University of Nairobi, Kenya
Galilee International Management Institute
G.I.M.I.
University of-------
Trilateral Master of Science
Agricultural & Environmental
Management
2011
Awarding Institution:
University of Nairobi
Partner Institutions:
Galilee Institute, Israel
University of --------
About University of Nairobi, Kenya
The University of Nairobi, a body corporate established by an Act of Parliament Cap
210 of the Laws of Kenya is the pioneer institution of University education in Kenya
and the region.
The only institution of higher learning in Kenya for a long time, the University of
Nairobi responded to the national regional and Africa's high level manpower training
needs by developing and evolving strong, diversified academic programmes and
specializations in sciences, applied sciences, technology, humanities, social sciences
and the arts. To date, the range of programmes offered number approximately two
hundred.
Through module II (continuing education) programmes, invaluable opportunity has
been opened to hundreds of Kenyans and non-Kenyans, on a paying basis, who
meet university admission requirements, but who have not been able to access
university education due to restricted intake into the regular programmes that is
determined by limited resource allocation by Government.
In this effort, the location of the seven campuses of the University in the capital city
and its environs and facilitating easy access, has been an asset that has seen the
university increasingly become the busy hub and citadel of academic activity at all
times.
The university is proud of its distinguished record of achievements in teaching,
research, development and consultancy while strategizing for a greater future as the
centre of academic, research and professional excellence.
Mission
To provide quality university education and training. To embody the aspirations of the
Kenyan people and the global community through creation, preservation, integration,
transmission and utilization of knowledge.
Core Values
In order to realize the above vision and mission, certain shared values shall be
nurtured. There is great need for the University to be guided by the right values
derived from the virtues and moral standards of the Kenyan and wider society.
The University shall be guided by the following core values:
 Freedom of thought and expression. We shall promote and defend
freedom of thought and expression in academic inquiry and other activities.
 Innovativeness and creativity. Innovativeness and creativity shall be the
hallmark of our activities as we initiate and adapt to change.
 Good corporate governance. We embrace and practice good corporate
governance. In this regard, we shall ensure that all our processes and
procedures are marked by efficiency, effectiveness and transparency; we are
accountable for our decisions and actions; our decision-making processes are
participative and consultative; and our decisions and actions reflect
meritocracy and are open and transparent;
 Team spirit and teamwork. We shall foster a work environment
characterized by team spirit and teamwork.
 Professionalism. In all our actions and interactions, we shall maintain ethical
behaviour, professional etiquette and honesty.
 Quality customer service. We shall provide quality services to our clients.
 Responsible corporate citizenship and strong social responsibility. We
shall nurture responsible corporate citizenship and strong social
responsibility.
 Respect for and conservation of the environment. In all our activities, we
shall strive to respect and protect the environment.
About Galilee International Management Institute
Background
Established in 1987 Galilee International Management Institute is an international
educational institute specializing in designing and conducting international study
programmes.
Networking with universities and other educational institutes in 160 countries
worldwide, we believe in the importance of education as a vital component of national
mission and know the incomparable advantages of learning in different
environments. Our 500-member faculty comprises internationally recognised
academic experts and expert practitioners in their fields.
Our educational and training programmes are based on cooperation with universities
and educational institutes in many countries and regions around the world. We
believe that studying in various environments enrich both the students and faculty.
Studying in different cultures is in itself educational.
In addition, also have experience in developing Masters programmes in collaboration
with various higher education institutes from around the globe.
Galilee International Management Institute designs and implements special training
projects customized to fulfill the specifications of sponsoring governments and
international agencies such as: The World Bank, UNESCO, UNICEF, USAID, WHO,
United Nations Environment & Development Programmes.
Mission
The Galilee Institute mission is to upgrade the standard of living in transitional
countries and to sustain development through capacity building. Galilee Institute
addresses these countries’ need for administrative leadership, believing that human
efficiency is the crucial factor in nations’ reaching their full socioeconomic potential.
The institute aims to share Israeli practices and innovations applicable to students’
own nation-building requirements; to provide an international meeting place where
professionals learn from top Israeli academic and professional experts and, of equal
importance, from each other and within our own neighbourhood, to build bridges of
peace in the Middle East.
1.0 Programme Introduction
1.1 Background
Agricultural practices continually put pressure on natural resources and have been
identified as one of the key pollutants due to the use of pesticides and other agrochemicals. An effort to reverse these damages and introduce sustainable agriculture
is crucial for sustainable development. However a modern national environmental
policy should take into account agriculture as it can be an important component in
sustaining the eco-balance. Agricultural waste can be a source of clean and
renewable energy; agriculture is also an effective way to reduce Carbon Dioxide in
the atmosphere. Many environmental issues have both national and regional
dimensions. The need for capacity building of qualified manpower to manage this
sector is urgent.
The development of a Trilateral MSc.Programme in Agricultural & Environmental
Management is strongly based on limitations in the capacity of human resources in
dealing with waste management generated from agricultural production. With the
current issues of climate change and variability the training curricula in institutions of
higher learning have not adequately responded to the global changing trends in
agriculture, environmental management and sustainability. There is a need to mount
courses that address environmental degradation and pollution in relation to
agricultural production. These wastes could be sources of income depending on their
biodegradability.
1.2 Programme Objectives
This programme aims at utilizing quality personnel resources and facilities from three
institutions based in Kenya, Israel and Europe. The University of Nairobi will award
the Masters degree in accordance with its regulations.
The goals of this Trilateral MSc.programme in Agricultural and Environmental
Management are:
- To develop human resources in the East African region who will facilitate
agricultural production while ensuring proper environmental Management &
Sustainability.
- To provide graduates with knowledge and skills that will enable them to
understand the issues involved in protecting the environment; degradations,
conservation, recycling and replenishment.
- To provide graduates with practical skills to enable them to develop and
implement processes of waste management that generate income.
In addition, the multi-national structure of this programme is designed to expose
students to global environmental challenges and solutions; enabling them to apply
international solutions at a national level. The trilateral partnership will foster
international cooperation between partnering faculties and institutions.
2.0 Admission Requirements
2.1 The common regulations governing Masters Degrees in all faculties of the
University of Nairobi shall apply:
2.2
Holders of a Bachelor of Science degree with at least an Upper Second Class
Honours in Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Range Management, Wildlife
Management, Forestry, Environmental Science, Animal Science, Biological
and Natural Sciences or an equivalent qualification from an institution
recognized by Senate.
2.3
Holders of a Bachelor of Science degree with Lower Second Class Honours
in any of the areas specified in (2.2) above, but with at least two years
relevant research work experience evidenced by publications, or a
postgraduate diploma in any of the areas listed in (2.2) or an equivalent
qualification from an institution recognized by Senate.
2.4
Holders of a relevant Bachelor of Science degree with a pass plus, a
post-graduate diploma in any field related to agricultural environmental
management may be considered.
3.0 Course Exemptions
3.1
A candidate may be exempted to a maximum of one third of taught
courses provided these are from institutions recognized by Senate of
University of Nairobi.
3.2
The request for exemption should be made in writing to the Director, Board of
Postgraduate Studies through the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture.
3.3
The application must be accompanied by officially endorsed supporting
documents.
3.4
The candidate shall pay the appropriate exemption fee as determined by the
University.
4.0 Course Structure and Duration
The Master degree in Agricultural & Environmental Management is divided into four
semesters, each of 14 week duration with breaks between semesters for work
assignments. The total length of the programme is 68 weeks.
1st Semester
At University of Nairobi + faculty from Galilee Institute and a European university.
Break – Kenya 4 weeks for work assignments, examinations.
2nd Semester
At Galilee Institute + faculty from University of Nairobi and a European university.
Break – Israel 4 weeks for assignments, examinations.
3rd Semester
At a European University + faculty from University Nairobi and Galilee Institute.
Break – 4 weeks Europe for work assignments, examinations.
4th Semester
At University of Nairobi + faculty from Galilee Institute and a European university.
Project writing and graduation.
5.0 Course Outline
The programme shall consist of 17 examinable courses. For successful completion of
coursework, a candidate must pass all the 17 courses listed below.
Code
AEP 601
Course Title
Hours
45
Environmental policy, law &
governance
AEP 602
45
Agro-biodiversity & genetic resources
AEP 603
45
Agro-ecosystem analysis &
management
AEP 604
45
Agricultural pollution & mitigation
AEP 605
45
Environmental chemistry & toxicology
AEP 606
45
Environmental impact assessment &
audit
AEP 607
Climate change & climate variability
(Mitigation & adaptation)
45
Gender & agricultural environment
management
45
AEP 608
AEP 609
45
Agriculture in ASALs
AEP 610
Agricultural waste recycling technology
(waste disposal, reuse and resale)
45
Water use and recycling from
agricultural processing plants
45
Occupational safety management
(exposure to chemicals)
45
AEP 611
AEP 612
ACP 607
AEP 613
45
Biometrics for Agricultural Sciences
Economics of environment & resource
management
ACP 610
45
45
Entrepreneurship & business skills
AEP 615
Landscape design, engineering &
management (damp sites)
45
Urban agriculture, food safety & public
health
45
AEP 616
Study tours
Project/dissertation
6.0 Examination Regulations
6.1
Written Examinations
6.1.1
Each course shall be examined by a written paper lasting three hours at the
end of each semester in which the course is given.
6.1.2 The coursework assessment shall account for 30% and written examinations
for 70% of the final mark.
6.1.3. The pass mark for each course shall be 50%
6.1.4. The grading of the courses shall be as follows:
A = 70% and over
B = 60 – 69%
C = 50 – 59%
D = 0 – 49% (Fail)
6.1.5. A candidate who fails in any paper may, on the recommendation of the Board
of Examiners, and approval by the Senate be allowed to take up to two
supplementaries in failed papers after paying the appropriate fees.
6.1.6. A candidate who fails in the second supplementary or fails to complete the
programme in the prescribed maximum duration of 4 semesters shall, on the
recommendation of the Board of Examiners and approval by the Senate, be
discontinued.
6.1.7. The mark for a supplementary paper shall be recorded as 50% in the
candidate’s academic record.
6.2
Project Examination
6.2.1. The research project shall be examined by written project
6.2.2. Each student shall present a seminar of the research project proposal.
6.2.3. Each candidate shall submit for examination a project report, with the
approval of the academic supervisors, during the 4th semester. The project
report shall be examined in accordance with the common regulations of the
Board of Postgraduate studies of the University of Nairobi.
6.2.4. A candidate who fails to complete the course in the prescribed period shall,
on the recommendation of the Faculty Board and approval by senate, be
discontinued.
7.0 Award of Degree
Candidates who satisfy the examiners in all written and project report examinations
shall be awarded a Master of Science degree in Agricultural & Environmental
Management of the University of Nairobi.
Course Descriptions
AEP 601: Environmental policy, law & governance
Legal and policy in national and regional arenas; agriculture and land use; safe use
of agro-chemicals; food and environmental safety; Multilateral environmental
agreements; Initiatives and programmes; Montreal & Kyoto Protocols, Dakar
Protocol; London agreements etc. The importance of the NEPAD CAADP framework
for Agriculture in Africa; Local governance issues, emerging and current protocols.
AEP 602: Agro-biodiversity and genetic resources
Country inventory; available resources base and value; benefit sharing; emphasis on
threatened and disappearing spps; below ground biodiversity; genetic erosion;
conservation and preservation (ex-situ and in-situ); germplasm characterization;
bio prospecting; intellectual property rights and CBD, international policies and
conventions.
AEP 603: Agro-ecosystem analysis and management
Understanding the analytical skills in agro-ecosystem; sustainable management.
AEP 604: Agricultural pollution and mitigation
Sources and impacts of pollution by agricultural enterprises on the environment;
methods of mitigation.
AEP 605: Environment chemistry and toxicology
Scientific basis for environmental chemistry, toxic compounds above and below
ground and the impacts on fauna and flora including human health and
environmental sustainability, persistent organic pollutants.
AEP 606: Environmental Impact Assessment and Audit
Technical concept and practical skills on EIAA; borrow from elsewhere e.g. Egypt,
Israel, Senegal, Gambia.
AEP 607: Climate change and climate variability (Mitigation and adaptation)
Causes of global warming; climate change and its impacts of on sustainable
agricultural for food security; income generation/environmental sustainability –
reforestation, breeding for drought tolerance, renewable energy sources,
conservative agriculture, emerging pest challenges.
AEP 608: Gender and agricultural environment management
Gender mainstreaming in agriculture; the role of gender in environmental
management including mitigation and adaptation to climate change (gender
dimensions in water and energy needs in communities).
AEP 609: Agriculture in ASALs
Occurrence, extent and significance of the ASALs; limitations, constraints and
opportunities; impact on fauna and flora; alien, invasive and noxious spps; land
degradation; sustainable production systems; technology packages for the ASALs;
policies and implementation on ASALs; reclaiming the ASALs.
AEP 610: Agricultural waste recycling technology (waste disposal, reuse &
resale)
Theoretical and practical training on cutting edge technologies on agricultural waste
Management e.g. recycling, waste to energy (incinerators), fermentation and
pyrolysis including technical and economical aspects. Industry standards and
regulations of hazard management and disposal.
AEP 611: Water use and recycling from agricultural processing plants
Conservation technologies for water use and waste water treatment.
AEP 612: Occupational safety management (exposure to chemicals)
Occupational hazards and exposure; situational analysis; firms and decanting of
pesticides; safe use of agro-chemicals; personal protective equipment; disposal of
obsolete materials; poisons; toxicity; mitigation, management and awareness;
workplace audit; legislation and policies.
ACP 607: Biometrics for Agricultural Sciences
Review of descriptive statistics and basic inference; overview of sampling concepts:
simple random sampling and proportions sampling; concept of power and sample
size determination; principles of experimental design: randomization, replication,
error control. Modelling: translating study designs into statistical models considering
both treatment and blocking structure; assumptions underlying a model; apprpaches
to model fitting; correct handling of continuous and factor explanatory variables;
interpretation of coefficients and model output; logistic regression as an example of a
generalized linear model. Principles of survey and questionnaire design.
AEP 613: Economics of environment and resource management
(To be described).
ACP 610: Entrepreneurship and business skills
The entrepreneurship perspective: nature and importance of entrepreneurship,
entrepreneurial opportunities: creating and starting a venture: creativity and business
idea, legal issues for Entrepreneurs, the business plan; financing the new venture;
sources of capital, informal risk capital and venture capital; managing growing and
ending the new venture; new venture expansion strategies and issues, going public,
ending the venture; records in business management.
AEP 614: Landscape design, engineering and management (damp sites)
(to be described)
AEP 615: Urban agriculture, food safety and public health (to be described).
AEP 616: Project
In consultation with their supervisors candidates will choose a topic from the field of
study for their research. Before embarking on research, the students will be required
to prepare a proposal which will be approved by the department. At the end of the
research, they will write a project and submit it for examination.