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| FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES (FANR): UNIVERSITY OF NAMIBIA |
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ABOUT the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources The Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources was founded in 1996 and has its headquarters at Neudamm Campus, approximately 40 km from the main UNAM campus in Windhoek. The Faculty’s aim is to promote sustainable agriculture and natural resources development and management in Namibia, through teaching, research and extension services to communal and commercial farming communities. After spending their first year at the Faculty of Science in the Windhoek Campus of UNAM, Both B.Sc (Agriculture) and B.Sc (Natural Resources) students spend their second Year at the Neudamm Campus. B.Sc (Integrated Environmental Science) students are based at Ogongo. Specialisation in Agriculture start in the third year whereby the students choosing Crop Science go north to the Ogongo campus while those in Agricultural Economics & Extension, Animal Science and Food Science & Technology specializations remain at Neudamm. The Natural Resources and Conservation courses (Fisheries and Marine Science Option) currently return to the Windhoek Campus from 3rd year. However It is planned that there will be a Fisheries campus at the coast where the Fisheries and Marine Science option of Natural Resources and Conservation will be offered. Faculty Activities are coordinated at the Neudamm Campus. The National Diploma in Agriculture is offered at both Neudamm and Ogongo, whereas the National Diploma in Forestry is offered at Ogongo. The Ogongo Campus, 50 km from Oshakati, is one of the most technologically advanced facilities in Northern Namibia. Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension The Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension at the University of Namibia conducts excellent teaching, economic and social research which focuses on the production and distribution of agricultural products, the use of natural resources and the needs of rural people. The Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension have numerous graduates of the University of Namibia’s Agricultural Economics & Extension Department on the staff composition and the department find them very well-trained academically and well prepared to meet current and future agribusiness challenges. Currently, the Department consists of the following ten (10) qualified staff, with their diversified specialization. Staff member are engaged in teaching both degree and diploma programs of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural resources. The following Career Opportunities exist for those who have completed a BSc (Agric) with specialization in Agricultural Economics and Extension Career Opportunities
Feedback from Agricultural Economics students “Agricultural Economics enabled me to understand how scarce resources can be used and allocated to meet the needs of society. Every agricultural institution in the world and SADC in particular deals with agricultural production, marketing and consumption issues. Therefore, a degree in agricultural economics will give me a competitive edge in the job market, compared with other programmes. The agricultural programme promotes the importance of the individual and fosters an entrepreneurial spirit.” “As an agricultural Economist I will be able to give an overview of the structure of Namibia’s food and agricultural production system and the role it plays in the economy.” “Agriculture contributes to the GDP of the Namibian Economy….majoring in Agricultural Economics & Extension has enabled me to understand how this sector plays a role in Namibia and other countries in SADC.” Contact the Department of Agricultural Economics & Extension For further information, contact: The Head of Department Department of Animal Science The Department of Animal Science at the University of Namibia is located at Neudamm Campus of the University of Namibia, approximately 40 km east of Windhoek. It strives to provide outstanding leadership in Animal Production and Rangeland Management in Namibia and the entire Southern African arid zone. It aims to actively promote effective learning, research, and participate in the provision of extension and advisory services to farming communities in a manner that enhances sustainable livestock production and development in Namibia. One of the main objectives of the Department of Animal Science is to produce Animal Science graduates equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude to render service in the livestock sector. Efforts are focussed on carrying out basic and applied research with the aim of improving animal production and to actively publish research findings in refereed journals. As part of community outreach initiatives the Department extends knowledge and skills to the farming communities for purposes of improving animal production. In addition, the department renders consultancy services to both public and private sectors in matters relating to Animal Production and Rangeland Management in Namibia & Southern Africa arid zone. The Department has highly dedicated and qualified academics offering a wide range of expertise. The Department of Animal Science building has ample lecture halls and modern research laboratories equipped to assay for nutrients and metabolites in plant and animal tissues and for offering the necessary theoretical and practical training in a variety of Animal Science disciplines. The Department of Animal Science delivers comprehensive educational and research programmes in Animal Production and Rangeland Management. It takes pride in its dynamic and relevant undergraduate curricula and postgraduate programmes as well as service and out-reach initiatives, including short courses. The MSc. in Rangeland Resource and Management (RRM) Programme This is a two years full-time programme, offered in conjunction with the University of Witwatersrand (RSA) and the University of Eduardo Mondlane (Mozambique) and it comprises one year taught courses, and one year research. Currently, students are enrolled in the programme every other year. The first intake of students took place in 2008, and the next intake will be in 2010. Employment Opportunities An Animal Science graduate has opportunities to work in the public and private sectors in any of the following capacities: Research Officer Trainee; Extension Officer (Livestock); Secondary School Teacher; Tutor at Universities; Training Officer at Colleges of Agriculture; Farm Manager at Ranches, Mixed Farms or Game Farms, Feed Supervisor at Feed Manufacturing Firms; Meat Supervisor at Meat Industries or Abattoirs; Animal Production Officer with NGOs or CBOs; Ranger, Technologists. After further specialization at the Masters and PhD levels, an Animal Science graduate can enter the job market as any of the following: Animal Nutritionist, Animal Breeder, Geneticist, Molecular Geneticist, Biotechnologist, Production Systems Specialist, Forage (pasture and Fodder) Agronomist, Range Management Specialist, Game Production Specialist, and University Lecturer, Consultant. Contact the Department of Animal Science For further information, contact: The Head of the Department Department of Crop Science The Department of Crop Science aims to be a competent, effective and dependable department that imparts knowledge and skills in the production of crops so as to contribute meaningfully toward food security at household and national level. Its purpose is to participate in the development of technology that is suited for dry land and irrigated cropping in Namibia. These technologies are encompassed in breeding, physiology, nutrition, irrigation and protection of crops and mushroom. The department also has a soil science and agriculture engineering components that improve the efficiency of crop production in Namibia. One of its objectives is to equip degree and diploma students with the necessary training, skills, attitudes and know-how in crop production. In addition, it conducts, facilitates and promotes research aimed at improving the production of crops in arid and semi arid environments. The creation of awareness and promoting sustainable agriculture through conservation of soil and water resources is another objective of the department. Lastly, the department aims to provide advisory assistance and extension services to local farmers on proper and sustainable crop production under Namibian condition. Currently the department is engaged in Pasture production projects. As part of its Outreach programmes, the department is engaged with the Ambuga Ekoto Dairy Cooperative Society in a Community Assistance in Establishing a Dairy Production and Processing Plant and a project dealing with Bush Encroachment and Land Reclamation for the Otjombinde Conservancy. Where Crop Science students go after the completion of their degree:
Contact the Department of Department of Crop Science For further information, contact: The Head of Department Department of Food Science and Technology The Department of Food Science and Technology (DFST) at Neudamm Campus is one of the six departments in the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Neudamm Campus is 35 km East of Windhoek, 10 km before the Hosea Kutako International Airport. Since its establishment in 1996 the DFST has been involved in teaching, research and community service. DFST is the pioneer of food science and technology programs and the leader of food science research and education in Namibia. The department awarded the first Bachelor degree in 2000 and is looking forward to introduce postgraduate programs in 2012. The Department of Food Science and Technology aims to become an outstanding teaching and research department that effectively contributes to national, regional and global efforts to promote value addition, food safety, food security and poverty reduction. It continues to promote sustainable processing and utilization of agricultural and natural resources so as to improve the lives of people as well as economy and social well-being through teaching, research and outreach to the food industries and consumers. The department continues to better demonstrate relevance of the theory taught and to local Namibian situation. To be done through allocating problems from the field and industry to students as student research projects and organizing seminars to be presented to students on topical issues by professionals in food science and technology field. Employment Opportunities A Food Science and Technology graduate could find the following type of employment in the public and private sectors: As a food scientist and technologist, you may be a plant manager, food research and development scientist, laboratory analyst, a food processor, an entrepreneur in food related businesses, meat and seafood processors, a food microbiologist, a product and quality assurance manager, a sensory scientist or a food consultant. You could also work with international development agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) or World Food Programme (WFP). Contact the Department of Department of Food Science and Technology The Head of the Department Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences The Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences falls under the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The Faculty is based at the Neudamm campus, 40 km east of Windhoek in Central Namibia. The Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences Department is however located on the main campus of the University of Namibia (UNAM) in Windhoek. The Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences programme was formerly within the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. The Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences programme became a full fledge Department at the beginning of 2009, when the former Department of Natural Resources and Conservation was split into two new Departments. The Department offers a four-year degree programme leading to B.Sc. in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. For over 10 years, the Department has been generously supported by Norwegian Government, through provisions of teaching and research facilities, facilitation of visiting Lecturers and research / field trips for both staff and students. Presently, the Department through the funds provided by the Norwegian Government has collaboration with University of Tromsø, Rhodes University and the Bunda College of Agriculture, University of Malawi. The B.Sc. programme is unique in the region as it offers students a multidisciplinary approach to studying the broad area of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences through modules covering the natural, technical and social sciences. The Namibian Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources has provided logistical support to the Department so that teaching and some of the practical and lectures can take place at National Marine Information and Research Centre (NATMIRC) in Swakopmund. The Sam Nujoma Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre (SANUMARC) in Henties bay offers a very ideal place for students to conduct their practical and research. Although the Department is relatively young, it has grown steadily since its inception in 1996. Starting with 16 students in 1997, the Department hosted a total of 98 students during 2008 Academic year, with 16 of these from other SADC countries. The first graduates of the programme completed in December 2000. These and many others after them have since taken up employment in the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, the Private Industry and Non-Governmental Organizations, whereas a number of them have taken up further studies at institutions in South Africa and elsewhere. We are also proud to have trained students from other SADC countries such as Angola, Zambia, Tanzania, and Mauritius in our programme, who have all since returned to their respective countries where they have taken up significant positions in their respective institutions. The programme offers a range of courses which include courses such as Fish processing and Quality Control, Fisheries management, Physical oceanography, Chemical and Biological oceanography, Aquaculture, Aquatic Ecology, Fisheries Economics, Population dynamics, Biosystematics and many others. Most modules have practical component that is further strengthened by attaching the students to various industries and institutions in order for them to acquire hands on experience. To strengthen their research skills, the students conduct research projects in their final year which covers a wide range of topics such as: Biodiversity, Taxonomy, Aquaculture, Marine and Coastal Environmental Research as well as socio-economic issues. To strengthen their scientific background and mastery of subject matter, the students take relevant courses from the Faculty of Science as well as courses offered by the other departments in the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources where the programme is based. In March 2005, the University of Namibia signed a new agreement with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign affairs (NMFA), in which NMFA has agreed to support the programme for a further six years (2005 to 2010). During this phase, the programme will broaden its scope to accommodate the whole SADC region and hence it will be rechristened “B.Sc. in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences for the SADC Region”. The principle long-term development goal of the programme is to provide the human resource base required to manage and develop the fishery and aquatic resources of the SADC region in a sustainable manner in order to provide food, employment, income and recreational resources for the people of SADC. Currently, twenty five (25) students are being supported by bursaries provided by the second phase of the Norwegian Government support. Nine (9) of these students are Namibians, while the remaining sixteen (16) are from other SADC. Employment Opportunities
Contact the Department of Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
Department of INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL Science (ogongo agricultural campus) The department of Integrated Environmental Science was established within the structures of the University of Namibia in 2008 as a result of the splitting of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation into two departments of (1) Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences and (2) Integrated Environmental Science. The new Department of Integrated Environmental Science currently offers a Diploma Programme in Natural Resources and BSc. Integrated Environmental Sciences. It is based at Ogongo Campus located in Omusati Region in the Northern part of Namibia. The BSc. Integrated Environmental Sciences programme has three options (Forestry, Wildlife Ecology and Management and Environmental Science). The need for the programmes in this department was justified by the increasing need to promote sustainable resources utilization, biological diversity conservation and sustainable land use management in Namibia. Since 1992, about 100 graduates with National Diploma in Forestry (now phased out) have so far been produced. Starting 2009, the National Diploma in Forestry is replaced with National Diploma in Natural Resource Management to reflect a shift towards a more integrated natural resources management approach, rather than concentrating on forestry alone. The BSc. Integrated Environmental Science programme (new since 2008) is offered for the first time as the old Department of natural Resource and Conservation focused mainly in Fishery and marine Sciences. The core objectives of the department are training, research and community outreach for the sole purpose of shaping our programmes to respond to the needs and aspirations of environmental sectors in Namibia. We aim at producing competent graduates who will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitudes to enable them to promote the sustainable use of natural resources in Namibia and elsewhere. To achieve this, the department seeks to strengthen existing collaboration with stakeholders such as MAWF, MET, CCF, NBRI, NNF, NNFC, DRFN, CFNEN, ENRI, DAPP-Namibia, etc.
Currently the department is involved in research regarding propagation methods of indigenous fruit trees, citrus lemon and Aloe zebrina aiming at improving traditional methods of propagation for the purpose of increasing yield and contributes to food security of Namibia. AFORNET funded research activities are conducted to integrate research output and indigenous knowledge for better management of mopane woodlands in Omusati region. The department has also been active on training communities on small scale beekeeping for the purpose of promoting sustainable utilization of bees as a natural resource as well as generating income on honey which contributes significantly to human nutrition and poverty alleviation. The Department is in collaboration with the Cuve Water’s project funded by German Ministry of Education and Research working on water harvesting and management for poverty alleviation among the rural and peri-urban communities in the North central regions of Namibia. Teacher and student exchange collaboration with international institutions expose students and lecturers to different approaches to solving problems related to sustainable development thus cultivating a wider understanding of environmental issues.
Employment opportunities Graduates from the two programmes have opportunities to work in public and private sectors in any of the following capacities: Research Officer Trainees; Extension Officers; Technicians, Secondary School Teachers; Tutors at Universities; Wardens at national Parks, Rangers at national parks, Environmental Health Officers, Foresters etc. After further specialization at the Masters and PhD levels, graduates can become environmental Consultants, Environmental planners, Conservationists, Researchers, etc. Contact address Head of Department |