester.
Continuous Assessment Tests
Cat30% of the mark
Regular tests, assignments, and economic analysis reports throughout the semester.
Field Practice Assessments
Practicum100% of the mark
Evaluation of field skills in farm management, economic analysis, and resource assessment.
Research Project
Project100% of the mark
Independent research project on agricultural economics or resource management topic.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
NationalRequired
Mandatory accreditation for all university programmes in Kenya.
Accredited by Commission for University Education (CUE).
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
5 rolesAgricultural Economist
High demandKsh 55,000 to Ksh 120,000
Analyse agricultural economics, conduct economic research, and advise on agricultural policy.
Farm Manager
High demandKsh 50,000 to Ksh 110,000
Manage farms, oversee agricultural operations, and ensure farm profitability.
Resource Manager
High demandKsh 52,000 to Ksh 115,000
Manage agricultural resources, implement resource strategies, and ensure sustainable use.
Agricultural Policy Analyst
Medium demandKsh 56,000 to Ksh 122,000
Analyse agricultural policy, develop policy recommendations, and support policy formulation.
Agribusiness Consultant
Medium demandKsh 58,000 to Ksh 125,000
Provide consulting services on agribusiness, farm management, and agricultural economics.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work in agricultural economics, resource management, and agribusiness across Kenya's agricultural sector.
Where these fields lead
8 careers- Aquaculture TechnologistAgriculture3Low exposure
- Climate-Resilient Seed BreederAgriculture3Low exposure
- Veterinary Public OfficerAgriculture3Low exposure
- Veterinary OfficerAgriculture7Low exposure
- Farm Insurance AssessorAgriculture11Low exposure
- Value Chain AnalystAgriculture12Low exposure
- Agricultural EconomistAgriculture13Low exposure
- Agroecological Farming SpecialistAgriculture13Low exposure
Tools you will learn
Microsoft Excel
SpreadsheetPrimary
PlantVillage Nuru
Agriculture
QGIS
GisPrimary
R
Analytics
Google Earth
Gis
ChatGPT / Claude
Ai
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Economic life is a zero-sum game
Economic value can be created through trade and productivity improvements. Trade benefits both parties when voluntary, not one exploiting the other.
Price can be set at any level without effect on supply or demand
Prices affect both supply and demand. Setting prices artificially high or low creates imbalances, surpluses, or shortages in agricultural markets.
Farmers produce more when prices are low to maintain income
The backward-bending supply curve is a myth. Farmers generally produce less when prices are low and more when prices are high, like other producers.
Agricultural subsidies are always harmful to developing countries
Some developing countries actually benefit from rich country subsidies. The impact of subsidies varies by context and market structure.
Agriculture is the primary driver of development
While agriculture is important, its role in development is often overstated. A balanced approach across sectors is more effective for sustainable development.
African farmers are not adopting modern technology
Many African farmers are adopting modern inputs and technology. The rate of adoption varies by region, crop, and market conditions.