Academic
CAREERS IN AGRICULTURE
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Agricultural science graduates have excellent job prospects in science, biotechnology and research-oriented positions, as well as in primary industry, government and agribusiness. Examples of careers include:
- agronomist - conducts research and advises farmers to help improve crops, pastures and farming systems
- plant breeder - improves plant varieties, using the latest research in biotechnology
- animal scientist - beef, lamb, wool, dairy - investigates animal production, nutrition, genetics and behavior natural resource manager - researches and promotes sustainable use of land and water soil scientist - involved in soil fertility management and land suitability assessment, including salinity management
- microbiologist - works in areas of environmental sustainability, infectious diseases of plants, animals and people, food processing and safety, and molecular biology/biotechnology
- horticulturalist - conducts research into production and development of vegetable, fruit and other high-value crops
- entomologist - studies the ecology and management of insects, including biological control
- plant pathologist - studies plant diseases and their management
- consultant - advises producers on many aspects of their agricultural business.
Because of the lack of natural resources and the primitive industrial base in Cambodia, agriculture is the key sector in the economy. Arable land amounted to 3,807,000 hectares (9,007,000 acres) in 1998, or 22% of the total land area. In 2001, agriculture accounted for 50% of GDP and engaged 80% of the economically active population.
Agricultural scientists play a pivotal role in the global society. Agriculture supplies the majority of the Cambodia's food and fibre needs, but maintaining or increasing production in the future depends on the development and implementation of sustainable agricultural practices. Producers require production systems that allow them to remain financially viable while maintaining or enhancing the environment and ensuring rural communities remain functional.
The four-year program in agricultural science at the University of Management and Economics gives students a solid foundation in the physical and biological sciences, and specialisation in agricultural disciplines, needed to contribute to future sustainable agricultural systems of Cambodia.
