School of Agricultural & Food Science

Agro Pastoral Adviser

Program Overview

The success of agricultural modernisation depends on bridging the gap between scientific research and field practice. The Agro Pastoral Adviser program at ISEST trains specialised extension officers, community educators, and field consultants who serve as trusted intermediaries in the agricultural sector. Students learn how to evaluate farm operations, diagnose crop and livestock issues, and transfer technical innovations directly to smallholder farmers and large agricultural corporations.

This program balances advanced agronomic training with rural sociology, communication techniques, and project management. Enrolling at the HND level and progressing to a B.Tech, students build strong professional skills in field surveying, extension program design, and sustainable resource management. They graduate ready to guide farming communities toward higher yields, market access, and climate resilience.

Main Objectives

  • To teach the technical principles of crop husbandry, livestock management, and farm accounting.
  • To develop expert communication, presentation, and conflict-resolution skills tailored to rural communities.
  • To train students in conducting professional farm audits, yield diagnostics, and resource mapping.
  • To introduce the design, execution, and evaluation of agricultural extension programs.
  • To equip advisers with knowledge of smart-farming trends, climate adaptation methods, and micro-finance structures.

Program Duration

2 Years

HND in Agro Pastoral Adviser

1 Year

BTech in Agro Pastoral Adviser

Internship

Included at both levels

Study Options

Day and Evening Sessions

Skills Acquired

Graduates of the program will be proficient in:

  • Technical Farm Auditing: Assessing soil health, crop conditions, livestock biosecurity, and farm accounting ledgers.
  • Extension Pedagogy: Designing, structuring, and running field workshops, demonstration farm days, and community farming circles.
  • Diagnostic Mapping: Spotting and diagnosing common plant pests, soil deficiencies, and livestock pathologies to recommend fast remedies.
  • Communication & Media Management: Using radio, mobile apps, and visual guides to share agricultural advisories effectively across diverse communities.
  • Project Proposal Writing: Drafting bankable community development projects, grant applications, and agricultural cooperative frameworks.
  • Climate Adaptation Advising: Guiding farmers through water harvesting, crop rotation, and soil conservation structures to build climate resilience.

Target Audience

  • Baccalauréat/A-Level graduates who enjoy community engagement, teaching, and working in rural or urban agricultural development.
  • Farming cooperative leaders and local community organizers seeking formal qualifications in extension methodologies.
  • NGO field workers and rural development agents who want to back their field experience with accredited technical credentials.
  • Aspiring independent agricultural consultants, farm managers, and environmental policy analysts.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue roles such as:

  • Agricultural Extension Officer
  • Agro-Pastoral Consultant / Farm Advisor
  • Field Coordinator for Agricultural NGOs
  • Project Officer in International Development Agencies (FAO, GIZ, IFAD)
  • Technical Advisor for Fertilizer, Seed, or Feed Corporations
  • Cooperative Management Consultant
  • Rural Development Specialist

Opportunities for Further Studies

  • Master’s degrees in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Agricultural Economics, Sustainable Development, or Rural Sociology.
  • Professional Certifications in:
    • Project Management Professional (PMP)
    • Certified Crop Adviser (CCA)
    • Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Professional Certification
    • Digital Agriculture & ICT for Development (ICT4D) Certifications

Educate. Guide. Transform.
Become the link that brings innovation to the field. Empower farming communities, optimize local resources, and lead rural economic development with the Agro Pastoral Adviser program.