Nugaal University has made continues progress in terms of number of faculties launched in recent years due to the educational gap in the region. One of the most recent programs that the University started was faculty of Agriculture and Animal Science. In particular, the faculty has introduced Bachelor of Agriculture and Animal Science for the first time in the history of the region.

This program was based on surveys conducted by Nugaal University in several years (2009, 2010, &2011) that aimed to learn more about the ground situation of the society. According to the surveys’ findings, 85% among the sample is pastoralists, whereas 15% are agrarian. In addition, the survey teams observed localities that are appropriate for farming such as Nugaal Valley, where inhabitants are lacking adequate farming techniques.

Furthermore, Nugaal University arranged academic discussion regarding the findings of the surveys. That discussion has brought about the establishment of the faculty which was given priority to two fields, mainly Crop and Livestock Production.

The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Animal Science would transform Sool community from Pastoralists to Agro-Pastoralists by producing professionals that are capable and competent in nature. The reason behind it is that the pastoralist society is more vulnerable than Agro-pastoralists in seasonal droughts while food security deliberately considered.  In the end, the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture had officially launched on Sept. 2012.

VISION OF THE FACULTY

1. The vision of the faculty is to be center of excellence in knowledge such as teaching, action, practical oriented and research center to ensure contribution of food security for the society through increased both crop and animal production in the region and country as whole, while Producing highly professional students who will handle food insecurity and environmental degradation in the country.

MISSION AND CORE VALUES

The program of agriculture and animal science is driven by a sense of responsibility to the development of communities at the local, regional and national level. For this consideration of production both plants and animal

OBJECTIVES

1. To train and produce qualified students who are more creative and innovative oriented personnel in Agriculture and animal science.
2. To give extension training to farmers about fertility of soil, pests, diseases and weed management and livestock raising approaches
3. To provide improved/ certified seed for farmers
4. To provide technical consultancy and advisory services on Agriculture, livestock management and conservation of natural resource  including land and water to all agriculture and livestock development institutions 

Learning outcomes:-

1. Disciplinary Literacy – Students will demonstrate knowledge, integrative skills and technical competences in multiple areas of agricultural sciences, emerging technologies in the field, and their applications.
2. Critical thinking/Problem solving skills – Students will apply critical thinking skills in distinguishing facts and applying scientific principles in formulating, analyzing and solving problems, and interpreting results.
3. Effective communication – Students will demonstrate effective use of discipline appropriate oral and written communication skills, in diverse and team environments.
4. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the interconnectivity and interdependency of individuals, groups, systems and activities, and their implications in the dynamic global food and agricultural community
5. Civic responsibility and Ethical/Professional Behavior – Students will demonstrate ethical practices

Create Employment opportunities

• Construction of irrigation schemes, drainage system for irrigation chanlle –agriculture engineering
• Nurseries set up technicians
• Agriculture extension officers
• Horticulturists
• Soil chemistry specialists and soil laboratory technicians
• Metrology for forecasting of weather condition.
• Farm machinery – farm mechanization
• Vocational training schools and universities teachers
• Agronomists who deals soil and crop production
• Entomologists and pathologists who deal crop pests and diseases
• Agro-vet farm input supplies ( vet drugs, seeds, fertilizers , agro-chemicals , agriculture materials and equipment
• Dairy technology specialists
• Beekeeping production
• Poultry production

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The candidates must:

• Complete high school education successfully with average score of at least “C”
• Meet the other set criteria of the Nugaal University to join the program
• Be fully sponsored by Private, Governmental or Nongovernmental organizations or Self
• Able to pass the entrance exam set by the University
• Have full interest to serve his/her community

DELEVERY METHODS

Teaching methods are student centered approach and include:

• Lecture
• Seminars/tutorials
• Practical attachments
• Audio visuals such as videos, pictures, diagrams and models
• Case studies
• Agricultural extension participation
• Field demonstration
• Discussion