Diploma in Agribusiness Management (Full Time and Distance Learning Mode)

RATIONALE

The current Diploma in Agribusiness Management has been developed to reflect changes in the agricultural sector, the business environment, and the economy as a whole. It is an improvement on earlier agribusiness programmes offered by the Cooperative College under the Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) and the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA). The wealth of experience gained from offering agribusiness and cooperative development programmes over the past decade has been utilised to design this programme.

This programme will provide the nation with qualified Agribusiness Development and Management Officers who will contribute to the growth of enterprises and organisations, develop the agricultural sector, promote food security, and strengthen the Zambian economy.

PROGRAMME PURPOSE

The purpose of the programme is to equip trainees with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes in agribusiness development and management to enable them to perform competently in agribusiness enterprises and other organisations. Graduates will be able to:

  • Manage an agribusiness enterprise
  • Carry out financial controls
  • Conduct market research for agro-products
  • Monitor and evaluate agribusiness activities
  • Develop their own businesses as entrepreneurs

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES

On completion of the programme, the trainee will be able to:

  • Develop agribusiness programmes
  • Conduct market research
  • Disseminate marketing information
  • Promote agricultural trade activities
  • Facilitate rehabilitation and construction of marketing infrastructure
  • Facilitate access to agricultural finance
  • Conduct monitoring and evaluation
  • Start an agribusiness enterprise
  • Manage an agribusiness enterprise
  • Apply computer skills in agribusiness

COURSE OUTLINE

Duration: Three years (36 months), inclusive of six (6) months Field Attachment.

FIRST YEAR

CodeCourse TitleHours
01-AManagement of Agribusiness Enterprises200
02-AFundamental of Agriculture180
03-AFarm Management180
04-AAgricultural Economics I120
05-AApplied Mathematics190
06-AFinancial Accounting170
07-ABusiness Communication80
08-AComputer Applications80
Subtotal1200

SECOND YEAR

CodeCourse TitleHours
AttachmentField Attachment480
09-BAgricultural Marketing I90
10-BCrop Production140
11-BResearch Methodology I80
12-BProject Management120
13-BAgricultural Economics II90
14-BFinancial Management120
15-BRural Sociology80
Subtotal1200

THIRD YEAR

CodeCourse TitleHours
AttachmentField Attachment480
16-CAgricultural Marketing II100
17-CLivestock Production140
18-CAgricultural Extension80
19-CResearch Methodology II80
20-CAgricultural Finance120
21-CEntrepreneurship80
22-CResearch Project120
Subtotal1200

TOTAL HOURS: 3600

TEACHING STRATEGIES
Instruction shall be conducted through theory lessons, field trips, projects, and practical training.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Standard Qualifications
Grade 12 School Certificate or equivalent

Alternative Qualifications
A minimum of Certificate in Cooperative Development and Agribusiness Management (CDAM), or in a related discipline from an accredited institution.

EXEMPTIONS
Candidates who hold a two-year Certificate in Cooperative Development and Agribusiness Management (CDAM) or its equivalent will be exempted from the first year of the programme.

Exemptions with regard to all other qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the content and duration of the courses.

STUDENT ASSESSMENT
Continuous assessment, consisting of assignments, practical assessments, and tests shall constitute forty percent (40%) of marks for each course. The end-of-year Mulungushi University/Cooperative College examination shall constitute sixty percent (60%) of the overall mark. The pass mark shall be fifty percent (50%). The summary of assessment is presented below:

  • Continuous Assessment    40%
  • Final Examination               60%
  • Pass Mark                            50%

ATTENDANCE
The candidate must have an attendance of a minimum of 85% to be eligible for the final examinations.

CERTIFICATION
Diploma in Agribusiness Management will be awarded by Mulungushi University.