Introduction

Economic development cannot be achieved without rational policies on-human development to exploit resources in a country. Sound economic systems therefore depend heavily on investing in human capital whereby university education of the right kind provides tailored skills in human development.

In light of these universal experiences, the University of Bahr El Ghazal has reviewed its advanced academically to establish the “College of Agriculture and forestry” to ensure the development requirements of Bahr El Ghazal region and South Sudan at large in short- and long term planning processes. Economic development in South Sudan therefore depends heavily on the development of agricultural and forestry resources. Food production in sustainable environment is often a path out of poverty. Hence, the training of manpower in agriculture, forestry and animal production is of paramount importance for the development of the country.

Justification

Agriculture and forestry are the backbone of South Sudan economy. The total area of 684,051 square kilometres of South Sudan is fertile for crops production for natural growth of pastures for livestock and wildlife. The sudd covered with water is about 8,300 square kilometres while 154,251 square kilometre is covered by dense forests and about 2 million hectares of water surface. This land classification shows that 75% of South Sudan’s land surface is capable of providing fertile land for crops, animals and wood production under good management conditions. The natural forests contain varieties of useful tree species (e.g Kaya sp. And isoberliniadika) with high quality timber. Over 90% of the 8-10 million people of South Sudan live in rural areas depending primarily on subsistence crop and livestock production and exploiting a great deal natural forest for survival at the household level. Agriculture and forestry including animal production will, therefore, remain the main source of employment and of income generation for the majority of the people in South Sudan.

Mission and Vision

The mission is to graduate and train farmers to play more active role in managing forestland in combination with other resources (crops and livestock) to improve their economic conditions. Whereas the training has been subject –specific, there is need to build an inter-disciplinary capacity of agriculturists, forests and animal production.  Graduates are encouraged to undertake understanding of social principle and processes amongst rural communities so that conflicts between crops producers and livestock owners over pasture and water is minimized or completely eliminated by adopting modern methods of crops, livestock and forest management.