INSTITUTE OF ARID LANDS
MANAGEMENT.
The main
development strategies envisaged in the Kenya Vision 2030 include the improvement of living
standards in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) regions of Northern Kenya which occupies about 80% of Kenya’s
total land surface.
 |
| Attractive landscape, nearby Menengai area of Nakuru County |
Despite its fragile nature, ASALs serve as
important biodiversity reservoirs, wildlife habitats and a resource for
livestock production, various minerals, renewable energy and landscape of great
attraction. Sustained productivity from the ASALs ecosystems is needed for
economic, political and social development in Kenya.
The Government through the ministry of Higher
education unveiled education courses at Laikipia University for the blueprint development
ASALs with the objective of rolling out agricultural related courses.
Laikipia
University has established an Institute Of Arid Lands Management as a contribution towards the Vision 2030 goals. The Dean of
the Institute Professor Isaac Kosgey said the Institute will impart knowledge
on the assessment of the quantity and quality of ASALs resources.
The
Institute has developed curriculum programmes whose aim and objectives are to
produce broad-minded graduates equipped with relevant expertise that will help
the communities to strategize on how to utilize ASALs resources with an aim of
achieving food security in the country and eliminate/ reduce poverty.
“We will
design a curriculum that will create an entrepreneurial attitude among
graduates of the programme as well as integrate acquired knowledge in the
sustainable management of ASALs”, Said Prof Kosgey during an interview.
Currently
the institute offers a 4 year academic degree course; Bachelor of Science in Utilization
and Sustainability of Arid Lands with over 50 students enrolled to the programme
in the academic year 2013/2014. The Institute also has upcoming degree and
diploma courses for the academic year 2014/2015.
After completion of
this programme, the graduates should be able to identify natural resources
within ASALs ecosystems, device strategies to exploit the resources and enumerate
its importance as an important re-source base for the Kenya’s economy.
Moreover, graduates should be able to
demonstrate knowledge on sustainable utilisation and management of ASALs
resources as well as mobilizing community and experts for its efficient use.
Upcoming
programs at the Institute
Degree
Programs
1. BSc. in Animal Science
2. BSc. in Animal Health Management
3. BSc. in Dryland Farming
4. BSc. in Food Science and Technology
5. BSc. in Hydrology
6. BSc. in Leather Technology
7. BSc. in Mineralogy and Geology
8. BSc. in
Sericulture and Apiculture
Diploma
Programs
1. Dip. in Utilization and Sustainability of Arid Lands
2. Dip. in Dryland
Farming
Send your Queries to
LAIKIPIA UNIVERSITY PRESS
No comments:
Post a Comment