Top Universities in Africa for Agricultural Studies

Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Nigeria

FUNAAB stands out as the best agricultural university in Africa, according to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024. Impressively, it also secured the 7th spot globally in agriculture-related fields based on indicators like teaching quality, research environment, industry engagement, and international outlook.  

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

In the QS 2025 World University Rankings for Agriculture & Forestry, Stellenbosch is the only African university featured in the top 100 ranked 93rd globally. It boasts strong academic reputation, citation impact, and international research collaborations. 

Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Tanzania

SUA is a leading agricultural institution in Tanzania and ranks among the top 100 universities in Africa according to Webometrics. It also appears in the top 200 in Africa per 4iCU rankings, reflecting solid research output and regional influence. 

University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), South Africa

UKZN’s BSc in Agribusiness is highly regarded, featuring in EduRank’s global rankings around the 681–690 range. The program emphasizes crop production, livestock management, rural development, and agricultural finance, enhanced by its strategic location near major trade hubs. 

University of the Free State (UFS), South Africa

UFS offers a strong BCom in Agricultural Economics from its Centre for Sustainable Agriculture. Students gain exposure in agri-finance, market trends, and sustainability. Employment rates are commendable, typically around 80% for graduates. 

North-West University (NWU), South Africa

NWU’s Agricultural Economics and Risk Management program stands out for its focus on commodity trading, data analytics, and strategic planning—relevant for modern agricultural markets. 

Summary at a Glance (Narrative Style)

•FUNAAB (Nigeria): Tops the continent and ranks 7th globally in agricultural studies.

•Stellenbosch (South Africa): Africa’s only under-the-top-100 in global agriculture and forestry rankings.

•SUA (Tanzania): Kenya’s leading agri university in Webometrics and 4iCU African rankings.

•UKZN, UFS, NWU (South Africa): Standout institutions offering specialized programs in agribusiness, agricultural economics, and risk management.