Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry are important sectors in a nation’s livelihood and economy and must be sustainably managed to ensure the progress and development of Fiji.  The Fiji National University (FNU) offers programmes in all three areas and have provided manpower at Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor degree levels over the years.

In 2020, FNU introduced postgraduate programmes in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, to deepen knowledge in these areas and further improve the growth of the three sectors in Fiji and the rest of the region.  Those who wish to upskill their expertise in these areas can do so at FNU’s College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (CAFF) at Koronivia Campus.

The Master of Science (MSc) in Agriculture programme and the Doctor of Philosophy (Agriculture, Forestry or Fisheries) programmes courses seek to develop graduates with advanced skills in the critical understanding of the industries and be able to contribute new ideas and research to the discipline of study.

CAFF Dean Professor Paul Iji said students undertaking postgraduate coursework and research studies at FNU would be taught by field experts, with a third of the academics having doctorate-level qualifications.  The College is also supported by overseas-based experts, who collaborate with FNU in research projects that are funded by various agencies.

“Having educated the nation for decades, including the last 10 years as the national University, it is fitting that we continue to enhance and expand the courses we provide to all Fijians, as well as those in the region who wish to study with us,” Prof Iji said.

“The College has the most comprehensive programmes in the primary industry sectors of agriculture, fisheries and forestry in the South Pacific.  For example, FNU has been identified as the centre of training for forestry in the South Pacific islands and we are developing other areas to gain similar strength.”

“Our new areas include extension, animal science, agroforestry, aquaculture, in addition to the older areas like agribusiness, crop science, soil science, plant pathology and horticulture.”

Professor Iji said students were encouraged to take charge of their programme and utilise the open-clustered nature of the coursework Masters to explore the field.

“The open clusters allow the students to choose courses in any area of agriculture that is of interest to them, without restricting the student to any field of specialisation,” he said.

“As students’ progress, their final project would then be in a specific discipline.  Students are encouraged to publish their research and support one another in teams, as such could lead to joint publications.”

Interested students can apply online by visiting the FNU website www.fnu.ac.fj or text via 857 or email admission@fnu.ac.fj if they face difficulties or need further information regarding enrolment for Semester II studies.