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Elton Manguwo
THE novel research trajectory in the country’s agricultural curriculum is set to usher in an era of innovation and development while building resilience around production in the wake of climate change.
In an interview on Monday, the director of Agricultural Education in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Mr Jotamu Dongofema said the recently launched curriculum, Agricultural Education for Development 5, 0 focused on dynamic and transformational training hinged on research.
“The research aspect instils contextual, relevancy, practical and quality understanding of the basics and practices of agriculture,” said Dongofema stressing how research in agricultural education will cultivate independent problem solving based, applying novel technologies and processes to modernise agriculture.
The Department of Agricultural Education is tasked with human capital development in line with the agricultural space complementing various Government programmes.
“Graduates armed with innovative abilities are set as agents of transformation of rural subsistence households to rural commercial households. This facilitates sound implementation of the rural development 8, 0.
Climate change continues to affect agricultural production at a time the Government is targeting rural industrialisation from agricultural development.
“The need to climate proof the agriculture sector is growing globally on the backdrop of threats from climate change complications. The Government is therefore reorienting the country’s agriculture colleges to champion the drive for the adoption of conservation agriculture in the country,” said Mr Dongofema.
Therefore, having gone through the curriculum, the graduates and farmers will facilitate research in rural communities addressing challenges being experienced in the sector in the process.
“This speaks to the potential improvement of the agricultural space towards ensuring profitability and sustainability in the sector,” said Mr Dongofema.
In addition, the curriculum was restructured to include modules on climate smart agronomic practices so that graduates are capacitated to guarantee continued production.
“We have introduced the research pillar in the new curriculum. There are also good plots in colleges where we will be working with the Ministry’s Department of Research and Specialist Services (DRSS),” said Mr Dongofema.
A lecturer at Gwebi Agricultural College, Mr Jeffery Jinya recently hinted that the department of agricultural education remodelled the curriculum to accelerate conservation agricultural practices starting at the educational level.
“The students at the agricultural colleges are encouraged to carry out research on the dictates of sustainable agricultural practices, which will be complemented by exchange programmes with various international organisations,” he said.
The Government has positioned agriculture colleges to spearhead programmes meant to grow rural economies, as the country pushes for rural industrialisation anchored in agricultural development.
The research pillar is centred on the agriculture and food systems transformation strategy and National development strategy 1 (NDS1).
Online Reporter