Issues and Strategic Approaches in Strengthening Agricultural Education: The Case of The University Of Eastern Philippines

Abstract

Agricultural education has been an essential factor in the success of agricultural development. At present, like in many Higher Education Institutions throughout the country, agricultural education in the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) is threatened. Phenomenal observations on the decline of enrollment and the decreasing market demands of agricultural education graduates are inevitable. Does agricultural education have a good future in the University of Eastern Philippines, and if so, what strategies are being used to survive?

This paper discusses these questions. However, at a more specific spectrum, this paper documented the trend of enrollment for five years, analyzes the issues on agricultural education and the corresponding approaches towards its strengthening. Subsequently, the rationalization of CHED approved agricultural education curricula and the actualization of agricultural entrepreneurship is highlighted as the promising scenario for agricultural education, which has to support systems innovation of the agri-food complex of the province. Next to that more attention should be given to the theoretical and technological transfer through excellent implementation of the “hands-on, mind-on approach” bringing learning to the field.

This examines technological change in agriculture as a complex process of interactions among diverse actors in the academe who generate, use, and transfer knowledge. The paper finally buys and sells the idea that agricultural entrepreneurship strengthens agricultural education through building innovation networks and linkages, building the capacity of organizations and individuals to transmit and adapt information, products and processes, and new organizational cultures and behaviors.

Keywords: Agricultural education, issues, strategic approaches