Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
In Agribusiness Management

…..Africa’s First Executive Doctorate in Agrifood Leadership

In Partnership With

Course Overview

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Agribusiness Management

The agribusiness sector is at the heart of Africa’s development and global competitiveness. Yet, its future depends not only on technical know-how, but on visionary leadership, systems innovation, and research-backed decision-making at the highest levels.

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Agribusiness Management is a pioneering doctoral program designed for senior executives, industry innovators, development professionals, and public sector leaders who are shaping the future of food, agriculture, and enterprise in Africa and beyond. Unlike traditional academic doctorates, this DBA is a practice-oriented terminal degree that empowers candidates to solve complex agrifood challenges through applied research, strategic insight, and advanced leadership capacity. It is tailored for those who already operate at the executive level but seek to deepen their impact, expand their intellectual influence, and contribute to the evolution of global agribusiness thought and practice.

With Africa positioned as the next frontier for global food markets, this program cultivates the next generation of agribusiness scholars, reformers, boardroom thinkers and other individuals capable of bridging research with executive action. Whether you aim to transform your organization, influence policy or consult globally, our DBA in Agribusiness Management offers the platform to do so with authority, rigor, and relevance.

What Makes This DBA Unique

Africa’s First DBA in Agribusiness Management

Purpose-built for top executives, entrepreneurs, and sector reformers driving the continent’s agrifood transformation.

Flexible, Blended Delivery

A modern learning model that combines online and in-person modules, seamlessly integrated into your professional life.

Advanced Doctoral Research

Blends advanced doctoral research with real-world executive impact—bridging strategy, policy, and innovation.

Executive-Friendly Format

Designed specifically for busy professionals, ensuring rigorous learning without career disruption.

Academic Structure

Course Code

Course Title

AGR 901
Advanced Agribusiness Management 1
AGR 902
Seminar in Emerging Issues in Global Agribusiness
BUS 902
Advanced Management Thoughts and Philosophy
BUS 909
Strategy and Structure
MGT 901
Research Methodology

Course Code

Course Title

AGR 906
Applied Food Security and Policy Management
AGR 916
Advanced Agribusiness Management 2
BUS 910
Advanced Strategic Management
BUS 901
Advanced International Business Management
BUS 911
Imperatives of Globalization

Course Code

Course Title

SEM 920
DBA Seminar 1

Course Code

Course Title

SEM 930
DBA Seminar 2

Course Code

Course Title

SEM 940
DBA Seminar 1

Course Code

Course Title

SEM 950
DBA Seminar 1

Strategic Research Tracks

The DBA in Agribusiness Management is built around high-impact research that tackles real-world challenges across the agrifood ecosystem. Each research track is designed to help students generate actionable insights that inform policy, drive innovation, and transform enterprise performance. These tracks provide a framework for students to align their doctoral inquiry with the evolving needs of industry, development, and governance.
Track 1

Agribusiness Strategy, Leadership, and Enterprise Growth

This track focuses on how agribusiness firms, ranging from growth-stage startups to multinational food corporations, can craft competitive strategies, manage complex organizational structures, and build enduring leadership models. Students pursuing this track often explore strategic positioning, enterprise scalability, corporate governance, and innovation capacity. The track is ideal for executives aiming to transform agribusiness ventures into high-performing, resilient institutions with regional or global impact.
Track 2

Global Trade, Policy, and Market Systems Development

This track explores the institutional, regulatory, and economic forces that shape agrifood markets across national and regional boundaries. It is particularly relevant for candidates interested in how trade policies, government interventions, and development programs impact value chain competitiveness and market access. Research may focus on the implementation of AfCFTA, the design of inclusive market systems, or the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in unlocking agricultural investment. This track is ideal for professionals in policymaking, trade facilitation, donor programs, or agri-development strategy who seek to influence systemic reform and regional integration.
Track 3

Digital Transformation and AgriTech Innovation

Focused on the technological frontier of agribusiness, this track examines how digital innovations are reshaping the way food is produced, distributed, financed, and consumed. Candidates may explore the strategic application of blockchain in traceability systems, precision farming technologies, AI-powered decision tools, digital market platforms, or IoT-based production systems. This track is designed for executives and advisors leading digital transformation projects or building technology-enabled business models in agriculture. Research under this theme contributes to advancing digital inclusion, operational efficiency, and data-driven enterprise agility in agrifood ecosystems.
Track 4

Sustainability, ESG, and Climate-Smart Agribusiness

This track addresses the growing demand for agribusinesses to operate responsibly and sustainably in the face of climate risk and global ESG expectations. Candidates will explore how environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks can be embedded into agrifood strategies—balancing profitability with purpose. Possible research themes include regenerative agriculture, carbon farming, climate risk assessment, social impact investing, circular economy approaches, and ESG disclosure standards. The track suits professionals working on environmental stewardship, sustainable value chains, or organizational transformation toward green growth and resilience.
Track 5

Agribusiness Finance, Investment, and Risk Governance

This track focuses on the financial underpinnings of modern agribusiness. It investigates how enterprises can access and manage capital, structure investment deals, and navigate risk in uncertain operating environments. Candidates may examine models of blended finance, venture capital in agriculture, microfinance innovation, agricultural insurance products, or enterprise risk management systems. The track is ideal for CFOs, investment analysts, donor program leads, and entrepreneurs who manage or advise on agribusiness financing and risk architecture. It prepares candidates to design finance strategies that unlock growth while managing volatility and long-term financial health.
Track 6

Human Capital, Organizational Culture, and Workforce Transformation

This track delves into the people dimension of agribusiness leadership—where organizational success is often determined by culture, leadership behavior, and talent alignment. Candidates may investigate how to build high-performing teams, design inclusive workplace cultures, drive innovation through people, or manage workforce transitions in digitally evolving agribusiness firms. Themes such as gender leadership, workforce upskilling, and organizational agility are central to this track. It is particularly suitable for senior leaders overseeing human capital development, enterprise transformation, or institutional performance improvement across the agrifood sector.

Final Award

The Final Award on this program is Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Agribusiness Management of Lead City University, Ibadan.

Program Duration

36 Months (Six Semesters)

Admission Requirement

Candidates applying to the DBA in Agribusiness Management must hold an MBA, MSc in Business, or a related Master’s degree from a recognized institution. Admission is open to senior professionals with substantial experience in agribusiness, food systems, development practice, or enterprise leadership.


Applicants should demonstrate:
• A strong academic and professional background
• A minimum of 7 years in a managerial, strategic, or leadership role
• Clear motivation to engage in applied doctoral research that addresses real-world industry or policy challenges


Exceptional candidates with non-business postgraduate qualifications but significant leadership experience in agribusiness or allied sectors may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Application Documents

• A detailed resume
• Copies of all academic qualifications
• Three reference letters
• 4 Passport photographs
• Academic transcripts of previously obtained degrees

Mode of Study

Blended

Tuition

N950,000 per Semester

Interested In Enrolling?

Interested in enrolling for our Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Agribusiness Management program of Lead City University Ibadan, complete the pre-application form below.
Fill the Expression of Interest Form
Once submitted, the Program Directorate will schedule a pre-admission screening session. Upon successful completion, you will be invited to complete the full application process. Early application is strongly advised due to limited cohort sizes.

For General Admission Enquiries

If you need specific information about the program that is not on this page?
Please contact our program specialist for personalized advise about your specific case
OR
For urgent enquiries, please contact:

[email protected]

Partners

Nigerian College of Agribusiness-2

About NCA

Our mission is to cultivate a vibrant, sustainable and profitable agribusiness sector that drives economic growth and social progress across Africa and beyond.

We are committed towards educating a new generation of agribusiness sector leaders that will transform the economic fortunes of the African continent

Quick Links

Instagram Facebook Linkedin

Contact Us

Ibadan Campus

Nigerian College of Agribusiness
Oluyole Estate, Off Ring Road
Ibadan, Oyo State

Abuja Campus

Plot 502, Novare Centre
Zone 5, Abuja

+2349023789104

[email protected]

© NCAEDU 2023 All Rights Reserved.