Establishing and Managing Successful Agricultural Education Programs at Universities and Secondary Technical Schools in the Arab Countries

Abstract

Providing quality and innovative agricultural education programs (AEPs) to the rural communities should be a vital goal for the Arab countries to be able to accelerate rural development and achieve acceptable level of food security. A successful and effective AEP includes four overlapping, interactive components: 1) positive and encouraging learning environments, 2) effective supervised hands-on practical experiences, 3) supportive career development and placement services, and 4) enabling partnerships with agribusiness and community leaders. Effective program leaders are essential to the success of planning and implementing AEPs. Successful implementation of these programs will result in significant improvement of students' academic achievement and skill acquisitions, and increase the overall employability skills of agricultural graduates to allow them to actively participate in serving their communities; and assist in achieving acceptable levels of food security, increasing agricultural exports, and wisely managing the environment and natural resources, especially water.