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Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of the West Indies Prof Mark Wuddivira believes the Caribbean Examination Council should incorporate lessons on agricultural robotics, precision farming, and biotechnology as it reviews the curriculum for the Agriculture Science syllabus.
In an exclusive interview with Guardian Media, Prof Wuddivira said any move to eliminate the Agricultural Science Double Award from the CXC syllabus will have significant implications for food and nutrition security and sustainable development in the Caribbean.
At a time when global food security remains a pressing concern, Prof Wuddivira said 53 per cent of the Caribbean population remains food insecure.
He said there should be a commitment to fostering the next generation of experts who can develop innovative solutions to ensure sustainable food production. He also called for an agri-food system that was modern, strong, and resilient.
Governments, academia, the private sector, and civil society, he said, should contribute to this.
“We must explore ways to make this vital discipline more attractive and accessible to students so that our decisions, particularly at a time when we are wrestling with precarious extra-regional food import bills and the attendant food insecurity are beneficial to achieve sustainable goals,” he recommended.
And while CXC has backpedalled on its plans to remove the Agricultural Science double award, Prof Wuddivira said the importance of Agricultural Science cannot be overstated.
“It is a field that combines practical skills with scientific knowledge to improve food production, manage natural resources efficiently, and contribute to sustainable development. The ignorance of what agriculture is, has been deafening. Surprisingly, this ignorance permeates all ranks of the Caribbean society,” he added.
He noted that the public should be aware that agriculture is a science and must be treated as one, with similar prestige.
“Without science, technology, and innovation, our agri-food systems will remain inadequate and not fit for purpose,” he contended.
He noted that the issue of limited arable land was raised at the International Science Council SIDS Liaison Committee (ISC SIDS LC) recently concluded the SIDS 4 Conference in Antigua and Barbuda.
“Reducing options in Agricultural Science risks losing a cadre of professionals equipped to tackle food security, climate change, and sustainable agriculture,” he explained. He called for Caribbean governments to collaborate with agricultural organisations, and the private sector to create awareness about the importance of agriculture in national and global contexts.
“Scholarships, internships, and exposure to modern agricultural technologies can make the subject more appealing,” he said. He also called for the integration of technology and innovation.
Prof Wuddivira also said community and school gardens can spark interest. He also called for partnerships with higher education institutions, noting that collaborative programmes with universities can offer dual-credit courses and early college experiences in agriculture.
“Many students may not be aware of the diverse career opportunities that a background in Agricultural Science can offer. From agribusiness management and engineering to environmental consulting, the field is ripe with potential for meaningful and lucrative careers,” he added.
Prof Wuddivira said suspending the Agricultural Science double award option was a symptom of the broader neglect that agriculture, as a discipline, has received.
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