Overview
The Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension traces its origins back to 1973, when it was founded with a mission to strengthen Jordan’s agricultural sector through teaching, research, and outreach. In its formative years, the department played a central role in advancing agricultural knowledge and supporting rural communities through extension services and applied economic research. The introduction of the MSc program in the 1985-1986 academic year marked a significant milestone, signaling the department’s growing academic maturity and its commitment to developing future leaders in the agricultural sciences.
By 1998, as part of a wider restructuring within the Faculty of Agriculture, the department broadened its academic vision and officially became the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management. This change reflected not only an expansion in scope but also the department’s increasing relevance to the evolving needs of the agrifood sector. With eight dedicated academic staff members, the department steadily built a reputation for excellence in agricultural economics, agribusiness management, and rural development. It also became a key provider of service courses, including principles of economics, statistics, extension, and management, supporting students across multiple departments and disciplines. At the same time, the department has played a vital role in preparing both BSc and MSc graduates to engage actively in private sector agribusiness, as well as in the planning and implementation of public development programs. Today, the department stands as an essential academic institution committed to advancing agricultural and economic development, and to equipping the next generation of professionals with the expertise needed to navigate the challenges of an increasingly complex agri food landscape.