Program Overview

Agricultural Economics Program

The Agricultural Economics program at Future University focuses on the economics of agricultural production and the decisions taken by farmers and food markets. The program aims to provide students with theoretical models to analyze agricultural prices, demand, and supply, as well as the linkage between the agricultural sector and other non-agricultural sectors in the Egyptian market.

Course Goals

• Outline various economic theories related to agricultural economics with special emphasis on developing countries.
• Identify economic facts related to decision-making and production in agricultural economics.
• Estimate and analyze economic variables both in theory and practice.
• Develop mathematical, graphical, and research skills in understanding microeconomics.
• Specify the characteristics and performance of Egyptian agriculture and the agricultural reform policy in Egypt.

Course Structure

The course covers topics such as:

• Introductory lecture and course outline: Agriculture and food sector general overview.
• The meaning of development and the economic characteristics of developing countries and the agricultural problems of developing countries such as Egypt.
• The historical role of agriculture in the economic development of the Middle East with specific focus on Egypt and other developing countries.
• Conducting a business plan for agribusiness projects.
• Marketing plan for Agri-business companies.
• Models of agricultural development, the concept of integrated rural development, and agricultural extension.
• Financial plan for Agri-business companies.
• The marketing of agricultural and food products in developing countries (Egypt).
• SWOT analysis for the Food and Agriculture Sector.

Teaching Methods

• Demonstration videos.
• Presentation.
• Simulations.
• Debates.
• Group discussion.
• Research Paper.

Assessment

• Attendance and Participation (10%).
• Final Exam (40%).
• Midterm Exam (30%).
• Research paper (20%).

Recommended Textbooks

1. F. Ellis Ellis, Peasant Economics: Farm Households and Agrarian Development. Cambridge University Press, 1998.
2. K. Carl and M. John. International Agricultural Development. Baltimore M.D., The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1998.
3. M. Gillis (et al.), Economies of Development. W.W. Norton & Company, New York, 1999.
4. M. Todaro and S. Smith, Economic Development, Addison Wesley, 2012.
5. M. Upton, The Economics of Tropical Farming Systems, Cambridge University Press-cutting themes, 1996.

Program Requirements

• University Requirements.
• Faculty Requirements.
• Department of Economics.
• Department of Political Science.
• Department of Public Administration.
• Department of Political Mass Media.