Overview
The BSc. Range Management aims at producing holistic graduates equipped with knowledge and skills in rangelands resource management with core competence in the following areas;
- Rangeland ecology and natural resource management
- Range livestock management and nutrition, sustainable watershed management
- Resource economics while taking cognizance of the central role played by the communities in sustainable rangeland ecosystem management.
Structure
- The programme shall take four (4) academic years of eight (8) semesters.
- An academic year shall constitute two (2) semesters.
- The Bachelor of Science in Range Management shall be offered by course work, Industrial Practice (Attachment) and Research Project.
- A course unit shall be defined as 45 instructional hours comprising lectures, tutorials, assignments and practical work.
Admission Requirements
- Holders of KCSE with a Mean Grade of C+ with passes of C or above in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics or Geography, and one of the following subjects: - English, Kiswahili, Physics (if not included above), History and Government, Geography (if not included above), CRE, Computer Studies, German, Music, Islamic Religious Education, Hindu Religious Education, Home Science, Art & Design, Agriculture, Aviation Technology, French, Arabic, Business Studies.
- Holders of KACE or equivalent with a minimum of two (2) Principal Passes in Biology and Chemistry and at least a subsidiary pass in Mathematics or Physics. If Mathematics or Physics was not offered at KACE, then it is accepted at Ordinary Level but with a minimum of a Credit Pass.
- Holders of a Diploma in Biological Sciences or related sciences from a recognized institution with KCSE mean grade of C or above.
- Holders of Certificate and Diploma in Biological or related sciences from a recognized institution with KCSE mean grade of C- or above
- Holders of a degree in biological sciences or related sciences from a recognized University.
- Applicants who do not demonstrate proficiency in English will be required to undertake an English language course
Careers
The BSc. Range Management degree programme is therefore designed to train highly skilled personnel to address these challenges. The programme design particularly takes cognizant of the increased vulnerabilities of rangelands to impacts of climate change, especially in developing countries within the tropics by building emphasis on sustainability and resilience of rangeland ecosystems and livelihoods. Potential employment opportunities in local and international Research institutions [e.g., CGIR]; development agencies [most of them working in the drylands]; academic institutions; national and county government departments, and the international arena, among others.
Fees and Funding
YEAR I
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YEAR II
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YEAR III
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YEAR IV
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Philosophy
Advances in various aspects of rangeland science and community development practices in recent years suggest a common framework for managing rangelands. The development paradigm in Rangelands centers on human livelihoods and their interdependence with the ecosystem. This requires an understanding of these highly interactive human-environment systems with a view of optimizing benefits from such interactions to achieve sustainable and climate resilient rangeland ecosystems and livelihoods.
This paradigm underlies the philosophy of the programme to link training, research and policy to effectively contribute to sustainable development and livelihoods in rangelands. Universities therefore have a key role in this new approach by being proactive in training, research and innovation to build capacity and generate relevant and timely interventions for sustainable rangeland resource management. This degree programme will contribute to the goal of improving the livelihoods of communities in rangelands through sustainable resource management supported by focused research, undergraduate training and community-based interventions.
Rationale
In view of the aforementioned importance of rangelands in supporting livelihoods and provision of ecosystem services, as well as recent trends in investments in irrigated agriculture, payment for ecosystem services, mining, wind and solar power generation, among others there is a need for enhanced human capacity building in range management. A needs assessment undertaken by IGAD Centre for Pastoralism and Livestock Development (ICPALD) in 2019 revealed the need for specialized personnel to undertake stewardship of the rangelands for sustainable natural resources management and livestock production. In Kenya, this has become more urgent given the promulgation of the Kenyan Constitution 2010 that has decentralized most of the functions to devolved units in the counties, where there limited skilled human resource capacity.
This curriculum aims at training and equipping rangeland resource management professionals with appropriate scientific knowledge and skills required to implement sustainable and climate resilient technologies and practices aimed at securing livelihoods, as well as enhancing rangelands capacity to continue playing a significant role in the national, regional and global economies. The program will empower the professionals to meet emerging socio-economic and environmental challenges nationally, regionally and internationally.
Contact Chairman, Department of Land Resources Management and agricultural Technology LARMAT at: larmat@uonbi.ac.ke with copy to Course leader Dr.Oscar Koech at: oscarkip@uonbi.ac.ke
Face-Face Mode
The programme will adopt a face-to-face mode of delivery that will be based on various techniques including didactic lectures, seminars, case-based learning and tutorials.
Open, Distance and Electronic Learning
Use of various media that are largely home or office-based. Mediated technical learning materials including audio-visual, e-learning materials, will be employed.
Asynchronous Learning
Asynchronous mode of learning will be used to allow students to learn on their own schedule by providing access to instructional materials and assignments within a certain timeframe.
Blended Learning
The course will be delivered through a combination of face-to-face, and ODeL where applicable.
Dr.Oscar Koech
oscarkip@uonbi.ac.ke
or
Contact Chairman, LARMAT at: larmat@uonbi.ac.ke
Phone: 020 491 6004