Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development

As one of the leading agricultural economics departments in the country, we concern ourselves with the application of management and economic principles to solve practical problems in the food and agricultural industry. Our research programs and outputs are geared towards answering current business and policy issues in the food and agricultural industry, in South Africa and beyond. Our academic programs, in turn, prepare the next generation of well-rounded agricultural economists to become leaders in the food and agricultural industry.

In response to national and international trends in agriculture and in higher education, our department adapted its training and research programmes. Merging market needs with expertise within our department resulted in the establishment of a number of focus areas in which our activities are organised.

The main programmes or fields of expertise, led by experienced researchers within our department, are:

• Agribusiness Management
• Food and Agricultural Policy
• Agricultural Extension
• Agricultural and Rural Development
• Environmental Economics and Policy

From undergraduate studies through to postdoctoral research, our department contributes to the international practice, analysis, and understanding of the complex agricultural industry. Our various research focus areas create a lot of energy and activity with regard to the drivers of our undergraduate and graduate  programmes,  and generates a substantial amount of external funding. As a department, we take pride in our accomplishments and those of our students.