Agronomy

Overview

The professional bachelor's degree in agronomy trains bachelor-level engineers who can run and improve crop production. Students learn how soils work, plant physiology, crop management practices for major crops and crop protection.

The program combines lectures, laboratory work and activities in the experimental field, preparing graduates for the realities of Malian farms.

Objectives

• Understand how soils, plants and agroecosystems work.
• Design and implement crop management practices suited to each crop and climate.
• Protect crops against pests and diseases in a sustainable way.
• Support farmers in improving their yields.

Target skills

• Assess soil fertility and recommend suitable fertilisation.
• Plan a cropping calendar and manage irrigation.
• Identify the main crop pests and diseases.
• Run field trials and analyse their results.
• Advise and train farmers.

Curriculum

First year (S1-S2): plant biology, chemistry, soil science, applied mathematics and statistics, computing, communication skills.

Second year (S3-S4): general agronomy, plant physiology, fertilisation, irrigation, plant pathology and entomology, farm machinery.

Third year (S5-S6): cropping systems, plant breeding, agroecology, agricultural extension, project management, professional internship and final dissertation.

Indicative curriculum: the distribution of courses may change from one academic year to the next.

Career opportunities

• Senior crop production technician
• Agricultural advisor
• Crop manager or farm manager
• Agronomic trials technician
• Rural development project officer

Career outcomes also depend on internship experience and each student's career plans.