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The Current State of Agribusiness Education and Training in Africa

Author

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  • Mabaya, Edward T.
  • Christy, Ralph D.
  • Bandama, Maureen

Abstract

To spur rural development and food security, agricultural education and training in Africa has traditionally focused on increasing agricultural productivity on the farm. More recently, development practitioners and policy makers have broadened their attention to include agribusiness or agro-industries. However, the role of Agricultural Education and Training in fostering agribusiness growth in developing countries is relatively underexplored. This paper analyses the current state of agribusiness education and training in Sub-Saharan Africa. The paper is organised around five objectives. First, the paper characterises the macroeconomic environment—political, economic, social and technological—in which agribusiness development is taking place in Africa. Against this background, the implications for Agricultural Education and Training of a growing and evolving agribusiness sector are explored. With a focus on agricultural economics departments, the paper assesses the current status of agribusiness education and training offered in African academic institutions. While significant progress has been made in integrating agribusiness management into university curricula, the current offerings are far from comprehensive. Using a case study approach, new models of executive training for agribusiness being offered by non-governmental organisations, academic institutions and the private sector are benchmarked. The paper concludes by recommending strategies for developing agribusiness education and training initiatives so as to bridge the gap between current offering and industry needs.

Suggested Citation

  • Mabaya, Edward T. & Christy, Ralph D. & Bandama, Maureen, 2010. "The Current State of Agribusiness Education and Training in Africa," 2010 AAAE Third Conference/AEASA 48th Conference, September 19-23, 2010, Cape Town, South Africa 96433, African Association of Agricultural Economists (AAAE).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:aaae10:96433
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.96433
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Boland, Michael A. & Lehman, Erika & Stroade, Jeri L., 2001. "A Comparison Of Curriculum In Baccalaureate Degree Programs In Agribusiness Management," International Food and Agribusiness Management Review, International Food and Agribusiness Management Association, vol. 4(3), pages 1-11.
    2. Jay T. Akridge & William D. Dobson & Marilyn Holschuh, 1994. "Positioning Agricultural Economics Departments to Serve Agribusiness Graduate and Professional Education Markets," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 76(5), pages 1193-1198.
    3. Frank J. Dooley & Joan R. Fulton, 1999. "The State of Agribusiness Teaching, Research, and Extension at the Turn of the Millennium," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 81(5), pages 1042-1049.
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