MSc in Agribusiness and Agri Food Value Chain Management

The agribusiness sector is undergoing profound changes and reforms and is moving towards a more market oriented environment with environmental pressures and changing consumer tastes and expectations. This requires managers who are able to undertake complex strategic tasks and decision making in the actual global agribusiness environment. This programme is designed to prepare graduates for careers typically in the following fields: public and private sector companies involved in upstream and downstream agricultural industries; national and international non-governmental organisations who are involved in the development of the agri-food economy; in consultancy organisations in both rural and urban areas for developing countries. The programme is also well suited for potential entrepreneurs who wish to set up their own business and is in line with the vision of the Government to encourage entrepreneurial activities in all sectors to boost economic growth in the country. A value chain approach is also used to oversee all the actors in the agri-food value chains from suppliers down to consumers including producers, processors and distributors. Teaching and Learning will impart knowledge, skills and values to enhance employability and produce lifelong learners who can think and act creatively. Teaching methods will strengthen in-depth, reflective and integrative learning. This programme aims to target Mauritians as well as students from the Indian Ocean and Sub-Saharan Africa.

By the end of this programme, the students will be able to:

? Understand the applications of economic, management and marketing concepts and principles to an agribusiness;

? Review evolving national, regional and international market conditions for those products and services provided by agribusinesses;

? Generate innovative ideas to inspire the development and growth of economically viable small and medium agri-businesses;

? Understand the growing importance of agri-food value chain analysis for a holistic assessment of the agri-food sector and development of business competitiveness

? Apply the steps involved in a research process to any research project in the discipline area;

? Develop their ability to integrate knowledge acquired across functional areas and disciplines in Agribusiness and Agri-Food Value Chain Management;

? Prepare their continuing professional development plan towards lifelong learning; and

? Apply knowledge and skills to a practical organisational context.