Overview

In furtherance to the objectives of the university of Cape Coast, the government with financial assistance from the UNESCO set up the School of Agriculture in 1975. The School was initially, entrusted with the important role of training graduates to teach agriculture in the educational system of the country at the pre-university level. The School has since its inception undisputedly identified itself with this primary role. In addition to this role the School is playing several other roles and has made modest achievements in all sectors.

The Central Region of Ghana where the University is situated can be referred to as an educational centre in Ghana. The School of Agriculture stands out as a ready leader in agricultural research to develop the potential of the region as well as that of its neighbouring Western Region. The School provides an effective extension outlet to the rural and urban farmers in both the Central and Western regions. Through the postings of its graduates, the School has had tremendous multiplier effect throughout the country. The School has placed itself in the pole position as a centre of excellence in Agricultural Education, Research and Extension.

The School of Agriculture attained a Faculty status in 1989 within the administration of the university. This step has strengthened the activities of the School even further. The School has since taken on various important responsibilities and programmes. In 1997, the University changed the initial mandatory offering of courses leading to a Diploma in Education for students not registered in the Faculty of Education. The initial role of the School of Agriculture has thus widened and has evolved into one of producing graduates who are versatile enough to be job-creators instead of job-seekers. This commitment is in line with our mission of helping to solve the unemployment problem in the country.

The School is collaborating with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ghana, the Sasakawa Africa Association and Winrock International in the implementation of a special B.Sc. Agricultural Extension programme launched during the 1993/94 academic year. This programme is targeted at mid-career agricultural extension staff of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. The programme has been such a success that it is being replicated in a number of African countries. It is currently the programme most sought after by students from foreign countries. The graduates from the programmes run by the School are currently found in diverse professions as Teachers, Extension officers, Agricultural Specialists for the Banks, Researchers, Lecturers, Exporters, Farmers, and Agricultural Experts for various non-governmental and International organisations.