Developing Youth’s Capacities as Active Partners in Achieving Sustainable Global Food Security through Education

Eradicating extreme poverty and achieving food security is still one of the greatest challenges of our time. Attracting and retaining youth in the agricultural sector is critical for alleviating hunger and malnutrition. The present study hypothesized that the provision of formal agricultural education, whether through direct involvement in farming practices with an emphasis on environmental sustainability or in entrepreneurial work, increases rural youth’s connection to their local environment, their perceptions of agriculture’s impact on their local community, and their aspirations for a career in the agricultural sector. To test the hypothesis, 577 students from a high school in Cambodia took two questionnaires following their participation in formal agricultural education provided by a technology park. Factor and linear regression analyses were conducted, and significant results were observed, highlighting the benefits of providing age-appropriate programs that are designed to raise awareness and build capacities in the agricultural sector. The findings of this study contribute to the growing body of literature that seeks to guide future policies and training agendas to adopt effective approaches in engaging youth in productive, profitable, and sustainable agriculture as active partners in the sustainable development efforts to achieve inclusive and stable societies.