Plant and Environmental Sciences (PES)

The Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, formerly known as the Department of Forest Resource Management, was established in 1995. In 1996, the Department admitted its first cohort of students into the Bachelor of Science in Forestry programme. Since its establishment, the Department has expanded its academic and research portfolio to address emerging national and global challenges in forestry, agriculture, environmental management, and climate change.

The Department offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes designed to build human capacity in the sustainable utilisation, management, and conservation of forest, water, environmental, and agricultural resources. Through excellence in teaching, research, innovation, consultancy, and community engagement, the Department contributes to sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the promotion of resilient ecosystems and livelihoods.

Vision

To be a leading teaching, research, and innovation department recognised for excellence in plant, environmental, and natural resource sciences, advancing scientific discovery, sustainable resource management, and environmental stewardship for national, regional, and global development.

Degree Programmes

The Department offers the following programmes:

• BSc in Agriculture (Agronomy)

• BSc in Forestry and Environmental Management

• BSc in Natural Resources Management and Climate Change

• MSc/MPhil/PhD in Natural Resources Management

• MSc/MPhil/PhD in Sustainable Agriculture

• MSc/MPhil/PhD in Climate Change and Sustainable Development

Currently, all undergraduate programmes are offered on a full-time basis. Postgraduate programmes are available through both full-time and distance learning modes. Applicants seeking admission to a postgraduate programme must hold a first degree in a relevant field from a recognised and reputable institution.

Research Interests

The Department conducts research, innovation, and consultancy in several interrelated areas, including:

• Natural resources economics

• Natural resource assessment

• Environmental sustainability

• Natural resources governance and policy

• Environmental valuation

• Soil evaluation and land use

• GIS and remote sensing

• Plant physiology and ecology

• Agroforestry and sustainable agriculture

• Plant pathology and entomology

• Ecosystem services and climate change

• Tissue culture

• Plant breeding and agronomy

• Silviculture