Course Content

Definitions and importance of technology and innovation in agribusinesses; Social shaping of technology, challenges and benefits of technological innovation in growing agribusiness enterprises; Business opportunities spurred by technological changes and its regulatory framework; new customers and changes in customer preferences. Technological Disruption and Transformation; Open Innovation: Engaging the External Innovation Ecosystem, Organizing for Innovation.

Course Objectives

The objective of this course is to introduce students to technological developments and innovation concepts used by agribusinesses to manage, scale-up and sustain their businesses. Students will be equipped on how to innovatively use available and emerging technologies in their environments to create and grow their businesses. 

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, simulation, case studies

Reading Materials

Anwar, M. (2018). Business model innovation and SMEs performance—does competitive advantage mediate? International Journal of Innovation Management, 22(07), 1850057.

Carayannis, E. G., Samara, E. T., & Bakouros, Y. L. (2015). Innovation and entrepreneurship: theory, policy and practice. Springer.

Distanont, A., & Khongmalai, O. (2020). The role of innovation in creating a competitive advantage. Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences, 41(1), 15-21.

Hagedoorn, J., Albert N. L., & Vonortas, N. S. (2000). Research partnerships. Research Policy, 29: 567-586.

Howard, J. T., Culley, S. J., & Dekoninck, E. (2008). Describing the creative design process by the integration of engineering design and cognitive psychology literature. Design Studies, 29(2), 160-180.

Link, A. N., & Frederic, M. S. (2005). Essays in honour of Edwin Mansfield: The economics of R&D, innovation and technological change. New York: Springer

Marshall, G. W. (2016). Sales Force Management: Leadership, Innovation, Technology. London: Routledge.

Trott, P. (2017). Innovation management and new product development. London: Pearson education.

White, M. A., & Bruton, G. D. (2010). The management of technology and innovation: A strategic approach. Boston: Cengage Learning.

Course Content

Concepts and principles of processing and preservation methods of crops and animal products; the effect of processing methods on various quality factors; fruit and vegetable processing and preservation; preservation methods for fruit and vegetables; juice processing, stabilisation and preservation; roots and tuber processing (i.e., cassava, yam, sweet potato); nuts processing; and animal processing.

Course Objectives

This course introduces students to the processing and preservation methods for cereal grains, legumes, oil crops and animal products. It also meant to introduce students to the effect of processing methods on various quality factors. In addition, it provides students with practical training in the processing of cereal grains, legumes, oil crops of economic importance and animal products into various food derivatives.

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, demonstration, field trips

Reading Materials

Clark S., Jung S., & Lamsa B. (2014). Food processing Principles and applications (12^th l2th ed). Wiley Blackwell

Dennis, R. H., & Daryl B. L., (2007). Handbook of food engineering. (2nd ed). CRC

Press Earle R. L. (1983). Unit operations in food processing.    Publisher: NZIFST (Inc.), New Zealand

Ibraz, A. (2002). Unit operations in food engineering: Food preservation technology series.

CRC Press.

Sahay, K. M. & Singh, K.K (2001). Unit operations of agricultural processing. (2^nd Ed.).

New Delhi: Vikas Publishing House Pvt. LTD.

Course Content

Introduction to economics; demand and supply analysis; price determination; elasticities of demand and supply; consumer behaviour; theory of the firm; market structure; partial and general equilibrium analysis; effects of government policies on market outcomes and welfare economics.

 Course Objectives

This course will introduce students to the analytical tools that economists use to address questions about price determination, individuals' and firms' choices, effects of government policies on market outcomes and efficiency. Students will also be equipped with knowledge in basic theory of consumer behaviour; production and costs; partial equilibrium analysis of competitive markets; general equilibrium; welfare.

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation

Reading Materials

Browning, E. K., & Zupan, M. A. (2020). Microeconomics: Theory and applications. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.

Cowell, F. (2018). Microeconomics: principles and analysis. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

David Besanko & Ronald Braeutigam (2020). Microeconomics (6^th Ed.) New Jersey:  John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 

Mankiw N.G. (2016). Principles of Microeconomics (7th ed). Stamford, USA: Cengage Learning

McConnell, C., Brue, S., & Flynn, S. (2014). Microeconomics: Principles, Problems, & Policies (20^th Ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Series in Economics.

Perloff, J M. (2010). Microeconomics: Theory and applications with calculus (4th Edition).

Boston, USA: Pearson Addison Wesley.

Course Objectives

The course introduces students to the behaviour of people and organizations in the changing and challenging world. Students will be equipped with the theories and models of organisational behaviour and how to integrate theory and practice through experiential activities. Students will be enabled to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in building better relationships towards the achievement of individual, group, and organizational objectives.

Course Content

Introduction to the concept of social change and management; definition and meaning of social change Diverse perspectives accounting for social change: Gerhard Lenski -society and technology; Karl Marx- society in conflict; Max Weber-power of ideas shapes society; Emile Durkheim-How traditional and modern societies hang together. Theories of social change: evolutionary theory; conflict theory; functionalist theory; cyclical theory. Causes of social change: cultural and technological innovations; social movements; shifting population size. Introduction to the concept of community. Concept of Sociology and Rural Sociology, Characteristics of Rural Communities, Structure of Rural Society, Social Structure of Rural Society, Social interaction- culture, Characteristics of Rural Communities. Meaning of change management, reasons for change management, change management models. Managing the change process, Factors of successful change management, The Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle, Reasons for failure. 

Course Objectives

This course aims at enabling students to understand the concept of social change and management. The course introduces students to the theories and causes of social change, conceptual understanding of the structure and processes of change, and educational processes and functions in rural and urban societies as applied to agribusiness management and environment. 

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, case studies

Reading Materials

Anderson, D., & Anderson, L. A. (2001). Beyond Change Management: Advanced Strategies for Today's Transformational Leaders. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass / Pfeiffer, ISBN 9780470891131, retrieved 2011-12-21.

Filicetti, J. (August 20, 2007). Project Management Dictionary. PM Hut. Retrieved November 16, 2009.

International Organizational Change Management Institute. Change management system.

Retrieved on 2015-12-08.

Kwadzo, M. (2019). Rural sociology for agricultural extension and development: basic concepts, principles and practices. UCC, Cape Coast, ISBN 978-9964-39177-3

Levin, G. (2012). "Embrace and Exploit Change as a Program Manager: Guidelines for Success". Project Management Institute. Retrieved August 10, 2013.

Little, J. (2014). Lean Change Management: Innovative Practices for Managing Organizational Change. Happy Melly Express.

Macionis, J. J. (2006). Society: the basic. (8^th ed). New Jersey: Pearson Publication.

Course Content

The course content will comprise introduction investment and investment strategies, strategic choice and decision-making theories and concepts, entrepreneurial decision making, successes, challenges and failure. Business exit models, Entrepreneurial exit modes, and exit strategies for agribusinesses will comprise core tenets of the course.

Course Objectives

The course introduces students to various investment strategies that underline core business tenets and protocols. Investment decision making vis-a-vis choice made by agribusiness practitioners and entrepreneurs/investors will be highlighted. Further, students will be introduced to activities and scenarios that lead to business and entrepreneurial failure. Emphasis will be made on why agribusinesses fail and what possible exit strategies could be explored for business scale-ups, sustainability and closure.

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, case studies

Reading Materials

Berbegal-Mirabent J., Gil-Dome’ nech D., & Alegre I. (2018). Why would you ever want to become an academic entrepreneur? In: Ana Tur Porcar Domingo, Ribeiro Soriano (Eds.): Inside the Mind of the Entrepreneur. Cognition, Personality Traits.

Bozeman, B., & Albert, N. L. (2014). Toward an assessment of impacts from US technology and innovation policies. Science and Public Policy, 42(3), 369-376.

Brocke J. V., Becker, J., & de Marco, M. (2016). The networked Society. Management, Business & Information Systems Engineering, 58(3), 159–160.

Fairbank, F. J., & Williams, S. D. (2001). Motivating creativity and enhancing innovation through employee suggestion system technology. Creativity and Innovation Management. 10(2), 68-74. http://dx.doi.org

Fernald, J. G. & Charles I. J. (2014). The Future of U.S. Economic Growth. Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Working Paper 2014-02, January.

Course Content

Introduction to horticulture principles, seed technology, plant propagation, plant arrangements, pest and disease management, food safety and quality issues, chain enablers and supporters in the horticulture industry, challenges and prospects in horticulture businesses, potentials and scale-up, sales and marketing of horticulture products and services. 

Course Objectives

The course will give students knowledge and skills to manage horticulture business enterprises.

It will expose students to the rudiments of management and practices of seed technology, plant propagation, plant arrangement and pests management, taking into consideration food safety and quality issues. Students would further be introduced to the horticulture industry as a potential agribusiness avenue. Students will learn the skills of sales and marketing of horticulture products and services. 

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, demonstration, field trips

Reading Materials

Acquaah, George (2009). Horticulture: Principles and Practices (4th Edition). New York: Pearson Prentice Hall. 

Crandall, Frank H. (2011). The Essential Horticultural Business Handbook: Proven techniques, forms, and resources to make your small business more focused, organized and profitable. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Department of Agriculture and Food. The Horticulture Handbook. Western Australia.

Bulletin 4847 ISSN 1833-7236.

Ingels, Jack E (2010). Ornamental horticulture: science, operations & management. 

             New York: Cengage Learning

Perth, C. N., Tetlow, S., & Coles, N. (2004). Deep drains to manage groundwater, Department of Agriculture and Food. Western Australia, Bulletin 4617.

Course Content

Meaning and nature of organisation; organisation’s environment and challenges; importance of organisations; what is organisational behaviour; foundations of individual behaviour--attitude and job satisfaction, perception, personality types, and matching personality to jobs, theories of motivation; foundation of group behaviour--work team development, leadership, how leaders emerge, leadership styles, types of conflict and negotiation, managing of conflict and negotiation; and foundations of organisational behaviour—organisational culture and climate.

Course Objectives

The course introduces students to the behaviour of people and organizations in the changing and challenging world. Students will be equipped with the theories and models of organisational behaviour and how to integrate theory and practice through experiential activities. Students will be enabled to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in building better relationships towards the achievement of individual, group, and organizational objectives.

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, case studies

Reading Materials

Ashkansey, N. M., Wildrom, C. P. M., & Peterson, M. F. (2000). Handbook of organisational culture and climate. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage

Braton, J, Sawchuk, P, Forsaw, C, Callion, M & Corbett, M (2010). Work and organisational behaviour. (2^nd ed). London: Palgrave Macmillan.

Champoux, J. E. (2011). Organisational behaviour: Integrating individuals, groups and organisations, (4^th ed). New York: Routledge.

Draft, R & Noe, R (2001). Organisational behaviour. Fort Worth, Texas: Harcourt.

George, J. M & Jones, G. R. (2007). Understanding and managing organisational behaviour. (5^th ed). Upper Saddle River, New Jessy: Prentice Hall.

Kreitner, R & Kinicki, A (2012). Organisational behaviour. (10^th ed). Chicago: McGraw Hill College.

Meaning, nature and scope of macroeconomics; the concept of comparative and absolute advantage; the macroeconomy; national income accounting; national income determination—aggregate expenditure model; determination of equilibrium national income—(aggregate expenditure vs national output approach; leakages and Injections approach); The multiplier concepts; aggregate supply and aggregate demand analysis; unemployment and inflation; fiscal policy; monetary policy—money and banking; and international trade.

Course Objectives

The course introduces students to basic macroeconomics concepts and theories including long-run economic growth--national income and factors affecting labour market performance, business cycles, roles of fiscal and monetary policies.

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation

Reading Materials

Abel, A. B., Bernanke, B. S., & Croushore, D. (2008). Macroeconomics (6th ed.). London: Pearson Education, Inc.

Currie, D., Nobay, R., & Peel, D. (2015). Macroeconomic Analysis: Essays in macroeconomics and econometrics. London: Routledge.

Jochumzen, P. (2010). Essentials of Macroeconomics. Online: Peter Jochumzen and Ventus Publishing Aps.

Mankiw, N. G. (2014). Principles of macroeconomics. Boston, USA: Cengage Learning.

Moss, D. A. (2014). A concise guide to macroeconomics: what managers, executives, and students need to know. Harvard Business Press.

Pomeyie, P. (2015). Macroeconomics: An introductory textbook (4th ed.). Accra: Nirosac Printing Press.

Introduction to Project Design; Implementation; Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) for Agribusinesses; Project Design; Concepts and Design Thinking in Project Management; Methodology/Methods used in PME/PMI Worksheets; Analysis of PME tools; approaches and implications; Appreciative Inquiry and Sustainability Issues in PME; and Project Management tools relevant in the management of Agribusinesses.

Course Objectives

The course introduces students to concepts and principles of project identification, preparation and appraisal process and participatory approaches to project planning and implementation. It will also equip students on skills of measuring project worth: benefit-cost analysis, payback period, simple rate of return and net present value.

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, case studies

Reading Materials

Ford, R., Abubakari, S.B. and Tampuri, M. (2003). Villagers building communities. Clark University, USA, Center for Community-Based Development.

Haugan, G. T. (2010). Project management fundamentals: Key concepts and methodology. Oakland, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

Heagney, J. (2016). Fundamentals of project management. New York: Amacom Publisher.

Kerzner, H. (2017). Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.

Lock, D. (2017). The essentials of project management. London, UK: Routledge.

Narayan, D. (Ed.) (2002). Empowerment and poverty reduction. A Sourcebook. Washington, D. C.: World Bank.

Newton, R. (2016). Project Management Step by Step: How to plan and manage a highly successful project. London, UK: Pearson.

Course Content

Economic growth and development--concept of growth and development; theoretical models of growth and development; sustainable development; sector contributions to growth and development--the role of agriculture in economic development; agriculture in Ghana; conceptual issues in agricultural development; theories of agricultural development; macroeconomic policies and agricultural development; and gender dynamics in agricultural development.

Course Objectives

The course equips students with knowledge on the causes, severity and effects of problems associated with agricultural development. It exposes students to potential solutions and the implications of globalization for agriculture, poverty and the environment. Students will be enabled to identify the linkages in the world food systems and stresses how agriculture and economic situations in poor countries affect industrialized nations and vice versa. 

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, case studies

Reading Materials

Arrow, K. J., Intriligator, M. D., Diaz-Bonilla, E., Robinson, S., Anderson, K., Herdt, R. W., ... & Otsuka, K. (2007). Agricultural Development: Farmers Farm Production and Farm Markets. Marketing, 2(Part A), 1213-1686.

George W. Norton, Jeffrey Alwang and William A. Masters (2008). Economics of Agricultural Development. New York: Routledge Taylor and Francis Group

Jorgenson, D. W. (2017). The role of agriculture in economic development: Classical versus neoclassical models of growth (pp. 320-347). New York:  Routledge.

Kamkar, B. (2016). Sustainable development principles for agricultural activities. Adv Plant Agric Res, 3(5), 1-2.

Norton, G. W., Alwang, J., & Masters, W. A. (2021). Economics of agricultural development: World food systems and resource use. New York:  Routledge.

Osabuohien, E. (Ed.). (2020). The Palgrave Handbook of Agricultural and Rural Development in Africa. Palgrave Macmillan.

Philippe Aghion & Peter Howitt (2009). The economics of growth. London: The MIT Press. 

Stephens, P. (2013). The principles of responsible agricultural investment. Globalizations, 10(1), 187-192.

Todaro, Michael P. & Smith, Stephen C. (2012) Economic Development (11^th Ed.). New York: Addison-Wesley

Course Content

The course covers introduction to creative thinking, agribusiness logics and rationale for choosing agribusiness as a career and vocation. Entrepreneurial thoughts and philosophy are given attention under this course. Informal business development processes as traditionally pursued by local practitioners is highlighted, formal and new generational mind-set of agribusiness management is further tackled. Processes and motivations that enhance entrepreneurial processes of agribusiness managers, experts, scholars and practitioners will be examined.

Course Objectives

This course prepares students to be creative so they can embrace and build up their entrepreneurial acumen. The course is designed to turnout young agribusiness graduates and future experts who can combine entrepreneurial processes with creative mind-set to make their businesses thrive and become sustainable.

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, case studies

Reading Materials

Audretsch, D. B. & Thurik, A. R. (2001). What’s new about the new economy? Sources of growth in the managed and entrepreneurial economies. Industrial and Corporate Change, 10(1), 267–315.

Audretsch, D. B. (2014). From the entrepreneurial university to the university for the entrepreneurial society. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 39(3), 313–321.

Axler, R.E., Miller F.A., Lehoux, P. & Lemmens, T. (2018). The institutional workers of biomedical science: Legitimizing academic entrepreneurship and obscuring conflicts of interest. Science and Public Policy, 45(3), 404–415.

Bergmann H., Hundt C. & Sternberg R. (2016). What makes student entrepreneurs? On the relevance (and irrelevance) of the university and the regional context for student start- ups. Small Businesses Economics, 47: 53–76.

Belsky, S. (2010). Making ideas happen: Overcoming the obstacles between vision and reality. Available at http://www.retellrecorders.co.uk/Support-Docs/157.pdf.  

The course content includes an introduction to ideation, development of agribusiness ideas, strategies, processes, case studies and principles. Ideation laboratory and development of business prototypes will further be covered. Introduction to artificial intelligence, importance, benefits, challenges and current issues in regulations on artificial intelligence will be covered under this course. Students will further be introduced to practitioner toolkits that combine business ideation and artificial intelligence. Effective use of individuals and groups ideation: generating ideas and divergent thinking, design thinking and its application in organizations. Rapid validation of ideas and lean innovation are also covered.

Course Objectives

This course is designed to expose students to current reforms and reviews that highlight the importance of critical thinking, ideation and artificial intelligence; and especially how they relate to agribusiness. It aims to aid students to develop ideas and visions to design, create and prototype their business ideas to become thriving agribusinesses. The students will further be introduced to the principles and protocols related to business ideation/creation, with the upsurge of artificial intelligence to formulate and initiate sustainability mind set acumen among students.

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, simulation, case studies

Reading Materials

Acs, Z. J., Braunerhjelm, P., Audretsch, D. B., & Bo, C. (2009). The knowledge spill over theory of entrepreneurship. Small Business Economics. 32, 15-30.

Astebro T., Bazzazian, N. & Braguinsky S. (2012). Startups by recent university graduates and their faculty: implications for university entrepreneurial policy. Research Policy, 41, 663–677.

Bozeman, B., & Link A. N., (2014). Toward an assessment of impacts from US technology and innovation policies. Science and Public Policy, 42(3), 369-376. Doi:10.1093/scipol/scu058.

Brocke, J. V., Becker J. & de Marco, M. (2016). The networked society. Management, Business & Information System Engineering, 58(3), 159–160.

Chesbrough, H. W., & Appleyard, M. M. (2007). Open innovation and strategy. California Management Review. 50(1), 57-76.

Christensen, C., Allworth, J. & Dillon, K. (2012). How Will You Measure Your Life? New York: Harper-Collins.

Franke, N., Von Hippel, E., & Schreier, M. (2006). Finding commercially attractive user innovations: A test of lead user theory. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 23 (4), 301-315.

Girotra, K., Terwiesch, C., & Ulrich, K. T. (2010). Idea generation and the quality of the best idea. Management Science, 56(4), 591-605.

Grunlund, J., Sjodin, D. R., & Frishammar, J. (2010). Open innovation and the stage-gate process: A revised model for new product development. California Management Review, 52(3), 106-131.

Johnson, B. (2005). Design ideation: The conceptual sketch in the digital age. Design Studies, 26 (6), 613-624.

Verganti, R. (2016). The innovative power of criticism. Harvard Business Review, 94(1-2), 88-95.

The Concept of Resource-Descriptive Analysis of Basic Production Resources (land, Labour & Capital); relevance of environmental and natural resource economics; classification of natural resources; resource scarcity; economics and environment; efficiency and welfare; market failure (externalities and public goods); pollution control policy (economics and pollution control, climate change and mobile source pollution); environmental valuation methods; non-renewable resources (e.g., energy resource, ecological economics); sustainable resource use; and renewable resources (fisheries management and forest management).

Course Objectives

The course introduces students to the application of economic principles to help understand and manage the relationship between humans and the environment. Students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills on how to efficiently allocate resources in a market economy. Students will be exposed to issues such as efficiency, externality, benefit-cost analysis and alternative policy instruments for pollution control.

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, case studies

Reading Materials

Ahmed H. H. (2005). Principle of Environmental Economics. New York: Taylor & Francis e- Library.

Anderson, D. A. (2019). Environmental economics and natural resource management. New York: Routledge.

De Lara, M., & Doyen, L. (2008). Sustainable management of natural resources: mathematical models and methods. Berlin: Springer Science & Business Media.

Jon E. C. (2003). Resource Economics. New York: Cambridge University Press.

Johnson, D. R., & Geldner, N. B. (2019). Contemporary decision methods for agricultural, environmental, and resource management and policy. Annual Review of Resource Economics, 11, 19-41.

Tietenberg, T., & Lewis, L. (2012). Environmental and Natural Resource Economics. New Jersey, USA: Pearson Education, Inc

Course Content

Physiological processes and factors affecting plant yield, plant improvement, seed production, and production of the major cereal, forage and special crops. Climatic factors and types of cropping system, Land preparation, planting, protection and harvesting of crops, Rotation and manuring, Soil characteristics on crop quality and Storage. Major economic crops and pasture species in Ghana, their production systems as an integrated unit, factors such as climate, religious and socio- cultural values and beliefs that determine the choice and management of these systems.

Course Objectives

This course exposes students to the principles and practices of crop production. Students will be introduced to the characteristics of conventional, conservational and organic crop farming systems and their major challenges and/or opportunities in Ghana. Students will be equipped with knowledge on the major pests and diseases of crops in Ghana, and the skills to effectively manage these pests and diseases for the benefit of man and the environment.

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, demonstrations, field trips, case studies

Reading Materials

Imadi, S. R., Shazadi, K., & Hakeem, K. R., (2016). Sustainable crop production system.

Switzerland: Springer International Publishing.

Nyczepir, A. P., & Thomas, S. H. (2009). Current and Future Management Strategies in Intensive Crop Production Systems. Root-knot nematodes, 412.

Ajoy, G. (2007). Crop Production Systems Management. California: Genetech Publishers

Spedding, C. (2012). An introduction to agricultural systems. Springer Science & Business Media.

Tow, P, Cooper, I, Partridge, I., & Birch, C. (eds). (2011). Rainfed Farming Systems.

Switzerland: Springer

Getachew Mekonnen (2012) Crops Production and Management: Classification, Physiology, Agricultural Production System, Environmental Factors, Crop Improvement and Protecting. LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing

Course Content

Breeds, distribution, characteristic features and roles of different livestock species. Husbandry and management of different livestock production system (intensive and extensive). Feeding and feed formulation in animal production, animal products and national requirements. Livestock vending as a business, selection and transporting animals for slaughter, Introduction to slaughterhouse management and sanitation, Livestock slaughter, and proper handling of carcasses to address food safety issues, Processing of various meat products (equipment, ingredients and methods). Meat microbiology, and “hurdles” to minimize microbial numbers on meat. Meat preservation methods (freezing, curing, drying and smoking). Packaging and marketing of meat products. 

Course Objectives

This course aims at introducing students to the basic fundamentals of animal production. It will expose students to the general principles in animal nutrition. Students will be introduced to prevailing livestock production systems as an integrated unit and the factors that determine the choice and management of these systems. This course further exposes students to livestock production and meat handling as a business. 

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, demonstrations, field trips, case studies

Reading Materials

Aland, A. & Madec, F. (2009). Sustainable Animal Production: The Challenges and Potential Developments for Professional Farming. Wageningen: Wageningen Academic Publishers

Lawrie, R.A. & Ledward, D.A. (2006). Lawrie’s Meat Science. (7^th ed). Abington Hall, Abington, Cambridge CB1 6AH, England: Woodhead Publishing Limited

Rosati, A., Tewolde, A. & Mosconi, C. (2006). Animal production and animal science worldwide: WAAP book of the year 2006: A Review on Developments and Research in Livestock Systems. Wageningen: Wageningen Academic Publishers

Teye, M. (2019). Introductory Meat Science for Undergraduate and Post-graduate students. Unpublished Document (138 pages)

Warriss, P.D. (2010). Meat Science, an Introductory Text (2^nd ed). Wallingford Oxfordshire, UK: CAB International.

Course Content

The concept of post-harvest and agro- waste management; importance and scope of post-harvest management; post-harvest and agro-waste handling/methods and technology; methods for determination of post-harvest losses and extension of shelf-life; economic analysis of post-harvest losses; constraints in postharvest management; processing of farm waste; economics analysis of farm waste; value chain approach to farm waste management.

Course Objectives

Students will be introduced to concepts, methods and approaches in post-harvest and agro-waste management. The course will expose students to the causes, effects and management of post-harvest losses and how agro-waste can be utilised for profit or to prevent environmental degradation. Again, it introduces students to business opportunities in post-harvest and agro-waste management.

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, demonstration, field trips

Reading Materials

Bachmann, J., & Earles, R. (2000). Postharvest handling of fruits and vegetables

             (pp. 1-19). ATTRA.

Hansen, C. L., & Cheong, D. Y. (2019). Agricultural waste management in food processing. In Handbook of Farm, Dairy and Food Machinery Engineering (pp. 673-716). Academic Press.

Kader, A. A. (2002). Postharvest technology of horticultural crops (Vol. 3311). University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Kumar, D. K., Basavaraja, H., & Mahajanshetti, S. B. (2006). An economic analysis of post- harvest losses in vegetables in Karnataka. Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics, 61(902-2016-66790).

Loehr, R. (2012). Agricultural waste management: problems, processes, and 

           approaches. Elsevier.

Obi, F. O., Ugwuishiwu, B. O., & Nwakaire, J. N. (2016). Agricultural waste concept, generation, utilization and management. Nigerian Journal of Technology, 35(4), 957- 964.

Rees, D., Farrell, G., & Orchard, J. (eds.). (2012). Crop Post-Harvest: Science and Technology. Volume 3: Perishables (Vol. 3). John Wiley & Sons.

Taylor, S. (2012). Postharvest handling: a systems approach. Academic Press.

Meaning and nature of economics; concepts of choice; opportunity costs; production possibility frontier; economic thinking perspectives; demand and supply analysis; market price determination; elasticity of demand and supply; theory of production and cost; introduction to market structure; and introduction to welfare economics.

Course Objectives

The course introduces students to the foundation of economic principles and theories that would have applications in agribusiness management and farm production. Students will be equipped with knowledge in topics like demand and supply theory, consumer behaviour theory, theories of production and cost, optimal output and price determination.

Mode of delivery 

Lectures, group discussion, presentation 

Reading Materials

Case, F. & Oster (2014). Principles of Microeconomics. (11^th ed.). New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc.

Jennings, F. & Bernanke (2012). Principles of Microeconomics (3^rd ed.). McGraw-Hill. Mankiw, G. (2014).    Principles of Microeconomics. (6^th ed.) Ohio: South-Western.

Mankiw, N. G. (2010). Macroeconomics. (7^th ed.). Worth Publishers. ISBN 978-1-4292- 1887-0.

Paragon, P. (2014). Microeconomics: An introductory textbook. (4^th ed.). Accra: Nirosac Printing Press Ltd.

Parkin, M.  (2014).    Microeconomics.  Microeconomics.  (11^th ed)    New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc.

Course Content

Meaning and nature of macroeconomics; the macro-economy; the circular flow diagram; national income accounting; national income determination—aggregate expenditure model (consumption model, investment model, government expenditure model, net export model); international trade and balance of payments; unemployment; inflation; and the relationship between unemployment and inflation.

Course Objectives

The course introduces students to concepts like national income accounting and its implications for measuring and explaining overall economic performance, national income and expenditures, money, interest rates, fiscal and monetary policies as analytical tools. The students would be able to apply these concepts to explain economic problems such as inflation and unemployment, international trade and balance of payments. 

Mode of delivery

Lectures, group discussion, presentation 

Reading Materials

Abel, A. B., Bernanke, B. S., & Croushore, D. (2008). Macroeconomics. (6^th ed.). United Kingdom: Pearson Education, Inc.

Hall, R. E., & Lieberman, M. (2012). Macroeconomics: principles and applications. Boston: Cengage Learning.

Jochumzen, P. (2010). Essentials of Macronomics. Peter Jochumzen and Ventus Publishing Aps.

Mankiw, N. G. (2014). Principles of macroeconomics. New York, NY. Cengage Learning. 

Mankiw, N. G. (2020). Brief principles of macroeconomics. Boston: Cengage Learning.

Pomeyie, P. (2015). Macroeconomics: An introductory textbook. (4^th ed.). Accra: Nirosac

Printing Press.

Course Content

Introduction to gender and gender studies, introduction and principles of leadership, types of leadership, gender issues in agribusiness, gender policies and regulations, importance of gender and leadership in agricultural development, management and sustainability. Global and local issues in gender and leadership.

Course Objectives

The course is designed to introduce students to gender and leadership issues in agribusiness and to encourage them to be sensitive to these issues in the planning, implementation and evaluation of their programmes. Students would be able to recognise gender roles associated with agribusiness development.

   Mode of delivery

Lectures, group discussion, presentation and case studies 

Reading Materials

de Zárate, R. O. (2007). Women rulers currently in office. http://www.terra.es/personal2/monolith/00women5.htm.

Dunn-Jensen, L. M., & Stroh, L. K. (2007). Myths in the media: How the news media portray women in the workforce. In D. Bilimoria & S. K. Piderit (eds.), Handbook of women in business and management (pp. 13–33). Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar.

Eagly, A. H., & Carli, L. L. (2007). Through the Labyrinth: The Truth About How Women Become Leaders. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.

Hymowitz, C. (2006). In the lead: Women tell women: Life in the top jobs is worth the effort. Wall Street Journal, November 20, B1.

Sheeran, P. & Webb, T.L. (2016). The Intention–Behavior Gap. September 2016. Social and Personality Psychology Compass 10(9):503-518. DOI: 10.1111/spc3.12265

Course Content

Introduction and principles of agribusiness, distinction, differences and dynamics of agribusiness management. Forms of agribusiness organizations, registration, legal and institutional frameworks for agribusiness in Ghana, Africa and worldwide. Importance of agribusiness, capital management in agribusiness, characteristics of a successful agribusiness, commerce, objectives, planning, research and marketing management, design thinking, policy frameworks and sustainability issues in agribusiness.

Course Objectives

This course provides a foundation for learning principles of business in agriculture. It focuses on the progression and importance, types, input and output sectors, and the economics of agribusiness industry. It introduces students to basic principles of the issues and concepts that agricultural businesses and markets encounter. The course introduces the fundamental concepts of agriculture business within the framework of how the agriculture industry operates and functions in a global economy. 

Mode of delivery

Lectures, group discussion, presentation

Reading Materials

Beierlein, G.J., Schneerberger, C.K. & Osburn, D.D. (2013). Principles of Agribusiness Management. 5th edition. Waveland Press.

Barnard, F. L., Foltz, J., Yeager, E. A., & Brewer, B. (2020). Agribusiness management. Routledge.

Dole, J.F. & Foltz, C.J. (2016). Agribusiness Management. (5^th ed). Routledge Textbooks in Environmental and Agricultural Economics.

Ricketts, C., & Ricketts, K. G. (2008). Agribusiness Fundamentals and Applications (2nd ed.). Cengage Learning

Van Fleet, D., Van Fleet, E., & Seperich, G. J. (2013). Agribusiness: principles of management. Cengage Learning. 

Introduction to mathematical economics: nature of mathematical economics, economic models; equilibrium analysis: Definition of equilibrium, solution of equilibrium, partial vs. general equilibrium. Introduction to matrix algebra, differentiation, partial derivatives, optimization techniques including unconstrained and constrained optimization, all developed within the context of economic theory. Dynamic analysis: Dynamics and integration, indefinite/definite integral, improper integrals, and economic applications.

Course Objectives

Students will be introduced to mathematical economics theories, models and problem that will require the use of such models to address. The course builds the capacity of students in the use of sound mathematics and economics in problem solving.

Mode of delivery

Lectures, group discussion, presentation, case studies

Reading Materials

Chiang, A. & Wainwright, K. (2005). Fundamental Methods of Mathematical Economics, Fourth Edition. McGraw Hill.

Rosser, M. (2003). Basics Mathematics for Economist, 2nd Edition. New York: Routledge.

Rosser, M., & Lis, P. (2016). Basic mathematics for economists. New York: Routledge.

Sunanda, R. (2020). A First Course in Mathematical Economics. Cambridge: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

Shapoor, Vali (2015). Principles of Mathematical Economics II: Solutions Manual, Supplementary Materials and Supplementary Exercises. Atlantis Press.

Definition, nature and scope of marketing, marketing environment, marketing functions, market institutions and agencies, market segmentation, targeting and positioning, product development, product pricing, product distribution and product promotion, constraints to effective and efficient marketing.

Course Objectives

This course is intended to develop a general understanding and appreciation of the forces, institutions, and methods involved in marketing of goods and services. Students will be equipped with skills in developing target marketing, positioning, developing new products, distributing and promoting goods and services.

Mode of delivery

Lectures, class discussion and presentations, case studies

Reading Materials

Armstrong, G., Adam, S., Denize, S., & Kotler, P. (2014). Principles of marketing. Australia: Pearson.

Boachie-Mensah, F.O. & Marfo-Yiadom, E. (2010). Principles of Marketing. Cape Coast: CCE Publications.

Kotler, P. & Keller, K. L. (2009). Marketing Management. New Jersey: Person Education Inc.

Kotler, P., Wong, V., Saunders, S & Armstrong G. (2005). Principles of Marketing. 7th Edition. London: Pearson Education Limited.

Kotler, Philip & Armstrong, Gary (2011). Principles of marketing (14th Ed.) New Jersey: Pearson Education.

Definition, nature and scope of management; functions of management; management of business organizations in the dynamic global environment; organisational development and maintenance of competitive advantage; Business decisions making using various tools and techniques to remain competitive; problem-solving strategies and critical skills in real-life situations and implementing successful planning.

Course Objectives

The course will provide students with in-depth understanding of the basic skills in handling the issues of management at various levels of the organizational setting. It will expose students to the role and functions of a manager and the skills needed to apply management principles and concepts to real-life situations. Students will be equipped with knowledge in the theoretical and practical issues of the system of organization, focusing on the management process, organizational theory and behaviour, and aids to management.

Mode of delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation

Reading Materials

Bateman, T.S. & Snell, S.A. (2015). Management Leading and Collaborating in a Competitive World. McGraw-Hill. (11th ed.) 2015. ISBN: 978-1-259-25422-2.

Eichhorn, P., & Towers, I. (2018). Principles of management: Efficiency and effectiveness in the private and public sector. Springer.

Jones, G.R. & George, J.M. (2014). Contemporary Management. McGraw-Hill. (8th ed.) ISBN: 978-1-259-01179-5

Morden, T. (2017). Principles of management. London: Routledge.

Laasch, O. (2021). Principles of Management: Practicing Ethics, Responsibility, Sustainability. SAGE.

History of agriculture, domestication of farm animals and crops, changes and emergence of agricultural system and productions, introduction of agro-climatology and geomorphology, importance of soils and additives in crop production. Animal production and importance of mixed farming systems in agriculture. Introduction to aquatic and marine fishery production; and importance of agriculture to national and socio-economic development. Maintenance and management of agricultural machinery, Agricultural research, global issues and sustainability.

Course Objectives

This course aims at creating awareness in students about how climatic, edaphic, religious and socioeconomic factors influence the choice of farming systems practised and domestic animals kept by farmers. It also aims at introducing students to the elements of agro- climatology. Students will gain knowledge in animal science, plant science, leadership skills, agricultural policies and regulations, opportunities and career paths within the study of agriculture, agricultural research, sustainability, agricultural mechanics and global issues.

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, simulation, case studies

Reading Materials

Akinyemi, O. M. (2007). Agricultural Production: Organic & Conventional Systems. CRC Press.

Bhavikatti, S. S. (2005). An introduction to agriculture and agronomy. New age international publisher: India, 1-2.

Francis, C. A., & Clegg, M. D. (2020). Crop rotations in sustainable production systems. In Sustainable agricultural systems (pp. 107-122). CRC Press.

Lemaire, G., Franzluebbers, A., de Faccio Carvalho, P. C., & Dedieu, B. (2014). Integrated crop–livestock systems: Strategies to achieve synergy between agricultural production and environmental quality. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 190, 4-8.

Mishra, R. K. (2007). Livestock-Crop Production Systems and Livelihood Development. Atlantic Publishers & Dist.

National Research Council. (2010). Toward sustainable agricultural systems in the 21st century. National Academies Press.

Spedding, C. (2012). An introduction to agricultural systems. Springer Science & Business Media.

Course Content

Expression and Language Use (Misrelated participles, Ambiguity), Planning the paragraph (Nature of the paragraph, Providing the topic sentence, Writing the paragraph), Composing the essay (Choosing and limiting the topic, researching for information, Writing the outline, the introductory paragraph, Body/paragraphs of development, the concluding paragraph, Cohesion and coherence, Use of appropriate register)

Course objectives

This course is compulsory for all first year students. It aims at improving students’ competency and fluency in using English for academic pursuits. This course seeks to prepare students to write rhetorically effective texts in academic discourses. It mainly provides students with skills to enable them to research, plan and compose essays in different discourse types. In the first semester, the course concentrates on Reading and Note-making skills as aids to learning. It also introduces students to conventions of English usage and writing.

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussions, presentation

Reading Materials

Gborsong, P.A. (2011). Fundamentals of Communicative Skills for Undergraduate Students and Secretaries. Saarbrucken. Germany: Lambert Academic Publishing GmbH & Co.

Gogovi, G.A.K., Gborsong, P.A., Yankah, V. K., & Essel, K. (2000). Communicative Skills.

Cape Coast: Centre for Continuing Education.

Nartey, T.A., Gborsong, P. A. & Torto, R. T. (2003). Practice Exercise in Communicative Skills.

Ploeger, K. (2000). Simplified Paragraph Skills. Illinois: NTC Publishing Group. 

Sekyi-Baidoo, Y. (2000). Learning and communicating. Kumasi: WIlas Press Ltd.

Course Objectives

The course will equip students with skills that will enable them to access and retrieve information in the traditional, hybrid and digital libraries. The course will assist students to appreciate the role of library in teaching, learning, research and extension activities. It will provide students with basic knowledge in ICT for managing library resources including online resources.

Course Content

Trends and systems in terms of production, processing, distribution, management of food, local and regional issues on food systems, concepts, construction and dynamics in food systems, agribusiness trends and systems in food management, handling, consumptions and disposal, food system sustainability, food cycle.

Course Objectives

The course aims at introducing students to the concept of food system, what it looks like and how it works. Also, it will cover issues on the economic, social, and environmental aspects of food systems from local to global levels. Students will examine critical issues influencing food production, processing, distribution, consumption and entire food cycle.

Mode of delivery

Lectures, group discussion, presentation, multimedia presentations, field observations 

Reading Materials

Capone, R., Bilali, H. E., Debs, P., Cardone, G., & Driouech, N. (2014). Food system sustainability and food security: connecting the dots. Journal of Food Security, 2(1), 13-22.

Chase, L. & Grubinger, V. (2014), Food, farms, and community: Exploring food systems. Lebanon, NH: University of New Hampshire Press.

Martinez, S. (2010). Local food systems; concepts, impacts, and issues. Diane Publishing.

Teaching the Food System curriculum initiative at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health (www.foodspanlearning.org)

Ericksen, P. J. (2008). Conceptualizing food systems for global environmental change research. Global environmental change, 18(1), 234-245.

Von Braun, J., Afsana, K., Fresco, L., Hassan, M., & Torero, M. (2021). Food Systems–Definition, Concept and Application for the UN Food Systems Summit. A paper from the Scientific Group of the UN Food Systems Summit.

Soil concepts, soil formation and classification, soil texture, structure, and consistency, soil use and human manipulation, soil fertility management, soil and water conservation strategies and management, insights and resources on ploughing, soil test and analysis, economic benefits of soils for business development, and sustainable soil management, cost and benefit analysis of soil management practices.

Course Objectives

The course will expose students to knowledge and skills in the profitable use of agricultural soils. Students will be enabled to investigate soils characteristics, assess the impact of human activities, and manipulate soil to enhance their fertility and productivity. This course will equip students with skills required to manage agricultural soils with the view to conserve soil and soil water. Students will be equipped with the skills to identify and analyse the cost and benefit analysis of alternative soil amendments and techniques. Equipping students with the skills in identifying business opportunities related to management of the soil.

Mode of delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, case studies.

Reading Materials

Brady, N. & Weil, R. (2001). The nature and property of soils, (13th ed). Prentice Hall.

Foth, H. (1991). Fundamentals of soil science. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.

Fullen, M. A., & Catt, J. A. (2014). Soil management: problems and solutions. Routledge.

Hakeem, K. R., Akhtar, J., & Sabir, M. (Eds.). (2016). Soil science: agricultural and environmental prospective. Springer.

Mason, J. (2002). Starting a Garden or Landscape Business. ISBN: 978-0-9871022-8-7.

Osman, K. T. (2012). Soils: principles, properties and management. Springer Science & Business Media.

Visscher, C. A. (2001). Soils Course Curriculum. Dabney S. Lancaster Community College November 15, 2001. https://www.acs.edu.au/courses/soil-management-agriculture- 181.aspx (Accessed on 3rd March, 2020)

Uses of word processing for reporting and writing business plan; spreadsheets (excel, access and other accounting software) for record keeping, accounting, cash flow analysis; database management principles and practices; graphics and desktop publishing for presentation, agribusiness advertising and publications. Social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) for agribusiness advertising, announcement and advocacy; Data communication, Computer networking and Internet and Computer Security and Privacy Issues (The role of Anti-virus, anti-spam, passwords and Biometrics).

Course Objectives

The course introduces students to the use of word processing, spreadsheets, database management, graphics and desktop publishing and presentation for agribusiness solutions. Students will also be introduced to the use of new media for communications and public relations in agribusiness.

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, simulation, case studies

Reading Materials

Capron, H. (2002). Computers: Tools for the information age. (7th ed). Practice Hall.

Birudavolu, S., & Nag, B. (2019). Business Innovation and ICT Strategies. Palgrave Macmillan.

Dornberger, R. (Ed.). (2020). New Trends in Business Information Systems and Technology: Digital Innovation and Digital Business Transformation (Vol. 294). Springer Nature.

Koh, S. C., & Maguire, S. (Eds.). (2009). Information and communication technologies management in turbulent business environments. IGI Global.

Vermaat, M. E., Sebok, S. L., Freund, S. M., Campbell, J. T., & Frydenderg, M. (2016). Discovering computers 2016: Tools, apps, devices, and impact of technology. Boston: Cengage Learning.

Szymczyk, K., & El Emary, I. M. (Eds.). (2021). Advanced Trends in ICT for Innovative Business Management. CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group

Students will be offered one of the African Studies options upon registration.

Course Objectives

This comprises a number of courses that border on African culture and development and is compulsory for all first year students. The students are required to select two of the courses – one in the first semester (2 credits) and another (1 credit) in the second semester. The courses introduce students to a wide variety of African socio-cultural and development issues including the family, sexual and domestic violence, religion, music, resources, chieftaincy, politics and democracy, festivals, colonisation and Pan-Africanism

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussions, presentation

Course Content

Discourse types (The narrative, the descriptive, the expository, and the argumentative), Functional discourses (Report writing, Minute writing, Formal letters, Curriculum vitae), Editing the Essay and Documentation (Group editing, Self-editing, Proofreading, In-text and bibliographic citations)

Course Objectives

This course is a sequel to CMS 107 and it’s compulsory for all first year students. It aims at improving students’ competency and fluency in using English for academic pursuits. Students will also be exposed to functional discourses such as report writing and formal letter writing. Equip students with the skills needed for effective communication in academic writings; Equip students with skills in reading and writing in functional discourse; and Equip students with skills that will help them to pay attention to grammatical accuracy and conventions of usages in their writing.

Mode of Delivery

 Lectures, class discussions, presentation

Reading Materials

Gborsong, P.A. (2011). Fundamentals of Communicative Skills for Undergraduate Students and Secretaries. Saarbrucken. Germany: Lambert Academic Publishing GmbH & Co. Gogovi, G.A.K., Gborsong, P.A., Yankah, V. K., & Essel, K. (2000). Communicative Skills.Cape Coast: Centre for Continuing Education.

Nartey, T.A., Gborsong, P. A. & Torto, R. T. (2003). Practice Exercise in Communicative Skills.

Ploeger, K. (2000). Simplified Paragraph Skills. Illinois: NTC Publishing Group. 

Sekyi-Baidoo, Y. (2000). Learning and communicating. Kumasi: WIlas Press Ltd.

Course Content

Basic concepts in business law. Types of laws (contract, employment and company); Essential elements of Ghana’s legal system. The nature of law; Contracts and their theoretical foundations; formation of contracts; classification of contracts; contractual terms; vitiating of contract; discharge of contract; remedies; introduction of the structure of courts in Ghana; forms of business ownership and their legal requirements; agricultural law in Ghana; introduction to insurance contracts; introduction to sale of goods contract; taxation issues among others.

Course Objectives

This course aims at developing students’ knowledge and understanding of the general legal framework within which businesses operate. It seeks to provide students with an understanding of common laws and statutes of central importance to agribusiness. It will help students to analyse and evaluate agribusiness situations from a legal perspective.

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, simulation, case studies, demonstration, field trips

Reading Materials

Bondzi-Simpson, P. E. (2010). Law of Contract. (2^nd ed). Accra: Avant Associates.

Hardcastle V. E., Motey C., et al. (2015). Agriculture law in Ghana: Overview.

Thomas Reuters.

McKendrick, E. (2008). Contract Law. (3^rd ed). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Miller, R. L., & Jentz, G. A. (2002). Fundamentals of Business Law. (5^th ed). London: Cengage learning.

Miller, R. L. (2021). Business Law Today, the Essentials: Text and Summarized Cases. London: Cengage learning.

Miller, R. L., & Jentz, G. A. (2008) Fundamentals of Business Law: Summarized Cases (8^th Ed.) California: South-Western College. 

Course Content

Meaning, scope and nature of human resource management; the implications of technology for the design of jobs, recruitment and selection, performance management and appraisal, training and development, compensation and its implications for the risk management, development and implementing strategic HRM plans; diversity and multiculturalism; labour relations, motivation and leadership.

 Course Objectives

This course is designed to provide students with professional insight into human resource management for agribusiness management. It broadly aims at developing practical managerial knowledge and skills of students with emphasis on organizational human resource management in the contemporary work environment. 

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation

Reading Materials

Armstrong, M. (2020). Human resource management practice. London:  Kogan page limited.

Boxall, P., & Purcell, J. (2011). Strategy and human resource management. London: Macmillan International Higher Education.

Dessler, G. (2013). Human resource management (13^th ed). New York: Pearson Education Inc.

DeCenzo, D. A., Robbins, S. P., & Verhulst, S. L. (2016). Fundamentals of human resource management. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.

Dias, L. P. (2012). Beginning management of human resources. Online: Available at (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/ 3.0/)

Itika, J. S. (2011). Fundamentals of human resource management Emerging experiences from Africa. African Public Administration and Management series, vol. 2, African Studies Centre / University of Groningen / Mzumbe University

Storey, J. (2016). Human resource management. Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar Publishing Limited.

Course Content

Concept and principles of business communication; communication and teamwork skills; essentials and guidelines for effective business writing; euphemism, cliches, slang, jargons and related errors in business writing; report writing and business plan writing processes; ICT in business communication; social media and trends; introduction to customer relation; customer relationship management; visualization, packaging and product communication strategies.

Course Objectives

In this course, students will be taught the principles of organizing and composing acceptable business correspondence in accordance with current business letter writing procedures using different communication media and inter-personal communication techniques. This course intends to provide students with the necessary skills to build effective human relation in the workplace and to develop their personal customer service strategies.

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, case studies, demonstration

Reading Materials

Cardon, P. W. (2014). Business Communication: Developing Leaders for a Networked World (3^rd Ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

Guffey, M. E., (2016). Essentials of business communication (8th ed). Toronto, Ontario: Nelson.

Lucas, R. W. (2002). Customer service: skills and concepts for success. (4th ed). New York: McGraw Hill Publishers

Nyan, J. K., & Sefenu, J. K. (2003). Business Communication. Centre for Continuing Education. University of Cape Coast. ISBN 978-9988-8464-2-8

Olson (2001), Understanding consumer decision making: The means-end approach to marketing and advertising strategy (pp. 91-118). Mahwah, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Kumar, V., & Reinartz, W. (2018) Customer Relationship Management: Concept, Strategy, and Tools (3^rd Ed.). Heidelberger, Berlin: Springer. 

Course Content

The syllabus covers contemporary issues in agribusiness including business plan development, agribusiness policies, best practices in financial and economic cost-benefit analysis, problem analyses, risk analysis, project planning, pricing, success story of thriving agribusiness enterprises and other emerging agribusiness issues. 

Course Objectives

The course seeks to build up students’ capacity in business plans development and presentation. Students’ capacity in project appraisal--financial and economic analysis of project will be enhanced. The course will broaden students’ horizon on risk analysis, trends and emerging issues in the agribusiness sector. 

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, case studies

Reading Materials

Bacigalupo M., Kampylis P., Punie Y. & Van den Brande, G. (2016). EntreComp: The entrepreneurship competence framework. Luxembourg: Publication Office of the European Union; EUR 27939 EN.

Bay, A. C. (2016), Entrepreneurs, start-ups and innovation at the University of California. Bay Area Council Economic Institute.

Behzadi, G., O’Sullivan, M. J., Olsen, T. L., & Zhang, A. (2018). Agribusiness supply chain risk management: A review of quantitative decision models. Omega, 79, 21-42.

King, R. P., Boehlje, M., Cook, M. L., & Sonka, S. T. (2010). Agribusiness economics and management. American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 92(2), 554-570.

Van Aken, J. E., & Berends, H. (2018). Problem solving in organizations. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Van Fleet, D., Van Fleet, E., & Seperich, G. J. (2013). Agribusiness: principles of management. Boston: Cengage Learning.

Vance, D. E. (2003). Financial analysis and decision making: Tools and techniques to solve financial problems and make effective business decisions. New York: McGraw-Hill Companies.

Yami, M., Feleke, S., Abdoulaye, T., Alene, A. D., Bamba, Z., & Manyong, V. (2019). African rural youth engagement in agribusiness: Achievements, limitations, and lessons. Sustainability, 11(1), 185.

Course Content

Introduction to research in agricultural marketing; market research tools and protocols; market structure analysis; market margins, cost and efficiency; market institutions; product development; agricultural prices and analytical tools; new trends in agriculture and food marketing; case studies, mixed methods and current issues in agribusiness research approaches

Course Objectives

The goal of the course is to equip students with an understanding of how market research and analysis can help make business decisions and how to transform research findings into actionable business insights. The students will gain the ability to evaluate and interpret research designed for business decision-making. It will expose students to a wide range of research methods and their applications in agribusiness research. 

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, simulation, case studies

Reading Materials

Adams, K., & Brace, I. (2006). An introduction to market & social research: planning & using research tools & techniques. London, UK: Kogan Page Publishers.

Churchill, G. A., Jr., & Iacobacci, D. (2009). Marketing research: Methodological foundations, (10th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western College Publishers.

Hair, J. F., Bush, R. P., & Ortinau, D. J. (2003). Marketing research, (2^nd ed). New York: McGraw-Hill

Kaden, R. J. (2006). Guerrilla marketing research: Marketing research techniques that can help any business make more money. London, UK: Kogan Page Publishers.

Malhotra, N., Nunan, D., & Birks, D. (2017). Marketing research: An applied approach. London, UK: Pearson.

Sarstedt, M. & Mooi, E., (2014). A concise guide to market research. Berlin Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag.

Course Content

Differences between quantitative and qualitative research; types of research (descriptive, realist evaluation, action and experimental research); Descriptive research—survey, developmental studies (cross-sectional, longitudinal--trend, cohort, and panel studies), case studies, focus group discussions, basic ethnography, correlational studies and expo-facto, and experimental.  In teaching the types of research, the students should be exposed to basic knowledge in research proposal writing and process—background, objectives and research questions, statement of the research problem, literature review, types of research methodologies, population and sampling, data collection procedures and data analysis and interpretation, and ethics of research. 

Course Objectives

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of carrying out both quantitative and qualitative research. Students would be exposed to the research process leading to the development of agribusiness research proposals. 

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, case studies

Reading Materials

Acquah, H. D. (2013). An introduction to quantitative methods. Shaker Verlag Aachen: Germany. Pp 1-63, 107-112.

Best, J.W. & Khan, J.V. (2006). Research in education. (8^th ed.). Needham Heights, MA, USA: Allyn and Bacon. Pp 3-26, 29-40, 355-411.

Cosby, P.C. (2001). Methods of behavioural research (7^th ed.). McGraw-Hill.

Field, A. (2013). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics. Statistics and sex and drugs with rock 'n' roll (4^th ed.). London: SAGE Publications Ltd.

Illowsky, B., & Dean, S. (2017). Introductory statistics. Open Stax Rice University, Houston. https://openstax.org/details/introductory-statistics.

Tabachnick, B., & Fidell, L. (2013). Using multivariate statistics. (6^th ed.) New Jersey: Pearson, Education, Inc.

Course Content

The topics includes definition of statistics, types of variables (data) and scale of measurement, data processing, descriptive statistics (mean, median, mode, range, variance, and standard deviation), exploratory data, and probability distributions. The course will also examine the theory and methods of statistical inference, emphasizing those applications most useful in modelling business problems. Sampling theory, hypothesis testing, linear regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA), T-test, and several advanced applications of the general linear model, and non-parametric test (e.g., Chi-square).

Course Objectives

The course will help students to acquire knowledge and understand the basic concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics relevant for a successful career in agribusiness. It helps students to use statistics for decision-making in agribusiness. Students will be equipped with the skills of analysing and interpreting research data. 

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, case studies

Reading Materials

Anderson D. R., Sweeney D. J., & Williams, T. A. (2008). Statistics for business and economics, (10^th ed). Belmont, CA: Thomson Higher Education Publishing

Anderson, D. R., Sweeney, D. J., Williams, T. A., Camm, J. D., & Cochran, J. J. (2012). Quantitative Methods for Business. Boston: Cengage Learning.

Brandimarte, P. (2012). Quantitative methods: An introduction for business management. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.

Jon Curwin, R. S., & Eadson, D. (2013). Quantitative methods for business decisions. (7th ed). United Kingdom: Cengage Learning EMEA.

Swift, L., & Piff, S. (2014). Quantitative methods: for business, management and finance. Macmillan International Higher Education.

Waters, D. (2011). Quantitative methods for business. (5^th ed). United Kingdom: Pearson Education Limited.

Course Content

Features, characteristics of an entrepreneur, entrepreneurial dynamics, entrepreneurial environment, types of entrepreneurships, business development, development of business plans, business plan canvas (pitching), identification of entrepreneurial activities, entrepreneurial acumen, social venturing and impact entrepreneurship, cooperative entrepreneurship, green business and circular entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial strategies and legalities, formalization of businesses, entrepreneurial bricolage and agricultural systems synergies, ethics and entrepreneurial incentives and disincentives.

Course Objectives

This course will introduce students to the concept of entrepreneurship, types of entrepreneurship models (i.e. traditional, social, impact, agri-preneurship, techno-preneurship, etc.), understanding entrepreneurial environment, entrepreneurial acumen, and entrepreneurial plan development; initiation of entrepreneurial ventures as well as growth and agribusiness enterprises development. Students will further be introduced to basic principles, models, theories, concepts and benefits of setting up business enterprises.

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, case studies Reading Materials Frederick, H., O'Connor, A., & Kuratko, D. F. (2018). Entrepreneurship. Cengage AU. Leyden, D. P. &. Link, A. N (2015). Public sector entrepreneurship: United State Technology and Innovation Policy. New York: Oxford University Press. Osterwalder, A. & Peigner, I. (2010). Business model generation: A Handbook for Visionaries, Game Changers, and Challengers. ISBN-13: 9780470876411. Preview available at http://www.businessmodelgeneration.com/downloads/businessmodelgeneration_preview.pdf Accessed March 1, 2016. Poetz, K. M., & Schreier, M. (2012). The value of crowdsourcing: Can users really compete with professionals in generating new product ideas? Journal of Product Innovation Management, 29(2), 245-256. Parker, Simon C. (2018). The economics of entrepreneurship. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Rhoads, G., Swenson, M. & Whitlark, D. (2010). Boom Start: Principles of Entrepreneurial Marketing. Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt. Schoonhoven, C.B; Romanelli, E. (2002). The entrepreneurship dynamic: Origins of entrepreneurship and the evolution of industries. In Kathleen M. Eisenhardt and Yosem E. Companys. The Academy of Management Review, Vol. 27, No. 4 (October, 2002), pp. 622-624. Available at http://www.jstor.org/stable/4134408 Shin, S. J., Kim, T., Lee, J., & Bian, L. (2012). Cognitive team diversity and individual team member creativity: A cross-level interaction. Academy of Management Journal, 55(1), 197-212. Trout, J. & Rivkin, S. (2000). Differentiate or Die: Survival in Our Era of Killer Competition. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Course Content

The concept of post-harvest and agro- waste management; importance and scope of post-harvest management; post-harvest and agro-waste handling/methods and technology; methods for determination of post-harvest losses and extension of shelf-life; economic analysis of post-harvest losses; constraints in postharvest management; processing of farm waste; economics analysis of farm waste; value chain approach to farm waste management.

Course Objectives

Students will be introduced to concepts, methods and approaches in post-harvest and agro-waste management. The course will expose students to the causes, effects and management of post-harvest losses and how agro-waste can be utilised for profit or to prevent environmental degradation. Again, it introduces students to business opportunities in post-harvest and agro-waste management.

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, demonstration, field trips

Reading Materials

Bachmann, J., & Earles, R. (2000). Postharvest handling of fruits and vegetables

             (pp. 1-19). ATTRA.

Hansen, C. L., & Cheong, D. Y. (2019). Agricultural waste management in food processing. In Handbook of Farm, Dairy and Food Machinery Engineering (pp. 673-716). Academic Press.

Kader, A. A. (2002). Postharvest technology of horticultural crops (Vol. 3311). University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Kumar, D. K., Basavaraja, H., & Mahajanshetti, S. B. (2006). An economic analysis of post- harvest losses in vegetables in Karnataka. Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics, 61(902-2016-66790).

Loehr, R. (2012). Agricultural waste management: problems, processes, and 

           approaches. Elsevier.

Obi, F. O., Ugwuishiwu, B. O., & Nwakaire, J. N. (2016). Agricultural waste concept, generation, utilization and management. Nigerian Journal of Technology, 35(4), 957- 964.

Rees, D., Farrell, G., & Orchard, J. (eds.). (2012). Crop Post-Harvest: Science and Technology. Volume 3: Perishables (Vol. 3). John Wiley & Sons.

Taylor, S. (2012). Postharvest handling: a systems approach. Academic Press.

Course Content

Role of prices in the agricultural market; characteristics of agricultural prices; forces influencing farm prices; price determination and relationships in the various market types; correcting for inflation using index numbers; price differences and variability; and methods of price analysis.

Course Objectives

This course will introduce students to economic processes of price discovery and price determination in agricultural input and output markets; emphasis on methods of price analysis and their application to decision processes; analysis of cyclical, trend, and seasonal movements in prices.

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, case studies

Reading Materials

Esposti, R., & Listorti, G. (2013). Agricultural price transmission across space and commodities during price bubbles. Agricultural Economics, 44(1), 125-139.

Hudson, D. (2007). Agricultural market and Prices. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing. Norwood, F. B., & Lusk, J. L. (2018). Agricultural marketing and price analysis. Waveland Press.

Paczkowski, W. R. (2018). Pricing Analytics: Models and Advanced Quantitative Techniques for Product Pricing. Routledge.

Piot-Lepetit, I., & M’Barek, R. (2011). Methods to analyse agricultural commodity price volatility. In Methods to analyse agricultural commodity price volatility (pp. 1-11). Springer, New York, NY.

Vercammen, J. (2012). Agricultural marketing: structural models for price analysis (Vol. 2). Routledge.

Course Content

Introduction to fish biology (types of fish for aquaculture, parts and functions, fish behaviour), structures for fish rearing including pond construction and maintenance, stocking, water quality management, feeding and feed formulation, fish pest and disease management, harvesting, storage, processing and utilisation, and marketing. Students are further introduced to the following core agribusiness/aquaculture knowledge. i.e., fish processing and utilisation, fisheries economics (profitability, comparative cost analysis of tilapia and catfish under various management systems), aquaculture as business, and creating sustainable aquaculture business models. 

Course Objectives

This course will introduce students to the importance of fisheries and aquaculture business to the individual and the economy. Students will be taught the principles of fish farming. Students are also taken through the business of fisheries and fish marketing.

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, case studies, field/demo fields’ experiments

Reading Materials

Coursey, A., Trushenski, J., & Kohler, C. (2013). Alternative feeding strategies to maximize fish oil and fish meal sparing in largemouth bass culture while maintaining production performance and product value. North American Journal of Aquaculture, 75:266-276.

Pillay T.V.R. & Kutty. M. N. (2005). Aquaculture Principles and Practices. (2^nd ed). New Jersey: Blackwell Publishing.

Trushenski, J.T. & Gause. B.R. (2013). Comparative value of fish meal alternatives as protein sources in feeds for hybrid striped bass. North American Journal of Aquaculture, 75:329-341.

Trushenski, J.T., Kasper, C.S., &. Kohler C.C. (2006). Challenges and opportunities in finfish nutrition. North American Journal of Aquaculture, 68:122-140.

Westers, H., & Wedemeyer, G. A. (2001). Fish Hatchery Management (2^nd ed). Bethesda: American Fisheries Society. 733p.

Course Content

Differences between cost accounting, management accounting, and financial accounting. definition of cost accounting, classification of costs; cost for stock valuation; cost accounting systems; manufacturing cost; strategic management and cost; strategic cost management; budgeting. Definition of management accounting; functions of management accounting--planning, cost control and performance evaluation, value chain in management and cost; cost driver analysis; life-cycle cost management; and inventory management and cost.

Course Objectives

The course will enable students to acquire and apply knowledge in cost and management accounting principles for decision making, planning, cost control and performance evaluation in agribusinesses. Students will be introduced to the techniques in raising capital, applying and controlling expenditure to prevent overspending. 

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, case studies

Reading Materials

Drury, C. M. (2013). Management and cost accounting. Springer.

Geiger, D. R. (2011) Principles of Cost Analysis and Management.

Hansen (2015). Cornerstones of Cost Management. (3rd ed). South-Western 

            Publishing House. 

Lanen, W. N., Anderson S. & Maher, M. W. (2013). Fundamentals of Cost Accounting. (5^th ed.). ISBN13: 978-1259565403

Periasamy, P. (2010). A textbook of financial cost and management accounting. Himalaya.

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India. (2014). Cost and Management Accounting. Dwarka: Delhi Computer Services.

Vanderbeck, E. J. (2012). Principles of cost accounting. Boston: Cengage Learning.

Course Content

Meaning and scope of econometrics; methodology of econometrics; measures of variability and dispersion; correlation analysis—types of correlation, methods of studying correlation, testing of the significance of the correlation coefficient; regression analysis—simple and multiple regression analysis; hypothesis testing and diagnostic tests (problem with regression models—a review of multicollinearity, heteroskedasticity and autocorrelation).

Course Objectives

The course will provide students with the requisite skills in data manipulation for production, finance and investments decisions in agribusiness. It will expose students to the techniques for estimating econometric models and interpreting the results for decision-making.  

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, presentation, simulation, case studies

Reading Materials

Acquah, H.D. (2013). An Introduction to Quantitative Methods. Germany: Shaker 

           Verlag Publishers

Dougherty (2007). Introduction to Econometrics. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Gujarati, D. N., Porter, D. C., & Gunasekar, S. (2012). Basic econometrics. Tata 

           McGraw-Hill Education. 

Hill, R. C., Griffiths, W. E., & Lim, G. C. (2018). Principles of econometrics. 

           New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons.

Smith, A. D., & Taylor, J. E. (2016). Essentials of applied econometrics. California: University of California Press.

Stock, J. H., & Watson, M. W. (2012). Introduction to econometrics (Vol. 3). New York: Pearson.

Course Content
Concepts of food law, safety, quality and standards. Assurance of food safety and quality along the food value chain. Factors creating the demand for safety standards. Types of food standards. Hazards to food safety. Agricultural factors affecting food safety and food quality. Compliance with food safety and quality standards. Institutions involved in global and national food policy and standard setting: The role of FDA, GSA, WTO, EU food safety and US food safety protocols in the management and control of domestic and international food chains on Ghana’s agribusiness ecosystem. Private standards. Certification and accreditation. Social, environmental and other food standards. Emerging issues in food safety and quality, HACCP and food safety in catering, manufacturing and retail, and Ghana’s food law. 

Course Objectives

The course introduces students to issues related to food law, policy and regulations in Ghana, and among international trading partners. It also exposes students to food quality and safety standards including safety assurance systems, accreditation and selected certification schemes. Students will be equipped with knowledge on regulatory, supervisory and business ecosystems of Ghana Standards Authority, Food and Drugs Authority and international protocols within the agribusiness space.

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation

Reading Materials

Brack, A. (2009). European Food Law Handbook. World food regulation review, 18(12), 19- 20.

Food Labelling Law in Ghana (version 2.1 - draft of May 19, 2003) (bibliography last updated 15/05/03)

Food Safety and Quality Assurance Standards Law in Ghana

Food and Drugs Authority ACT, 

Ghana Ghana Standards Authority ACT, Ghana

Ryan, John M.  (2016) Food Fraud. New York: Academic Press, Elsevier

Varzakas, T., & Tzia, C. (Eds.). (2015). Handbook of food processing: food safety, quality, and manufacturing processes (Vol. 35). CRC Press. 

World Health Organization. (2011). Report of the first global meeting of the International Food Safety Authorities Network (INFOSAN), Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 14-16, December 2010.

Course Content

Application of consumer theory, demand analysis for business decisions, productions and case analysis, cost concepts for decision-making, pricing decisions, bids and price quotes, business strategies and introduction to decision-making under conditions of uncertainty. Concepts of farm management economics; economics principles of choosing production levels; economics principles of choosing optimal inputs and output combination; cost concepts in agribusiness enterprise; farm records and accounts; farm business analysis; farm planning and budgeting; and managing risk and uncertainty.

Course Objectives

This course is designed to enable students apply principles and theories in economics to decision-making in agribusiness enterprise management. It will enable students to derive framework for decision-making directed towards profit maximisation. It will enable students to focus on increasing efficient allocation (increase output whiles decreasing unproductive alternative) of resources.

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, case studies

Reading Materials

Alhabeeb, M. J., & Moffitt, L. J., (2013). Managerial economics: a mathematical approach.

New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Bylund, P. L., (2016). The problem of production: A new theory of the firm. New York: Routledge.

Debertin, D. L., (2012). Agricultural production economics. New Jersey: Macmillan Publishing Company.

Rasmussen, S. (2012). Production economics: the basic theory of production optimisation.

Springer Science & Business Media.

Samuelson, W. F. & Marks, S.G., (2012). Managerial economics (7^th Ed.). New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Course Content

Concepts of value chain approach; value selection; value chain mapping; value chain analysis; value addition (creation and capturing); value chain governance, value proposition; assess constraints and opportunities and develop intervention strategies. Definition of vertical coordination in agri-food system; contract farming in agri-food system (marketing contracts and orders, production contracts); and governance structure including the role of private sector, farmer cooperatives, trade associations in the changing in agri-food system. Analysis of imperfect competition and methods of conducting business, interaction with legal systems and governance within the agri-food systems. 

Course Objectives

This course introduces students to the concept of the value chain approach in agriculture. This course will introduce students to the analysis of vertical coordination in the industrialized Agri-food system and agricultural organisation. This course will enable students to analyse imperfect competition and methods of conducting business.

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, case studies

Reading Materials

Hudson, D (2007). Agricultural markets and prices. New Jersey: Blackwell Publishing Ltd. Norwood, F. B., & Lusk, J. L. (2018). Agricultural marketing and price analysis. New

Jersey: Waveland Press.

Spore, A. (2012). Making the connection: The rise of agricultural value chains. The magazine for agricultural and rural development in ACP countries. Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation CTA, Wageningen, the Netherlands, 3-7.

Tomek, W. G., & Robinson, K. L. (2003). Agricultural Product Series. Cornell: Cornell University Press.

Will, M. & Guenther, D. (2007). Food safety and quality standards as required by EU law and the private industry – A Practitioners Reference Book. (2^nd ed). GTZ, Eschborn. CD-ROM. Available online at: www2. gtz. de/dokumente/bib/07-0800. pdf.

Course Content

Immersion of students in valuable agribusinesses, problem-experience-based learning activities that mirror the total setting surrounding agribusiness; individual or group-based project implementation--field practicum based on approved business plan; faculty supervisory teams visit to students on the field to assess progress, identify constraints and opportunities and offer the necessary technical support. Students are coached and mentored by entrepreneurial and technical experts/advisors with core competencies in their chosen field of project. 

Course Objectives

This course is a six-month off-campus practicum and offers students the opportunity to implement their proposed SAPs based on the agribusiness opportunity identified in the Pre-SAPs (ABU 411N). 

Mode of Delivery

Presentations, independent studies and practicum 

Reading Materials

Bowden, J. (2011). Writing A Report: How to prepare, write & present really effective reports. Hachette UK.

Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension: Guide to project Reporting and Write Up. University of Cape Coast.

McMillan, K., & Weyers, J. (2007). How to write dissertations & project reports. Pearson Education.

Mark, E. A. (2006). A planning and implementation guide for business and technology. John Wiley and Sons.

Sawyer, T. Y. (2014). Financial modelling for business owners and entrepreneurs: developing excel models to raise capital, increase cash flow, improve operations, plan projects, and make decisions. Apress.

Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2009). Research methods for business students. Pearson education.

Course Content

Domestic and international trade and the regulatory frameworks—thematic areas in Ghana’s trade policies vis-à-vis trade policies and protocols of the World Trade Organization, United Nations, African Union and related Trade Policy Agreements, ECOWAS trade protocols, food laws and export regulation protocols. Opportunities and challenges of trade blocks on domestic agricultural trading and agribusiness development in Ghana; Case studies and best practices, trade conflicts and resolution protocols. Trade theories, the gain from trade, economics of trade and production, management and strategic positioning, certification, standards and recall issues. Emerging trends and issues in agribusiness development--environment and sustainability in trade, argument about pricing, subsidies and their disbursement costs, collection cost for taxes, smuggling and under-invoicing, income distribution effect, nominal and real exchange rate, effect on trade-able and non-tradable, etc.

Course Objectives

The course introduces students to domestic and international trade and the regulatory frameworks that governs them in developing countries. It will also highlight the influence of regional and international trade blocks on domestic agricultural trading and agribusiness development in Ghana. Students will be exposed to emerging trends and issues in agribusiness development. 

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, case studies

Reading Materials

Bagamba, F (2007). Market access and agricultural production: The case of banana production in Uganda, Wageningen University. PhD Thesis. ISBN 90-8504-633-5

Dijk, G van & Klep, L. (2005). When markets fail. An introduction to cooperation. Nationale Cooperatieve Raad, Breukelen. Netherlands.

Hailu.K. (2000). Rural development and Agricultural Policies in Central Western Zambia. African Studies Centre Research Report 60/2000. PrintPartners Ipskamp BV, Enschede, Netherlands. ISBN: 90.5448.036.X

Krugman, P.R. & Obstfeld, M. (2003). International Economics. Theory & Policy. (8^th ed).

Pearson International Edition.

Oskam, A., Meester, G., Silvis, H. (2011). EU policy for agriculture, food and rural areas. 2nd ed. Wageningen Academic Publishers

Course Content

The concept, nature and scope of agribusiness finance and financing--credit and classification of credit, conditions of obtaining credit, agricultural credit market, and credit cycle process; deterministic investment analysis-Capital budgeting--net present value techniques, internal rate of return, and Benefit-Cost Ratio; risk in finance -theoretical underpinnings of risk analysis and credit risk management; financial sector trends and agricultural credit policies in Ghana; micro-credit and role of NGO’s in agricultural lending and development and evaluation of agricultural financial interventions; and other sources of finance (money and capital market, money lenders, individual sources)

Course Objectives

This course equips students with knowledge and skills in theoretical and quantitative techniques in agribusiness finance. Students would be exposed to financial problems in the agricultural and rural financial market and their solutions. Students will be equipped with the competencies to identify investment sources.  

Mode of Delivery

Lectures, class discussion, presentation, case studies

Reading Materials

AgriFin (2015). Agriculture Finance Training Tools. Available at www.AgriFin.org Bussey, L. E. (2011). The economic analysis of industrial projects. (No. 658.152 B8).

Bouteille, S., & Coogan-Pushner, D. (2012). The handbook of credit risk management: originating, assessing, and managing credit exposures (Vol. 816). John Wiley & Sons.

Geman, H. (2014). Agricultural finance: from crops to land, water and infrastructure. John Wiley & Sons.

Miller, C., & Jones, L. (2010). Agricultural value chain finance: Tools and lessons. Rugby, Reino Unido: Practical Action Publishing.

Moss, C. B. A. (2010). Choice theoretic perspective on including financing flows in Net Present Value. Online

Obst, W. J., Graham, R., & Christie, G. (2007). Financial management for agribusiness. Landlinks Press.

Course Content

This covers areas such as agri-business needs assessment to identify agri-business opportunities/needs with existing or potential agribusiness individuals or groups in target communities and use the report to develop business plan for Supervised Agri-business Projects. Business feasibility assessment, market survey, risk and financial analysis, development of business plan, and business plan defence. Submission of SAP proposals/business plan for assessment.

Course Objectives

This course would equip students with knowledge and skills to identify agribusiness opportunities and develop business plans and defend for implementation based on knowledge gain from previous courses (ABU 217N: Introduction to Ideation and Artificial Intelligence, ABU 219N: Technology and Innovation, ABU 310N: Agribusiness Strategic Seminar ABU 318N: Entrepreneurship and ABU 316N: Research Methods for agribusiness). 

Mode of Delivery

Presentations and evaluation  

Reading Materials

Coughter, P. (2016). The art of the pitch: Persuasion and presentation skills that win business. Springer.

Pre-SAPs and Business Plan Development and Report Guide. Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension.

Gupta, K. (2011). A practical guide to needs assessment. New York: John Wiley & Sons.