Programme Name:	PHD INNOVATION COMMUNICATION
Programme Type:	POSTGRADUATE
Certificate Awarded:	DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN INNOVATION COMMUNICATION
Department:	DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION COMMUNICATION
Faculty/School:

About The Programme

Programme Objectives
The programme has the following specific objectives: 

1. To equip graduates with the requisite knowledge and skills in innovation communication and build their capacity and expertise in developing programmes and activities capable of facilitating innovation uptake by farmers, agribusiness enterprises and agro-industrialists for sustainable productivity and growth in the global south. 
2. To inculcate in graduates the capacity to blend knowledge in science and technology required to function effectively as researchers, innovators, extensionists and rural development practitioners.
3. To equip graduates with the requisite concepts and skills to be able to provide tactical and technical policy advice on rural advisory services, technology adoption and management for sustainable development.
4. To train graduates with the requisite mindset of promoting sustainable development practices in agriculture, rural livelihoods, and agribusiness enterprises  
5. To equip graduates with the right critical thinking and analytical skills in sustainable development planning, organising, leading, managing, monitoring, and evaluating agriculture and rural development policies, programmes, and projects
6. To inculcate in graduates the right conceptual thinking and analytical skills for conducting and analysing impact assessments of development policy approaches and strategies in combating social exclusion, gender inequalities, and bad agricultural and environmental practices in rural communities.

Prospects for Graduates
An M.Phil/PhD in Innovation Communication and Agricultural Extension can open up various career opportunities in academia, research, development organizations, and the private sector. Here are some potential job prospects:

Academic Positions:

1. Academic members in Higher Educational Institutions: Teach and conduct research in universities and academic institutions in agricultural extension, rural development, sustainable agriculture, Innovation communication, agricultural content development and management, media in agriculture and environment and other related disciplines. 
2. Researcher: Engage in cutting-edge research in the field of innovation communication and agricultural extension.

Government Agencies:

1. Agricultural Extension experts: Work with government agricultural departments to implement and improve extension services.
2. Policy Analyst: Analyze and contribute to developing agricultural and innovation policies.

International Organizations:

1. Agricultural Consultant: Provide expertise to international organizations like the United Nations, World Bank, or FAO on innovation communication and agricultural extension projects.
2. Project Manager: Manage and implement agricultural development projects globally.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):

1. Programme Manager: Oversee and manage agricultural extension programs for NGOs working on rural development.
2. Research and Development Specialist: Contribute to designing and implementing innovative communication strategies for NGOs.

Private Sector:

1. Agribusiness Consultant: Work with private companies in the agriculture sector to enhance communication and extension strategies for farmers.
2. Research and Development Manager: Contribute to developing new agricultural technologies and practices.

Media and Communication:

1. Agricultural Journalist: Combine knowledge of agriculture and communication to report on agricultural innovations, environmental reporting, and issues.
2. Communication Specialist: Develop communication strategies for agricultural companies, research institutions, or government agencies.

Extension Services:

1. Extension Educator: Work directly with farmers, providing information and training on new agricultural technologies and practices.
2. Technology Transfer Specialist: Facilitate the transfer of innovative technologies from research institutions to farmers.

Entrepreneurship:

1. Agricultural Entrepreneur: Start their own business in agriculture, leveraging your knowledge of innovation communication and extension services.
2. Agri-Tech Startup Founder: Launch a startup focused on developing and implementing innovative technologies for agriculture.

International Development:

1. Development Consultant: Offer consultancy services to countries or regions looking to improve their agricultural extension and communication systems.

Think Tanks and Research Institutes:

1. Research Fellow: Contribute to research projects focused on agricultural innovation, communication, and extension.

It's important to note that the specific job opportunities may vary depending on the focus of your research and the region where you plan to work. Networking, gaining practical experience through internships, and staying updated on industry trends can enhance graduate job prospects in this field