The Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension & Rural Development at the University of Pretoria offers academic programmes that prepare students for an exciting and successful career in the global and African agricultural and food sector. Students in this Department are a vital and active part of the various research programmes. Agricultural Economics (BCom Hons, MCom, BScAgric Hons, MScAgric and PhD) is one of the programmes.

Agricultural Economics is an essential programme and career for our planet

Agricultural Economics is an interdisciplinary field that combines micro and macroeconomic principles to solve agriculture and agri-food industry problems. While studying microeconomics, students learn production functions and the relationship between labour and capital and use consumer theory to understand how consumers make food buying choices. Additionally, Agricultural Economics entails analysing government decisions and policies to support farmers and consumers at the macro level. Therefore, Agricultural Economics is a field where business, economics and agriculture merge.

The agriculture and agri-food industry feeds the world, including the rural and poverty-stricken communities of Africa. Also, the industry develops innovative products that meet the needs of consumers throughout the economy. With food volatility in prices and quantities, agricultural trade disputes, environmental concerns, a good knowledge of Agricultural Economics can help analyse various issues affecting the environment, economy and society. MScAgric Agricultural Economics focuses on a plethora of specialisations: Agricultural and rural development, Agricultural and rural finance, Food and agribusiness management, Food and agricultural policy, and Resource and environmental economics. The degree specialisations in the Master's programme can lead to a PhD degree.

An Agricultural Economics degree fits a student interested in working in agriculturally-related industries with numerous opportunities domestically and internationally for growth and career advancement. Potential careers include working in agricultural companies and banks, food processing, corporate management, marketing and commodity trading, farm and ranch management, environmental sustainability, consultancy, government and international agencies. Typically, the skills of graduates in Agricultural Economics make them particularly attractive to private or government employers, lobby groups and non-profit organisations, academic institutions and research organisations. Researchers need proficiency in computer skills and statistical methods.

Why Agricultural Economics at the University of Pretoria?

The Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension & Rural Development at the University of Pretoria fosters broad knowledge and research skills required to solve society's global challenges. The Department's internationally recognised Agricultural Economics programme prepares students for careers with a professional, competitive salary. Notably, the diverse cultural backgrounds and a tremendous amount of insight at the University of Pretoria helps students develop the global mindset needed to impact Africa and beyond. Besides academics, students learn and demonstrate transformational leadership and giveback values. Upon completion of studies, these students become leaders throughout the world in agricultural and business work opportunities.