Case studies on RUFORUM Regional PhD Programmes

Since 2008, RUFORUM has launched seven regional coursework based PhD programs which are hosted at different member universities. RUFORUM engaged a consultant to conduct case studies of five programs namely, PhD Dryland Resource Management hosted by University of Nairobi, Soil and Water Management at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Food Science and Nutrition at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Plant Breeding and Biotechnology at Makerere University, Agricultural and Rural Innovation at Egerton University, Makerere University and at SUA. The study focused on what is in place, demands for the training programs, implementation progress and issues, outputs, outcomes and impacts. In addition, the study was to identify what needs to be done to strengthen the existing programs, identify what is not in place and make suggestions on how to address the gaps in both the current and future RUFORUM regional PhD training programs. The study was conducted between April and May 2014 and involved deskwork review and in-depth discussions with Program Coordinators and Chairpersons of the host Departments, Deans of Faculties and Schools, Directors of Academic Quality Assurance and Board of Postgraduate Studies and sample employers. Data were also collected from students and teaching staff using semi-structured questionnaires.