Prospects of Agricultural Education in Pakistan-Options and Challenges: Agriculture Education in Pakistan

Prospects of Agricultural Education in Pakistan-Options and Challenges: Agriculture Education in Pakistan

Saleem Ashraf, Zakaria Yousaf Hassan, Ijaz Ashraf, Gulfam Hassan, Hammad Raza
Copyright: © 2019 |Pages: 15
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-7158-2.ch010
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Abstract

Agricultural education is significant aspects as agriculture is the driving force of economy of the country. Published literature on agricultural education impact and challenges is scant. Hence, through a mixed methods technique, this chapter is formulated to bridge the literature gap and persuade others to carry on research. Grey literature and primary data collected through interviews was utilized to formulate this chapter. Collected data was qualitative in nature and through content analysis, a meaningful interpretation was created. Agricultural universities, training institutes and the Department of Extension are major pillars for agricultural education of students and the farming masses. Different case studies are quoted inside the chapter to reflect trends, impacts and challenges. This chapter summarized that the quality of agricultural education across the country is poor and quantity-oriented. For quality assurance we would have to shift our priorities and develop holistic approaches to bring improved quality, particularly in agricultural institutions.
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Formal Education

This type of education is rendered with formalities and boundaries. In this type of system, admission to the institution, attendance, classrooms, classes, theory and practical, examination, follow up of rules and regulations and award of degree and certificate is mandatory. For instance, the education given in schools, colleges and universities is well understood example of formal education. Formal agricultural education is also given in universities and for this purpose various agricultural universities are working across the country.

University Level Education

Inception of Punjab Agriculture College and Research Institute, Lyallpur in 1906, gave rise to initiation of agricultural education in undivided Punjab. Later in 1961, this college was upgraded to University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan; the oldest and leading university of Pakistan in agriculture sector. Prior this formal emergence, agriculture education was rendered through community development programs. The reports on first community Development program “Village Agricultural and Industrial Development” (V-AID) program reflects efforts to improve the life standards of rural people through education, motivation, organizing village councils and modernizing agriculture (Waseem, 1982; Chaudhry, 2002). Agricultural education services remained integral part of other community development programs as well i.e. in Basic Democracy System (BD-System) through education not only the problems of rural people were solved but also a sense of self-help was developed (Chaudhry, 2002).

However, rise of University of Agriculture Faisalabad, modernized the concept of agricultural education and quality delivered convinced government stakeholders to form more agricultural institutions to educate ever increasing youth. In result, at present higher agricultural education across Pakistan is being carried through agricultural universities and colleges.

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