Master of Science in Plant Breeding and Seed Systems

After graduation from this program, the candidate should be able to execute the following:

1. Construct a product profile that responds effectively to the needs of the various stakeholders along the crop value chain through interaction with the necessary stakeholders.
2. Plan and efficiently execute a plant-breeding program and release improved varieties through interaction with relevant sources.
3. Develop, implement, manage and monitor a seed multiplication program for delivery of quality certified seed in seed value chain.
4. Interact effectively with the wide variety of stakeholders along the crop value chain at the national regional and international levels to enhance research, value addition improvement in the production of the crop.
5. Advance the frontiers of the science of plant breeding to publications in peer-reviewed journals.

In order to achieve the potential of improved varieties to enhance food security and spur general economic development in SSA, there is need for many more plant breeders than are currently present in the region (Bythe, 2005).   For many major crops in many countries in SSA, there is only one plant breeder, often below the PhD level.  In many cases, one breeder is responsible for two or more crops.  For each major crop, the minimum desirable level would be at least two PhD breeders, four MSc breeders, and several BSc assistants.

Regarding the potential for employment, those graduates from the PhD PBB program who have not been in continuing employment with study leave have almost all been employed within a short period after completion, if not before.  Major employers have been national research programs, universities, international agricultural research institutes, and seed companies.  National and international investment in public institutions to promote agricultural development is expected to continue at a significant level because both national governments and the international community recognize that agricultural development in SSA is essential for food production to supply the world population, and to avoid political and social instability in SSA that would have significant negative repercussions throughout the world.  In addition, seed companies are expanding rapidly in SSA, creating employment in the commercial sector.