Course: Agricultural Ploicy

Course overview:

 The importance of ‘policy’ is now recognised by most development experts. Policy is one of the key drivers of Agricultural development efforts at all scales of activity.  At the same time, policy operates within broader spheres of rural politics at local, national and global scales.  The aim of this course is to provide a good understanding of the agricultural and food policy environment, the policy formulation process, and the role, rationale and economic consequences of government intervention in food and agricultural markets. It will develop the skills and working knowledge necessary to critically assess current and potential changes to domestic and global agricultural and food policy, trade policy, environmental and natural resource policy, and market regulations. 

Students will gain experience conducting the analysis of the distributional impact of policy reforms on the well-being or welfare of different stakeholder groups, with a particular focus on the poor and vulnerable.

 The course will provide you with the necessary theoretical and practical background, knowledge and communication and hands-on work skills. It will be useful for future career opportunities as an agronomist, entrepreneur, agribusiness manager, financial manager, adviser, and policymaker.

Student learning outcome:

 Each student who successfully completes this course will understand key concepts in the principles of Agricultural policy and have the ability to: 

• Apply practical applications of policy analysis related to agriculture and food issues.

• Think critically about the need for policies and policy reforms 

• Analyse public policies and understand the decisions' impacts on agricultural development, food production, market and rural/urban society.

The Objectives of This Course:

• The objectives of this course are to:

• 1. Demonstrate practical applications of policy analysis related to agriculture and food issues.

• 2. Develop students’ ability to think critically about the need for policies and policy reforms 

• 3. Enhance students’ conceptual and problem solving skills so they are able to analyse how public policies and firm decisions impact agribusinesses, markets and society.

• 4. Improve students’ written and oral communication skills, enabling them to work effectively in on agricultural policy frameworks and implementation. 

Student's obligation

- Students are expected to attend all lectures during the semester. 

- They will be assumed to be aware of all information and notices presented in the lectures, and complete all assessments including (Exams, practical works, assignments, reports, essays, seminars and presentations).

- These activities or exercises serve to reinforce student comprehension of the subject matter or skill through active participation (Group projects, Seminar discussion and Presentation) and practice immediately following a technique-based demonstration.

References:

- Roger D. Norton - Agricultural Development Policy_ Concepts and Experiences (2004, Wiley)

- Jeremy Holland - Tools for Institutional, Political, and Social Analysis of Policy Reform_ A Sourcebook for Development Practitioners (2007, World Bank)