Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management
The Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management offers two BSc programs in Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness and Value Chain Management, along with MSc programs in both fields, and a PhD in Agricultural Economics. It also provides flexible learning options, including distance education and weekend/summer courses. The department’s vision is to lead in agricultural economics and agribusiness research, while its mission focuses on fostering critical thinking and innovation among students through community-based education. Key objectives include producing skilled professionals to enhance agricultural commercialization, conducting relevant research, and providing community consultancy services. The department offers various training and research services tailored to industry needs. Collaborations include projects aimed at developing agribusiness and a range of thematic research areas such as value chain analysis, gender studies, and climate change impacts.
Department of Animal Sciences
The Department of Animal Sciences at JUCAVM was established with the founding of the Jimma Agricultural Technical School in 1952, initially focusing on agriculture and plant sciences. In 1990, the department introduced a diploma program in animal sciences, graduating 236 students by 2002. This program was phased out in favor of university-level education, and in 2003, the department launched a bachelor’s program in Animal Production and Health, evolving into a comprehensive Animal Science program in 2006 to meet growing demand. Currently, the department has the following programs: undergraduate (BSc in Animal Sciences) and postgraduate (MSc in Animal Nutrition, MSc in Animal Production, MSc in Animal Breeding and Genetics, PhD in Animal Nutrition, and PhD in Livestock Production and Management). The department aims to be a center of excellence in animal agriculture education, research, and knowledge dissemination. Its mission is to equip graduates with the skills to address challenges in the animal industry while promoting sustainability and animal welfare. Through education, research, and responsible application of knowledge, the department focuses on the effective use of animals in food production and recreation.
Department of Horticulture and Plant Sciences
The Department of Horticulture and Plant Sciences at Jimma University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine (JUCAVM) offers advanced education and research in horticulture, plant production, and agricultural sciences. It provides both undergraduate (BSc in Horticulture and BSc in Plant Sciences) and postgraduate (MSc and PhD programs in various fields, including Horticulture, Plant Breeding, Plant Biotechnology, Plant Protection, Entomology, Integrated Pest Management, Plant Pathology, and Agricultural Entomology) degrees. The department focuses on practical knowledge in plant breeding, crop production, pest management, soil science, and sustainable agricultural practices. It also plays a key role in research and extension services aimed at improving horticultural crop quality, food security, and the socio-economic development of the region.
Department of Natural Resources Management
The Department of Natural Resources Management (NRM), established in 2004, is dedicated to sustainable development through an integrated approach to managing natural resources. It prepares students to address the biological, engineering, social, economic, and policy aspects of resource management, to enhance the well-being of communities that depend on these resources. The department aims to produce skilled professionals, advance research, and build partnerships with governments and NGOs to promote sustainable practices. NRM offers a range of degree programs, including BSc, MSc, and PhD in fields such as Natural Resources Management, watershed management, wildlife and Ecotourism Management, and Ecotourism and Protected Area Management. Collaborative projects further strengthen the department’s training and research capabilities, particularly in biodiversity conservation, with a focus on crane species in Ethiopia. The department also researches environmental and ecological issues, aiming to foster sustainable development. The department addresses key environmental challenges and promotes ecological balance through education, research, and community engagement. The goal of the department is to equip graduates with the expertise needed to contribute to sustainable development in Ethiopia and beyond.
Department of Postharvest Management
Established in November 2008, the Postharvest Management (PHM) department initially focused on BSc and MSc programs linked to the PHMIL project. The BSc program has since evolved into a nationally recognized BSc in Food Science and Postharvest Technology (FSTP). Currently, the department offers a four-year BSc, three MSc programs (in Postharvest Management, Postharvest Science and Technology, and Food Science and Technology), and two PhD programs (in Postharvest Technology and Food Science and Technology). It has successfully graduated five cohorts, whose alumni now work in various governmental and NGO sectors. To fulfill its mission of producing skilled graduates and addressing postharvest challenges through research, the department boasts a qualified faculty, including professors and staff with advanced degrees, and collaborates with numerous national and international organizations. It aims to provide community outreach, tailored training, and consultancy in food science and postharvest technology, with specific admission requirements focusing on strong backgrounds in science subjects.
Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension
The Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension (RDAE) was established in 2009 as a program under the Agricultural Economics and Extension Department and became an independent department in July 2017. It currently offers two BSc programs—Rural Development and Agricultural Extension, and a Mid-Career BSc in Agricultural Extension—along with two MSc programs and plans to introduce a PhD program soon. The department aims to be a national center of excellence, focusing on training competent professionals, conducting problem-solving research, and enhancing rural livelihoods. Its objectives include producing skilled graduates to transform rural communities and advancing sustainable development through research and community outreach. Admission criteria cater to various educational backgrounds, and the department provides both short and long-term training, consultancy services, and community engagement programs. Collaborative efforts with organizations like the Sasakawa Africa Fund for Extension Education support its research in areas such as socio-economic development, gender analysis, and rural innovation.
School of Veterinary Medicine
The School of Veterinary Medicine at Jimma University, part of the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, was established in 2005. Its roots trace back to the DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) program, which was introduced in 2003 and initially operated under the College of Agriculture. The school started with four departments and was later expanded and renamed the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine. In 2010, the institution underwent reorganization, creating eight distinct course units for better resource allocation and management. Today, the School of Veterinary Medicine offers a comprehensive six-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program. It also provides seven specialized two-year Master’s programs (MSc) in veterinary science and a PhD program in Veterinary Microbiology. In addition, it offers pathways for students to advance from diploma to degree qualifications in animal health. The school is dedicated to being a leader in veterinary education and research in Ethiopia, with a strong commitment to community service and the promotion of animal welfare. Its mission includes creating an environment that emphasizes high-quality education, fostering cultural awareness, and building strong partnerships in the veterinary field. The school aims to contribute significantly to the development of veterinary medicine and animal health in Ethiopia and beyond.