Agriculture

Master of Science in Agroforestry

The Master of Science in Agroforestry provides advanced training in agroforestry systems, tree-crop interactions, sustainable land management, and forest farming. Students learn agroforestry principles, tree-crop-livestock integration, soil conservation, carbon sequestration, and rural livelihoods through agroforestry. The programme is designed for agriculture, forestry, and environmental science graduates seeking advanced agroforestry qualifications.

Students develop advanced competencies in agroforestry system design, tree-crop interactions, soil management, agroforestry economics, climate change adaptation, and biodiversity conservation. The curriculum covers agroforestry principles, tree biology, soil science, agroforestry economics, research methods, and a research thesis. Practical skills are developed through field work and research projects.

Agroforestry expertise is critical for Kenya's agricultural and environmental sectors. Agricultural organisations, forestry departments, NGOs, and environmental agencies require trained agroforestry specialists. Kenya's food security challenges, climate change impacts, and deforestation concerns create demand for agroforestry expertise. The programme addresses the demand for advanced agroforestry training.

The programme combines classroom lectures with field work, laboratory sessions, and research. Students study agroforestry concepts, design agroforestry systems, conduct field assessments, and perform research. Teaching methods include lectures, field practicals, laboratory sessions, and research supervision. The programme is offered in full-time and part-time modes.

Graduates find employment as agroforestry specialists, forestry officers, environmental consultants, or agricultural extension officers in government, NGOs, research institutions, and agricultural organisations. The master's degree supports careers in agroforestry, natural resource management, and rural development.

This programme is ideal for agriculture, forestry, and environmental science graduates seeking advanced agroforestry qualifications. The programme provides advanced skills for agroforestry system design, sustainable land management, and climate-smart agriculture.

Duration: 2 years
Public, up to: Ksh 152,500
Job market: Moderate

The programme

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

Practicalities

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

What you study

10 subjects

Agroforestry Systems and Principles
Tree-Crop Interactions
Soil Science and Management
Agroforestry Economics and Livelihoods
Climate Change and Agroforestry
Biodiversity Conservation
Forest Farming and NTFPs
Research Methods
Land Resource Management
Thesis Research

Modules

8 in the programme

Agroforestry Systems and Principles
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Agroforestry systems covering principles, classification, traditional and modern agroforestry systems, and agroforestry system design and management.
Tree-Crop Interactions
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Tree-crop interactions covering above-ground and below-ground interactions, competition and complementarity, and ecological processes in agroforestry systems.
Soil Science and Management in Agroforestry
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Soil science covering soil properties, soil fertility, nutrient cycling, soil conservation, and soil management in agroforestry systems.
Research Methods and Statistics
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Research methods covering research design, statistical analysis, agricultural research, and research ethics.
Agroforestry Economics and Rural Livelihoods
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Agroforestry economics covering economic analysis, cost-benefit analysis, rural livelihoods, and the economic value of agroforestry products and services.
Climate Change and Agroforestry
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Climate change and agroforestry covering carbon sequestration, climate adaptation, mitigation, and the role of agroforestry in climate-smart agriculture.
Biodiversity Conservation and Forest Farming
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Biodiversity conservation in agroforestry systems, and forest farming covering non-timber forest products, medicinal plants, and sustainable harvesting.
Thesis Research and Defence
Year 2Semester 16 creditsCore
A research thesis on an agroforestry topic, demonstrating research competence and contributing to agroforestry knowledge and practice.

Specialisations

Climate-Smart Agroforestry
Focus on carbon sequestration, climate adaptation, and the role of agroforestry in climate change mitigation.
Agroforestry Economics
Focus on economic analysis, livelihoods, and value chains for agroforestry products and services.
Biodiversity and Conservation
Focus on biodiversity conservation in agroforestry systems and sustainable management of non-timber forest products.

A day as a student

A typical day combines morning lectures on agroforestry principles or tree-crop interactions with afternoon field practicals and laboratory sessions. Students study agroforestry concepts, design agroforestry systems, conduct field assessments of tree-crop systems, and perform research. Field practicals provide hands-on experience with agroforestry practices, soil assessment, and biodiversity monitoring. Research projects connect students with real agroforestry challenges. The programme emphasises agroforestry competence, sustainable land management, and research capabilities.

The trade offs

In its favour

Agroforestry is increasingly important for climate change adaptation and food security in Kenya.
Offered at two universities (Embu and Kabianga), providing accessibility.
Kenya hosts ICRAF (World Agroforestry Centre), providing unique research and networking opportunities.

Against it

Career opportunities may be limited compared to broader agriculture or environmental science degrees.
Field work in rural areas may be challenging and require significant travel.
Agroforestry is a niche field with limited employer awareness in some sectors.

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

Public130k to 153k

130k at University of Embu153k at University of Kabianga

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

Unverified; kept existing. UoN LARMAT agroforestry ~152.5K/yr (uonbi.ac.ke).

HELB loans are available for eligible Kenyan students. ICRAF and other organisations may offer agroforestry-related scholarships and research grants.

Funding options

HELB Loan

Scholarships

1 recorded

HELB Loan
LoanKsh 60,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in master's programmes at chartered universities

Getting in

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

What you need

Alternative entry: BSc with at least Upper Second Class Honours in Agriculture, Forestry, Environmental Science, Biological Sciences, or related field from a recognised university. Lower Second Class Honours with at least 2 years of relevant work experience may be considered.

How you are assessed

3 components

Coursework and Examinations
Written examination40% of the mark
Coursework assessments, written examinations, and assignments evaluating understanding of agroforestry concepts.
Field Practicals and Laboratory Work
Practical30% of the mark
Field practical assessments, laboratory evaluations, and project assignments evaluating practical agroforestry skills.
Thesis Defence
Project30% of the mark
A research thesis demonstrating research competence in agroforestry, defended before an examination panel.

Accreditation

University of Embu and University of Kabianga are chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The MSc programme is accredited by CUE.

Accredited by

Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
University of Embu and University of Kabianga are chartered by CUE. MSc programme accredited by CUE.

Where it leads

The roles it opens, and what you leave with.

Where graduates go

4 roles

Agroforestry Specialist
Moderate demandKsh 80,000 to Ksh 300,000
Designs and implements agroforestry systems in government, NGOs, or research institutions, promoting sustainable land management and rural livelihoods.
Forestry Officer
Moderate demand
Manages forest resources and agroforestry programmes in government forestry departments or conservation organisations.
Environmental Consultant
Moderate demand
Provides consulting on environmental impact, land management, and agroforestry for government, NGOs, and private sector.
Agricultural Extension Officer
Moderate demand
Promotes agroforestry practices among farmers, providing training and support for sustainable agriculture and land management.

Graduate outcomes

Graduates find employment as agroforestry specialists, forestry officers, and environmental consultants in government, NGOs, research institutions, and agricultural organisations, with opportunities for natural resource management and rural development.

Where these fields lead

8 careers

Industry links

Common misconceptions

Agroforestry is just about planting trees on farms.
Agroforestry is a scientific discipline covering tree-crop interactions, soil science, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and sustainable land management systems.
Agroforestry has no economic value.
Agroforestry provides multiple income streams from timber, fruits, fodder, and non-timber forest products, while improving soil fertility and crop yields.
Agroforestry is only for rural areas.
Agroforestry principles apply to urban forestry, watershed management, and climate change adaptation in both rural and urban settings.
Agroforestry is the same as forestry.
Agroforestry integrates trees with crops and/or livestock on the same land, while forestry focuses on tree plantations and natural forest management.