Introduction:

Dr. Timothy Olusola AGBOOLA

Ag. HOD

The Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness over the years has played pivotal role in producing the knowledge base that has sustained the link between agriculture and other sectors of the economy at the national and global levels. Therefore, programmes in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management have shown the capability to produce high level manpower that can engage in teaching and research, capable of providing solutions to the very complex problems arising from the linkages of agriculture with other sector of the economy. The Department offers courses in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management that prepare the students for all levels that study in Agricultural economics and Agribusiness Management or to pursue a career as an agricultural economist in the public or private sector. The products of this famous department without doubt have been competing with their counterparts across the globe either as they progress in their academic career, multinational as well as working in public or private sector.

Location:

The Department is located in the ancient town of Ejigbo in the College of Agriculture. Ejigbo is one of the oldest local governments in the old Oyo state before the creation of Osun State. It shares boundaries with Oyo state, and Local government areas like:Iwo, Ola Oluwa, Egbedore and Ede North.  The vegetation of Ejigbo is tropical Savannah and major crops are Cashew, Cocoa, maize, cassava, and oil palm.  

Brief History:

The department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management came into existence following the bifurcating of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension during the 2021/2022 academic session. The first set of students were 27 in number. The department has continued to witness unprecedented growth and development in all areas.

Vision of the Programme:

The vision of the department is to be one of the outstanding departments of excellence providing high quality teaching and learning experiences in the business of farming and research in agriculture. This, we hope, will produce globally competitive graduates capable of standing out on their own as shining examples anywhere they find themselves. One of the most important ingredients we inculcate in our students is entrepreneurial spirit of excellence in agricultural economics and agribusiness management.

Mission statement:

The mission of the department is to establish a department that is technologically and professionally sound as a model centre of excellence committed to the pursuit of academic innovative and skill-based training in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management. This will set the pace and tradition of excellence in teaching, high innovative technology, research and community service. 

Academic programmes:

The Department offers courses leading to the award of:

1. Bachelor of Agriculture (B. Agric) degree in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management
2. MSc. Agricultural Economics (Environmental and Resource Economics, Agricultural Marketing and International Commodity Trade, Agricultural Development and Policy))
3. Ph.D. Agricultural Economics

Physical Developments:

Physical Development projects in the department include: Head of department office, Agric, Economics Data Laboratory, classrooms complex, laboratories complex, and farm structures. Training and visit to major markets. Others include: Conducive and Serene, Environment for learning, Comfortable Classrooms, Modern E. Technology Library, and Computer room for research. 

Research activities:

Sustainable Goats and Sheep Production to Enhance Food and Economic Security of Rural Households in Osun State, Nigeria. Tetfund Institution Based Research (2023)

Grants and Awards:

Sustainable Goats and Sheep Production to Enhance Food and Economic Security of Rural Households in Osun State, Nigeria. Tetfund Institution Based Research (2023). Grant Number: UNIOSUN/TETfund/17/10

Community Empowerments Service Projects:

The department collaborates with the department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development in the establishment of Outreach centres and also plays major role in development of major markets within and outside Ejigbo.