Agriculture

Master of Science (Agricultural Information Communication and Management)

The Master of Science in Agricultural Information Communication and Management is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in agricultural information systems, communication management, and knowledge management. The programme combines information science with communication methodology and agricultural knowledge management.

Core areas include agricultural information systems, communication management, knowledge management, ICT in agriculture, agricultural publishing, records management, web resources, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both information science theory and practical agricultural communication application through coursework and research.

The programme is offered by Egerton University and University of Nairobi. Both are public universities offering the programme over two academic years through full-time, part-time, and Open and Distance Learning modes of study.

Students develop competencies in agricultural information management, communication management, knowledge management, ICT in agriculture, records management, web resources, and research methods. The programme includes coursework, examinations, and a research thesis or dissertation.

UoN charges approximately KES 433,500/year (total KES 867,000). Egerton fees not independently verified for this programme. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division in agriculture, information science, communication, or related fields from a recognised university.

Graduates pursue careers as agricultural information managers, communication specialists, knowledge managers, ICT in agriculture specialists, records managers, and lecturers in agricultural information and communication across agricultural institutions, research organisations, and government agencies.

Skills Required

Agricultural Information Systems Management
Communication Management in Agriculture
Knowledge Management and Transfer
ICT in Agriculture and E-Agriculture
Agricultural Publishing and Scientific Communication
Records and Archives Management
Web Resources and Digital Libraries
Agricultural Data Management and Analysis
Research Methods in Information Science
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Agricultural Information Systems
Communication Management in Agriculture
Knowledge Management and Transfer
ICT in Agriculture and E-Agriculture
Agricultural Publishing and Scientific Communication
Records and Archives Management
Web Resources and Digital Libraries
Research Methods in Information Science
Agricultural Data Management
Thesis Research

Certifications

Kenya Library Association Membership
International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) Membership

Specializations

Agricultural Knowledge Management

Focuses on knowledge management, covering knowledge capture, knowledge sharing, knowledge repositories, and managing agricultural knowledge systems.

Agricultural Communication Management

Examines communication management, covering communication strategies, media management, agricultural journalism, and managing agricultural communication.

Records and Archives Management

Covers records management, covering records creation, records management, archival science, digital preservation, and managing records and archives.

Web Resources Management

Focuses on web resources, covering web content management, digital libraries, web development, and managing web resources in agriculture.

Scholarly Publishing

Examines scholarly publishing, covering scientific publishing, journal management, open access, and managing scholarly communication.

ICT in Agriculture

Covers ICT in agriculture, covering e-agriculture, digital agriculture, mobile applications, and managing ICT in agricultural development.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 433,500
Job market: Moderate

The programme

What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time, Online
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 20 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Agricultural Information Systems
Communication Management in Agriculture
Knowledge Management and Transfer
ICT in Agriculture and E-Agriculture
Agricultural Publishing and Scientific Communication
Records and Archives Management
Web Resources and Digital Libraries
Research Methods in Information Science
Agricultural Data Management
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Agricultural Information Systems
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines information systems design, database management, information architecture, and managing agricultural information systems.
Communication Management in Agriculture
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers communication strategies, media management, agricultural journalism, and managing agricultural communication.
Knowledge Management and Transfer
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines knowledge capture, knowledge sharing, knowledge repositories, and managing agricultural knowledge systems.
Research Methods in Information Science
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, ethical issues, and conducting information science research, preparing students for their thesis.
ICT in Agriculture and E-Agriculture
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers e-agriculture, digital agriculture, mobile applications, ICT tools, and managing ICT in agricultural development.
Agricultural Publishing and Scientific Communication
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines scientific publishing, journal management, open access, scholarly communication, and managing agricultural publishing.
Records and Archives Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers records creation, records management, archival science, digital preservation, and managing records and archives.
Web Resources and Digital Libraries
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines web content management, digital libraries, web development, and managing web resources in agriculture.
Agricultural Data Management and Analysis
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers data management, data analysis, database design, data visualisation, and managing agricultural data.
Digital Agriculture and Innovation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines digital agriculture, agricultural innovation systems, technology adoption, and managing digital innovation in agriculture.
Statistics in Information Science
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers statistical methods, data analysis, research statistics, and analysing and interpreting information science research data.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis or dissertation on an agricultural information and communication topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and information science knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Agricultural Knowledge Management
Focuses on knowledge management, covering knowledge capture, knowledge sharing, knowledge repositories, and managing agricultural knowledge systems.
Agricultural Communication Management
Examines communication management, covering communication strategies, media management, agricultural journalism, and managing agricultural communication.
Records and Archives Management
Covers records management, covering records creation, records management, archival science, digital preservation, and managing records and archives.
Web Resources Management
Focuses on web resources, covering web content management, digital libraries, web development, and managing web resources in agriculture.
Scholarly Publishing
Examines scholarly publishing, covering scientific publishing, journal management, open access, and managing scholarly communication.
ICT in Agriculture
Covers ICT in agriculture, covering e-agriculture, digital agriculture, mobile applications, and managing ICT in agricultural development.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Agricultural Information Communication and Management programme combines lectures, computer laboratory sessions, seminars, field visits, and independent study. Sessions cover agricultural information systems, communication management, knowledge management, ICT in agriculture, and records management. Information systems sessions examine information systems design, database management, information architecture, and managing agricultural information systems. Communication management sessions cover communication strategies, media management, agricultural journalism, and managing agricultural communication. Knowledge management sessions cover knowledge capture, knowledge sharing, knowledge repositories, and managing agricultural knowledge systems. ICT in agriculture sessions cover e-agriculture, digital agriculture, mobile applications, and managing ICT in agricultural development. Records management sessions cover records creation, records management, archival science, digital preservation, and managing records and archives. Web resources sessions cover web content management, digital libraries, web development, and managing web resources. Scholarly publishing sessions cover scientific publishing, journal management, open access, and managing scholarly communication. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Computer laboratory sessions provide hands-on experience with database management, web development, content management systems, and information tools. Field visits provide practical experience with agricultural information systems, communication programmes, and field data collection. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in agricultural information and communication. Guest lectures from experienced information managers, communication specialists, and ICT professionals provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis or dissertation on an agricultural information and communication topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Growing demand for agricultural information professionals with digital agriculture, e-extension, and information-driven agriculture in Kenya.
Programme is offered by multiple universities (Egerton, UoN), providing institutional choice.
Programme combines information science with agricultural knowledge, providing versatile skills for both ICT and agriculture sectors.
UoN offers flexible study modes including full-time, part-time, and Open and Distance Learning.

Against it

UoN fees are relatively high at approximately KES 433,500/year (total KES 867,000).
Egerton fees not independently verified, limiting fee comparison.
No private university confirmed offering this exact programme, limiting options.
Programme requires understanding of both information science and agriculture, which may be challenging for some students.

What it costs

Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.

What it costs, and where

Against 303 agriculture courses

Public110k to 434k

110k at Rongo University434k at University of Nairobi

Annual 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 433.5K/yr avg (aa-agriculture.uonbi.ac.ke). Rongo 110K/yr (eafinder.com). Private unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KALRO may provide training support for research staff. FAO may provide training support for agricultural information professionals. Some agricultural organisations and government agencies may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KALRO Training Support
FAO Training Support

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
KALRO Training Support
ScholarshipKsh 150,000Kenyan
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization supports training for research staff.
FAO Training Support
GrantKsh 250,000
FAO provides training support for agricultural information professionals in developing countries.

Getting in

The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.

What you need

KCSE mean grade: N/A (Postgraduate)
Alternative entry: Most universities require Upper Second Class Honours in agriculture, information science, or related field. Lower Second Division holders with relevant experience are considered. Students lacking agricultural or ICT background may take remedial courses. Contact respective universities for specific admission requirements.

How you are assessed

4 components

Coursework and Continuous Assessment
Coursework30% of the mark
Continuous assessment through coursework assignments, laboratory exercises, seminar presentations, projects, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination40% of the mark
Written examinations covering information systems, communication management, knowledge management, ICT in agriculture, and records management.
Practical and Project Assessment
Practical30% of the mark
Practical assessment through laboratory exercises, information systems projects, communication projects, web development, and demonstrating information science skills.
Research Thesis or Dissertation
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis or dissertation on an agricultural information and communication topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and information science knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). Egerton University and University of Nairobi (both public) offer MSc in Agricultural Information and Communication Management. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in agricultural information and communication management. Graduates are eligible for Kenya Library Association membership and IFLA membership.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. Egerton University and University of Nairobi (both public) offer MSc in Agricultural Information and Communication Management. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in agricultural information and communication management. Graduates are eligible for Kenya Library Association membership and IFLA membership.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Agricultural Information Manager
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages agricultural information systems, overseeing information systems design, database management, and managing agricultural information.
Communication Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages agricultural communication, overseeing communication strategies, media management, and managing agricultural communication programmes.
Knowledge Manager
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Manages knowledge systems, overseeing knowledge capture, knowledge sharing, and managing agricultural knowledge management.
ICT in Agriculture Specialist
High demandKsh 140,000 to Ksh 600,000
Manages ICT in agriculture, overseeing e-agriculture, digital agriculture, mobile applications, and managing ICT in agricultural development.
Records Manager
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages records and archives, overseeing records management, archival science, digital preservation, and managing records and archives.
Information Science Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches agricultural information and communication at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, and academic supervision.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

Content Management Systems
SoftwarePrimary
CMS for agricultural information management, covering content management, web publishing, and managing agricultural information platforms.
Database Management Systems
Software
Database management systems for agricultural data, covering database design, data management, and managing agricultural databases.
SPSS
Software
SPSS statistical software for information science research, covering data analysis, statistical tests, and managing research data.
Digital Library Software
Software
Digital library software for agricultural repositories, covering digital collections, institutional repositories, and managing digital libraries.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Agricultural information management is just about libraries.
Agricultural information management covers comprehensive information science including systems design, knowledge management, ICT, communication, and digital agriculture.
This programme is only for those working in libraries.
Information and communication skills are valuable in research, government, agribusiness, media, and any organisation dealing with agricultural information and communication.
Agricultural information has limited career prospects in Kenya.
With digital agriculture, e-extension, and information-driven agriculture, demand for agricultural information professionals is growing in Kenya.
This programme is the same as general information science.
This programme combines information science with agricultural knowledge, providing specialised skills for agricultural information and communication.
ICT in agriculture is just about using computers.
ICT in agriculture covers e-agriculture, digital agriculture, mobile applications, data analytics, and innovative technology solutions for agricultural development.
Knowledge management is not relevant to agriculture.
Knowledge management is critical to agricultural research, extension, and innovation, ensuring that agricultural knowledge is captured, shared, and used effectively.