History of the School

The sustainable use of natural resources is essential for the survival and development of mankind. The increasing needs and demands for natural resources such as, forests and forest related resources, Wildlife and Fisheries; urgently calls for a sustainable management of these resources. There is clear evidence that anthropogenic activities are leading to problems of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. It is undeniable that green house gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation are causing harm to our environment. Unsustainable agriculture practices are also resulting in loss of soil quality leading to decreased soil productivity. The problems at hand justify the need for professionally trained human resources in sustainable management of natural resources and conservation agriculture such as agroforestry. Generally, there has been a scarcity for professionally trained human resources in the sustainable management of natural resources in Zambia and else where in Africa.  The School of Natural Resources was set up to adequately train and produce professionals in agroforestry, fisheries and aquaculture, forestry, wildlife management and, wood science and technology.

In 1995, the school started operating as the fourth School of the Copperbelt University to offer degree programmes in Forestry, Wood Science and Technology, Agroforestry, Wildlife Management and Fisheries and Aquaculture.

In 1996, the first   student intake was enrolled for the Bachelor of Science Degree programme in Forestry. Other degree programmes were later introduced as follows; - Wood Science and Technology in 2002, Agrofrestry in 2006, Wildlife Management, and Fisheries and Aquaculture in 2009.
 
The school offers teaching, research and consultancy services in agriculture, environment and natural resources management related fields. The school is also engaged in issues of environmental management and development. It has participated and continues to participate at both national and international levels in issues of climate change, biodiversity conservation, carbon trading, eco-tourism and management of natural resources for socio-economic development.