DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

Kenya’s, and generally Africa’s population growth is the fastest globally. The question of food security for this population is the greatest challenge facing the peoples of Africa and their governments. There is also growing urge for improved standards of living, especially on demand for quality food that comprises a large proportion of animal protein. Affluence is on the increase. Elsewhere in the world, rise in affluence is associated with increase in consumption of animal products. As incomes rise, foods of animal origin must be made available locally or imported. It is well documented that for every 1% increase in income, 2% more is spent on food of animal origin. Therefore, demand for animal products has been increasing and will continue to increase in the foreseeable future. Consequently, the need for persons with critical ability to identify key challenges and find solutions that enables planning of production systems to meet the demand

Rationale of the Programme

There is increasing national and regional demands for specialized Livestock Production Systems Analysts. There is therefore need to develop a pool of such persons, who are qualified to conduct Livestock Production Systems training in the universities as well as to carry out research in this field. This Doctor of Philosophy in Livestock Production Systems programme will meet this need by equipping the graduates with specialized knowledge and competencies in Livestock Production Systems to perform specialized Livestock Production Systems analyses, conduct scientific research, write scientific publications/reports and teach Livestock Production Systems.

MODE OF DELIVERY

The course shall be offered face to face either as full time or part time/blended learning, or through open Distance and e-learning (ODeL) modes.

1. Face-to-Face Mode

This will be through a variety of course delivery techniques such as lectures, tutorials, lecture discussions, class presentations, case studies, demonstrations, fieldwork, videos, student lecturer consultations, supervised independent research, group projects, or any combination of these. The contents shall be delivered from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm during week days.

2. Open Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) Mode:

The Open, Distance and E-Learning programme shall run for two (2) semesters of fifteen (15) weeks each. This module is largely home and or office-based and includes:

i.    Written self-instructional study modules including

a.         Course study materials e.g. booklets

b.         Relevant literature

c.         Interactive devices and self-tests

ii.   Face to face introductory tutorials.

iii.  Mediated technical learning materials for example: Audio visual; E-learning.

iv.  Support study centres at the University of Nairobi.

1. Access to information through computers at the University of Nairobi and other resource centres.
2. Use of libraries at the University of Nairobi and other institutions.

3. Blended Learning/ Part-time Mode

This shall involve combination of traditional, face-to-face learning and online digital learning, use of tutorials and practical’s offered on part-time basis.