Department of Agric Extension And Rural Sociology

Welcome Message from The Head of Department- Agric Extension And Rural Sociology

Welcome to the website of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry, and Wildlife Resources Management at the University of Calabar. The mission of the department is to provide students with improved knowledge of basic principles of extension and rural sociology and to keep them abreast with recent improved technological innovation and sociological concepts, conduct research on general improvement of agricultural production, storage, environmental management, processing, home management and utilization of improved technologies in line with the sociological concept of the farmers. Also, the mission of the department is to assist farmers within its environs to meet the challenges of agricultural production, through collaborative linkages with relevant national and international bodies.

The vision of the department is to constitute a formidable base for improved extension delivery system for crop and animal production, extension education, communication, forestry and wildlife management/protection, soil management practices, home management, food processing, and rural development through effective teaching, collaborative research and networking to prepare students with interest to take-up extension and rural sociology as a career.

The philosophy of the department is to retain and equip skilled manpower that can be self-employed and take up job opportunities in both the private and public sectors of the economy. Emphasis is placed on practical training and research that will produce managers, who are knowledgeable and well trained to manage farms, small scale food processing industries in rural areas, reducing postharvest losses, make food available to consumers, and train farmers on new agricultural innovations from research, bearing in mind the customs and traditions of the farmers. 

Our undergraduate program runs for five years and is designed to impact knowledge of the application of modern agricultural techniques in various areas of agriculture to students. Thus, the department offers opportunities for undergraduate and graduate study leading to the following programs:

1. Bachelor of Agriculture (B.Agric.) degree in Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology
2. Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) Certificate in Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology
3. Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree in diverse areas which include: Extension Administration, Agricultural Extension Education, Communication and Information Technology, Programme Planning and Evaluation, Rural Sociology, etc.
4. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Rural and Community Development, Environmental Extension Management, Extension Administration, Agricultural Extension Education, Information and Communications Technology, Programme Planning and Evaluation, Rural Sociology, etc.

The Department is composed of highly qualified academics and experienced technical personnel committed to the excellence of students learning and experience within and outside the classroom. Through the use of efficient academic and technical resources to meet career needs, the department strives to assist students in their quest to achieve their educational goals and produce graduates who will be invaluable assets to their communities, nation, and the larger society.

Graduates of this department have a wide spectrum of employment opportunities in places such as Central and Commercial banks, ministries of agriculture, research institutions, agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs), Food, beverage, and other allied industries, universities, and other educational institutions as teachers and researchers, corporate managers, and as consultants in both national and international agencies and organizations, etc. Therefore, opportunities are available to bankers, civil and public servants, businessmen and industrialists, private men and women in various related fields, graduates of home economics, community development, insurance, and other fields to undertake educational programs in the department to improve their knowledge for enhanced performance. The department provides an excellent and conducive learning environment for the attainment of its mission, vision, and philosophy.

In summary, with excellent physical and computer facilities, functional resource room, library, as well as dedicated and experienced staff available, both undergraduate and graduate students are trained and prepared to acquire the requisite knowledge, skills, and technical experience to earn appropriate credentials and qualification to practice ethically and successfully.

On behalf of the staff and students, l thank you for visiting the website of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology.

Dr Kalu Ogbonna

Head of Department