Getting into an agricultural college in Zambia has become more easy with more than 10 colleges offering agriculture related courses. You have many options depending on your budget, location and future career in agricultural field.
Here are the top agricultural colleges and universities in Zambia renowned for their programs in agricultural sciences:
Natural Resources Development College (NRDC): One of Zambia's leading agricultural colleges, offering diplomas in fields such as crop science, animal science, horticulture, and agricultural engineering. Located in Lusaka, it provides practical and theoretical training essential for the agricultural sector.
University of Zambia (UNZA) - School of Agricultural Sciences: Established in 1971, it offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in areas like agricultural economics, animal science, plant science, and food science. It also engages in research to address agricultural challenges
Zambian Open University (ZAOU): This institution provides undergraduate and postgraduate programs focusing on agribusiness management, animal breeding, and plant science. ZAOU emphasizes innovation and sustainable agricultural practices
Zambia College of Agriculture (ZCA): With campuses in Monze, Mpika, and Chapula, ZCA offers certificates and diplomas in general agriculture, crop production, and agricultural marketing.
Mulungushi University - School of Agriculture and Natural Resources: Known for its focus on sustainable agriculture and natural resource management, it provides diverse programs aimed at improving Zambia's agricultural landscape
Copperbelt University (CBU) - Faculty of Natural Resources: Offers programs in forestry, agronomy, and environmental studies, contributing to agricultural education in Zambia.
Zambia Forestry College: Specializes in forestry and related environmental studies, training professionals in sustainable forest management
Katete College of Agricultural Marketing (KCAM): Focused on agricultural marketing and agribusiness, this institution prepares students for roles in agricultural trade and market development.
Zambia Centre for Horticultural Training (ZCHT): Located in Chapula, it specializes in horticulture, equipping students with skills for commercial and sustainable crop production
Mukuba University - Department of Agricultural Sciences: Established in 2020, it provides education in agricultural science with a focus on enhancing productivity in Zambia and beyond.
Palabana university - Offer certificates, diploma and bachelors degree in animal science, animal production, animal feed production and livestock management.
These institutions provide diverse academic and practical training to support the development of Zambia's agricultural sector. Fish farming is also becoming common in Zambia
Agriculture science courses in Zambia
In Zambia, institutions like universities and colleges offer a variety of agricultural science courses tailored to address different aspects of agriculture. These programs range from certificates to advanced degrees. Below is a list of some commonly offered courses in agricultural sciences:
Undergraduate Courses
Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences
- Specializations: Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Crop Science, Animal Science, Land Management, Plant Science, Food Science and Technology.
Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management
- Focus: Training in business and economic aspects of agriculture, such as supply chain management and marketing.
Bachelor of Science in Animal Science
- Focus: Livestock production, animal breeding, and animal health management.
Bachelor of Science in Horticulture
- Focus: Production and management of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants.
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education
- Focus: Combining agricultural sciences with education for teaching and training purposes
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics
- Focus: Economic policies, financial planning, and resource allocation in agriculture
Bachelor of Science in Plant Science
- Focus: Plant breeding, crop production, and pest management
Bachelor of Science in Food Security and Nutrition
- Focus: Addressing food production and nutritional challenges.
Postgraduate Programs
Master of Science in Agronomy
- Options: Specializations in crop science or land management.
Master of Science in Agricultural Economics
- Focus: Advanced research in agricultural markets, policies, and resource economics.
Master of Science in Animal Breeding and Genetics
- Focus: Genetic improvements in livestock production.
Master of Science in Food Science and Technology
- Focus: Food processing, safety, and quality control
Diploma and Certificate Programs
Diploma in Agriculture
- Covers general agriculture, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills.
Certificate in Horticulture
- Entry-level training for horticultural practices.
Diploma in Agricultural Business Management
- Aimed at developing managerial skills for agricultural enterprises
Diploma in Animal Husbandry
- Focuses on livestock production and management.
NGOs funding agricultural activities in Zambia
Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) actively support agricultural development in Zambia by providing funding, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives. Notable organizations include:
Self Help Africa: Focuses on rural enterprise development, nutrition security, and sustainable agricultural livelihoods. Their programs aim to integrate smallholder farmers into value chains, enhancing food security and income levels.
iDE Zambia: Supports small-scale farmers through agricultural advice, smart water management, and mobile technology solutions to increase market access and household incomes.
SNV Zambia: Engages in agriculture, energy, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sectors, working to improve livelihoods and promote sustainable development practices among smallholder farmers.
Agriterra Zambia: Provides advisory services to farmer organizations, aiming to professionalize them and improve their access to markets and finance, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity.
Musika: Stimulates and supports private investment in the agricultural market, focusing on smallholder and emerging farmers to improve market access and productivity.
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): A United Nations agency that collaborates with the Zambian government and other stakeholders to implement programs enhancing agricultural productivity and food security.
World Food Programme (WFP) Zambia: Provides food assistance and supports agricultural development projects to improve food security and resilience among vulnerable populations.
CARE Zambia: Works on various development projects, including those aimed at improving agricultural practices and food security among smallholder farmers.
These organizations collaborate with local communities, governments, and other stakeholders to promote sustainable agricultural practices, enhance food security, and support economic development in Zambia.
