Re-aligning curricula and mode of delivery to impart relevant knowledge and skills to improve agricultural productivity

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to contribute to the discussion on re-aligning curricula and mode of delivery to impart relevant knowledge and skills to improve agricultural productivity as stipulated in the Africa Agenda 2063, the Africa We Want. To better inform the argument in this study, a Delphi technique was used to gather opinions and views of experts in academic settings. The study specifically defined curriculum re-alignment, identified factors contributing to re-alignment of curricula for agricultural education, and identified the mode of instructions or methods of teaching agriculture that prepare youth in Africa for the Agenda 2063. In addition, the study analyses agriculture productivity in selected countries using available statistics. The Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resource (BUAN) was selected as a case to get the opinions and views of academic experts currently teaching there because of their diverse background of expertise and countries of origin. From the responses to open ended questions, experts in agriculture and related fields showed that re-aligning curriculum is about conceptualising and designing programs that respond to needs, challenges and opportunities of agriculture.