Agriculture

Master of Science in Agro Forestry

The Master of Science in Agro Forestry is a postgraduate programme that prepares professionals for advanced practice in agroforestry systems, tree-crop integration, and sustainable land management. The programme combines forestry science with agricultural application and environmental management methodology.

Core areas include agroforestry systems, multipurpose trees, soil management, biodiversity, community participation, rural development, climate change, research methods, and thesis. Students engage with both agroforestry theory and practical land management application through coursework and research.

The programme is offered by the University of Eldoret, Kenyatta University, University of Embu, and University of Kabianga. All are public universities offering the programme over two academic years through full-time and part-time modes of study.

Students develop competencies in agroforestry systems, tree-crop management, soil conservation, biodiversity assessment, community engagement, rural development, climate adaptation, and research methods. The programme includes coursework, examinations, and a research thesis.

University of Eldoret charges approximately KES 152,500/year (KES 305,000 total). KU charges approximately KES 295,800/year. Entry requires a Bachelor's degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division in forestry, agriculture, environmental science, biological sciences, or related fields from a recognised university.

Graduates pursue careers as agroforestry officers, forestry managers, environmental consultants, land resource managers, conservation officers, and lecturers in agroforestry across government, NGOs, research institutions, and environmental organisations.

Skills Required

Agroforestry Systems Design and Management
Multipurpose Tree Selection and Nursery Management
Soil Health and Conservation in Agroforestry
Biodiversity Assessment and Management
Community Participation in Natural Resource Management
Climate Change Adaptation in Agroforestry
Rural Development and Livelihoods Analysis
GIS and Land Resource Mapping
Research Methods in Agroforestry
Academic Writing and Thesis Research

Key Subjects

Agroforestry Systems and Practices
Multipurpose Trees and Nursery Technology
Soil Management and Productivity in Agroforestry
Biodiversity and Utilization in Agroforestry
Community Participation in Natural Resource Management
Climate Change and Agroforestry
Economics of Land and Water Resource Management
Research Methods in Agroforestry
GIS in Land Resource Management
Thesis Research

Certifications

KFS Forestry Professional Certification
ICRAF Agroforestry Certification

Specializations

Agroforestry Systems

Focuses on agroforestry systems, covering system design, tree-crop integration, alley cropping, silvopasture, and managing agroforestry systems.

Dryland Agroforestry

Examines dryland agroforestry, covering drought-resistant species, water management, dryland systems, ASAL agroforestry, and managing dryland agroforestry.

Biodiversity Conservation

Covers biodiversity conservation in agroforestry, covering biodiversity assessment, species conservation, habitat management, and managing biodiversity in agroforestry.

Community Forestry

Focuses on community forestry, covering community participation, participatory management, community engagement, livelihoods, and managing community forestry.

Climate-Smart Agroforestry

Examines climate-smart agroforestry, covering climate adaptation, carbon sequestration, climate resilience, mitigation, and managing climate-smart agroforestry.

Agroforestry Entrepreneurship

Covers agroforestry entrepreneurship, covering enterprise development, value addition, market analysis, business planning, and managing agroforestry enterprises.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 295,800
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

Study mode: Full-time, Part-time
Attachment: 0 months
Average class: 15 students
Award: Masters

What you study

10 subjects

Agroforestry Systems and Practices
Multipurpose Trees and Nursery Technology
Soil Management and Productivity in Agroforestry
Biodiversity and Utilization in Agroforestry
Community Participation in Natural Resource Management
Climate Change and Agroforestry
Economics of Land and Water Resource Management
Research Methods in Agroforestry
GIS in Land Resource Management
Thesis Research

Modules

12 in the programme

Agroforestry Systems, Practices and Technologies
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines system design, tree-crop integration, alley cropping, silvopasture, windbreaks, riparian buffers, and managing agroforestry systems.
Agroforestry Biodiversity and Utilization
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers biodiversity assessment, species conservation, habitat management, utilisation, ecosystem services, and managing biodiversity in agroforestry.
Research Methods and Biometrics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers research design, data collection, analysis, biometrics, statistical methods, and conducting agroforestry research, preparing students for their thesis.
Soil Health and Agroforestry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines soil health, soil conservation, nutrient cycling, erosion control, soil fertility, and managing soil in agroforestry systems.
Dryland Agroforestry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers drought-resistant species, water management, dryland systems, ASAL agroforestry, rehabilitation, and managing dryland agroforestry.
Socio-economics and Policy in Agroforestry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Examines socio-economics, policy analysis, agroforestry policy, regulatory frameworks, economics, and managing agroforestry policy.
Community Participation in Natural Resource Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers community engagement, participatory management, community forestry, livelihoods, governance, and managing community participation.
Climate Change and Agroforestry
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines climate adaptation, carbon sequestration, climate resilience, drought management, mitigation, and managing climate-smart agroforestry.
Entrepreneurship in Agroforestry
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers enterprise development, value addition, market analysis, business planning, product development, and managing agroforestry enterprises.
GIS in Land Resource Management
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Examines spatial analysis, mapping, remote sensing, land assessment, satellite imagery, and managing spatial data for agroforestry.
Animal Production in Agroforestry
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers silvopasture, fodder trees, livestock integration, grazing management, and managing animal production in agroforestry systems.
Research Thesis
Year 2Semester 26 creditsCore
Original research thesis on an agroforestry topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and agroforestry knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Specialisations

Agroforestry Systems
Focuses on agroforestry systems, covering system design, tree-crop integration, alley cropping, silvopasture, and managing agroforestry systems.
Dryland Agroforestry
Examines dryland agroforestry, covering drought-resistant species, water management, dryland systems, ASAL agroforestry, and managing dryland agroforestry.
Biodiversity Conservation
Covers biodiversity conservation in agroforestry, covering biodiversity assessment, species conservation, habitat management, and managing biodiversity in agroforestry.
Community Forestry
Focuses on community forestry, covering community participation, participatory management, community engagement, livelihoods, and managing community forestry.
Climate-Smart Agroforestry
Examines climate-smart agroforestry, covering climate adaptation, carbon sequestration, climate resilience, mitigation, and managing climate-smart agroforestry.
Agroforestry Entrepreneurship
Covers agroforestry entrepreneurship, covering enterprise development, value addition, market analysis, business planning, and managing agroforestry enterprises.

A day as a student

A typical day during the MSc in Agro Forestry programme combines lectures, field visits, practical sessions, seminars, and independent study. Sessions cover agroforestry systems, multipurpose trees, soil management, biodiversity, and community participation. Agroforestry systems sessions examine system design, tree-crop integration, alley cropping, silvopasture, windbreaks, and managing agroforestry systems. Multipurpose trees sessions cover tree selection, nursery technology, tree propagation, tree management, and managing multipurpose trees. Soil management sessions cover soil health, soil conservation, nutrient cycling, erosion control, and managing soil in agroforestry. Biodiversity sessions cover biodiversity assessment, species conservation, habitat management, ecosystem services, and managing biodiversity. Community participation sessions cover community engagement, participatory management, community forestry, livelihoods, and managing community participation. Rural development sessions cover rural livelihoods, community development, agricultural development, poverty analysis, and managing rural development. Climate change sessions cover climate adaptation, carbon sequestration, climate resilience, drought management, and managing climate-smart agroforestry. Economics sessions cover land economics, water resource economics, cost-benefit analysis, valuation, and managing resource economics. GIS sessions cover spatial analysis, mapping, remote sensing, land assessment, and managing spatial data. Research methods sessions prepare students for their thesis, covering research design, data collection, and analysis. Field visits and practical sessions provide hands-on experience with agroforestry sites, tree nurseries, community forests, and conservation areas. Seminars and discussion groups provide opportunities for debating current issues in agroforestry. Guest lectures from experienced foresters, conservationists, and agroforestry experts provide practical insights. The programme culminates in a research thesis on an agroforestry topic.

The trade offs

In its favour

Growing demand for agroforestry professionals with increasing environmental challenges, climate change, deforestation, and food security needs in Kenya.
Programme is offered by four public universities (UoE, KU, Embu, Kabianga), providing wide institutional choice.
University of Eldoret offers competitive fees at approximately KES 152,500/year (KES 305,000 total).
Programme combines forestry with agriculture and environmental management, providing versatile skills for multiple sectors.

Against it

KU fees are higher at approximately KES 295,800/year.
No private university confirmed offering this programme, limiting options.
Career prospects may be concentrated in government, NGOs, and research sectors, limiting private sector opportunities.
Programme requires forestry, agriculture, or environmental background, which may limit access for non-related graduates.

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

Public163k to 296k

163k at University of Eldoret296k at Kenyatta University

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

KU 295.8K/yr (mawese), UoEldoret 162.6K/yr (uoeld.ac.ke). Private unverified.

HELB postgraduate loans are available for Kenyan students. KU may offer postgraduate bursaries for eligible students. ICRAF and other international organisations may provide training support for agroforestry professionals. Some environmental NGOs may sponsor staff for postgraduate study.

Funding options

HELB Postgraduate Loan
KU Postgraduate Bursary
ICRAF Training Support

Scholarships

3 recorded

HELB Postgraduate Loan
LoanKsh 200,000Kenyan
Kenyan students pursuing postgraduate studies at recognised universities.
KU Postgraduate Bursary
ScholarshipKsh 100,000Kenyan
Kenyatta University offers postgraduate bursaries for eligible students.
ICRAF Training Support
GrantKsh 300,000
World Agroforestry Centre provides training support for agroforestry 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 forestry, agriculture, environmental science, or related field. Lower Second Division holders with relevant experience or a Postgraduate Diploma are considered. 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, field reports, practical exercises, seminar presentations, and class participation.
Written Examinations
Examination70% of the mark
Written examinations covering agroforestry systems, soil management, biodiversity, community participation, and climate change.
Field Project Assessment
Practical100% of the mark
Practical assessment through field projects, agroforestry system design, biodiversity assessment, community engagement, and demonstrating agroforestry skills.
Research Thesis
Research100% of the mark
Original research thesis on an agroforestry topic, demonstrating mastery of research methods and agroforestry knowledge, assessed through written submission and oral defence.

Accreditation

The programme is accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). University of Eldoret, Kenyatta University, University of Embu, and University of Kabianga (all public) offer MSc in Agroforestry. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in agroforestry. Graduates are eligible for KFS forestry professional certification and ICRAF agroforestry certification.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education (CUE)
Academic accreditationRequired
Programme accredited by CUE. University of Eldoret, Kenyatta University, University of Embu, and University of Kabianga (all public) offer MSc in Agroforestry. All programmes meet CUE standards for postgraduate training in agroforestry. Graduates are eligible for KFS forestry professional certification and ICRAF agroforestry certification.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

6 roles

Agroforestry Officer
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages agroforestry programmes, overseeing system design, tree-crop integration, community engagement, and managing agroforestry operations.
Forestry Manager
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Manages forest resources, overseeing forest planning, conservation, sustainable forestry, and managing forest operations.
Environmental Consultant
Moderate demandKsh 130,000 to Ksh 550,000
Consults on environmental matters, overseeing environmental assessment, impact assessment, land management, and managing environmental consulting.
Land Resource Manager
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages land resources, overseeing land use planning, soil conservation, land restoration, and managing land resources.
Conservation Officer
Moderate demandKsh 110,000 to Ksh 450,000
Manages conservation programmes, overseeing biodiversity conservation, habitat management, species protection, and managing conservation operations.
Agroforestry Lecturer
Moderate demandKsh 120,000 to Ksh 500,000
Teaches agroforestry at university or college level, overseeing instruction, research, field supervision, and academic supervision.

Graduate outcomes

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Tools you will learn

ArcGIS
SoftwarePrimary
ArcGIS for spatial analysis, covering GIS applications, mapping, spatial analysis, remote sensing, and managing spatial data for agroforestry.
R
Software
R statistical software for agroforestry research, covering statistical analysis, data visualisation, ecological modelling, and managing research data.
SPSS
Software
SPSS statistical software for agroforestry research, covering data analysis, statistical tests, and managing research data.
Google Earth Engine
Software
Google Earth Engine for remote sensing, covering satellite imagery analysis, land cover mapping, environmental monitoring, and managing spatial data.

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Agroforestry is just about planting trees on farms.
Agroforestry covers comprehensive system design including tree-crop integration, soil management, biodiversity, community participation, and rural development beyond just tree planting.
This programme is only for those from forestry backgrounds.
Agroforestry skills are valuable for anyone interested in sustainable land management, environmental conservation, agriculture, and rural development.
Agroforestry has limited career prospects in Kenya.
With growing environmental challenges, climate change, deforestation, and food security needs, demand for agroforestry professionals is increasing in Kenya.
Agroforestry is the same as forestry.
Agroforestry integrates trees with crops and livestock, while forestry focuses on forest management alone. Agroforestry requires knowledge of both forestry and agriculture.
Community participation is just about consulting locals.
Community participation covers comprehensive engagement including participatory management, capacity building, livelihoods, and sustainable resource governance.
Climate-smart agroforestry is just about carbon credits.
Climate-smart agroforestry covers comprehensive adaptation, mitigation, resilience, food security, and sustainable land management.