An Overview Department of Agricultural Economics
The Department of Agricultural Economics at Wolkite University is a key academic and research unit under the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The department is committed to advancing knowledge in agricultural and rural economics by training professionals who are capable of analyzing and addressing issues related to agricultural production, resource use, agrarian policy, rural development, and food security.
By offering rigorous academic programs, conducting applied economic research, and engaging in community service, the department contributes to the formulation of agricultural policy, supports evidence-based decision-making, and promotes the socio-economic development of Ethiopia’s rural population.
Objectives/Goals
- Train Competent Agricultural Economists: Develop graduates with analytical and practical skills to work in agricultural planning, policy analysis, rural finance, development economics, and resource management.
- Promote Evidence-Based Decision-Making: Generate and disseminate research that informs agricultural and rural development policy at local, regional, and national levels.
- Enhance Agricultural Productivity and Efficiency
Apply economic principles to improve resource allocation, production efficiency, and market integration in the agricultural sector. - Support Food Security and Rural Development: Contribute to addressing poverty, food insecurity, and inequality through research, teaching, and outreach.
- Foster Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Encourage innovation in agribusiness, cooperative development, and agricultural finance through economic analysis and training.
- Engage in Institutional and Community Partnerships: Collaborate with stakeholders in government, academia, civil society, and the private sector to improve rural livelihoods and promote sustainable development.
Duties and Responsibilities
Academic Programs
- Design and offer undergraduate programs in Agricultural Economics.
- Teach core and elective courses in areas such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, agricultural policy, farm management, econometrics, and rural development.
- Supervise student research projects, fieldwork, and internships.
Research and Publication
- Conduct research on agricultural production economics, land use, food systems, market access, and rural livelihoods.
- Publish scholarly articles, working papers, and policy briefs to disseminate research findings.
Policy and Development Analysis
- Provide technical support and consultancy to government and development partners in the areas of agricultural policy, land reform, and economic planning.
- Participate in national and regional forums on rural development and economic transformation.
Community Engagement and Extension
- Support local communities through capacity-building activities on farm budgeting, market analysis, and cooperative management.
- Collaborate with farmers, cooperatives, and rural institutions to improve economic decision-making at the grassroots level.
Capacity Building and Training
- Organize short-term training, workshops, and seminars for professionals, students, and stakeholders in agricultural economics and rural development.
- Develop training manuals and extension materials for use by government agencies and development organizations.
Institutional and Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Work with other departments and colleges within the university to promote integrated approaches to agriculture and development.
- Contribute to institutional planning, curriculum development, and quality assurance processes.