Department of Horticultural Sciences

About Us

Overview

Horticulture deals with the Science and art of producing fruits, vegetables, flowers, turf and ornamental crops and the management of horticultural enterprises. Graduates can consider careers in formal and informal sectors in the following areas; horticultural crop production, floristry, nursery production, landscape horticulture etc.

Mission

The mission of the department of Horticultural Sciences is to prepare students, citizens, and horticultural industry for the future by discovering new knowledge and disseminate science and technologies to serve the teaching, research and community needs of students and stakeholders in Tropical and Subtropical Horticulture while maintaining a keen focus on relevancy and stewardship of natural resources.

Vision

We strive to be a dynamic, an innovative and leading source of valuable and relevant information and technologies in Tropical and Subtropical Horticulture for students, producers and general public.

Programme

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Horticultural Specialization)

Areas of study include: Floriculture; Greenhouse management; Olericulture or Vegetable Crops: Ornamental Horticulture Nursery and Management and Fruit and Nut tree culture; Specialty crops such as herbs, spices and medicinal plants are also covered.

Because of the diverse nature of the qualification, graduates can consider careers in the formal and informal sectors in the following areas:

♦ Horticultural crop production (fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, ornamentals and flowers)
♦ Floristry – floral design and retail floristry operation
♦ Nursery Production – tree, shrubs and the vine culture and production
♦ Landscape Horticulture – exterior and interior design, construction and maintenance of landscapes including turf (grasses for lawns, landscapes and sport facilities)
♦ Maintenance and service industries – installation of landscape, postharvest handling, storage and public gardens
♦ Horticulture graduates are also needed as field supervisors, sales representatives, technical advisers in industries related to grower cooperatives, manufacture and distributors of agricultural chemicals
♦ Graduates can be involved in training, research and be self-employed in entrepreneurship activities.