Agricultural Engineering is the field of study and application of engineering science and designs principles for agricultural purposes, combining the various disciplines of mechanical, civil, electrical, food science, environmental, software, and chemical engineering to improve the efficiency of farms and agribusiness enterprises as well as to ensure sustainability of natural and renewable resources. Agricultural Engineering has several components including agricultural mechanization, power and machinery, soil and water engineering, food and postharvest engineering, and agro-environmental and biological systems engineering.
The Department of Agricultural Engineering is one of the departments in the Kwadaso Agricultural College (KAC). Department members have been engaged in the areas of teaching, research, and service to the community in various capacities.
Activities and courses of the Department undergo constant review to make them more relevant to national developmental and international needs. Ours is a student-friendly Department where the educational, emotional, and social problems of students are catered for through effective guidance counseling and referrals where professional engagement is deemed important and fit. The Department is to endow students with sufficient knowledge in agricultural engineering and environmental-related issues, the basic ability to think logically, and the skills to utilize acquired knowledge to solve problems in various communities for their personal gains and the good of society at large.
The competencies of faculty members have been developed to solve agricultural problems related to farm machinery, water, soil, and the environment at large. Apart from teaching, Department members continue to engage themselves in active research and render extension services to the community. It also encourages its faculty members and staff to develop themselves to play their roles effectively and for the self-advancement of their careers.
The Department also renders the following activities.
SHORT COURSES
1. Farm Machinery Operation and Maintenance
2. Sustainable Soil and Water Management
3. Smart Irrigation
SERVICES
1. Design and maintenance of farm structures
2. Measurement and design of farmland
3. Ploughing, harrowing, and rotovation of farmlands
4. Construction of bee hives
5. Fabrication of simple farm tools
6. Water Delivery
7. Food processing (Corn and tomato milling)
8. Construction of rabbit and grasscutter cages
9. Landscape design, care and maintenance
RESEARCH AREAS
1. Sustainable farming
2. Agricultural Non-point source pollution monitoring and control
3. Tillage (Conventional and conservation)
4. Climate-smart farming
5. Smart irrigation
6. Renewable energy
7. Storage of agricultural produce
VISION STATEMENT
To develop into a renowned center of excellence for teaching and research into agricultural and environmental engineering issues.
MISSION STATEMENT
Train middle-level agricultural extension staff with a strong background in engineering capable of contributing to solving the nation's numerous agricultural challenges. This will be accomplished through instruction, supported by applied research and service to private and public organizations using state-of-the-art technology. The Department is committed to being a local, national, and international leader in the training of students for viable careers in Agricultural and environmental engineering.
CORE VALUES
- Reliability – To be trusted and dependable
- Integrity – Demonstrate professionalism in every undertaking
- Honesty – To be truthful and ethical in all endeavors
- Learner-Centeredness: Our training encompasses theory and practice, where trainees have the opportunity to engage in a lot of hands-on activities
- Innovative: We create awareness of the effectiveness of new media and empower trainees to be innovative
- Espirit de corps – Working collectively as a team to accomplish set objectives
- Creativity and Innovation – Applying skills and resourcefulness to project into the future and respond appropriately to the demands of the day
- Hard work – Putting a lot of effort into our core business of teaching, research, and extension services
- Diligence – Putting carefulness and thoroughness into our work
- Discipline – Obeying rules and regulations regarding our work.