Scholars Call for Modernization and Rebranding of Agricultural Education to Attract Students
Agricultural scholars have emphasized the urgent need to modernize and rebrand agricultural education in order to reverse declining student enrollment and to align curricula with digital and experiential learning paradigms.
On May 10, 2026, a consultative meeting took place at Haramaya University, attended by senior agricultural researchers, federal government officials, and representatives from the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM). The participants discussed a new direction for agricultural education in Ethiopia and beyond.
Dr. Jemal Yousuf, President of Haramaya University, stated that the institution is widely recognized as a postgraduate and research-oriented university with core strengths in agriculture, health, and tourism. He noted that the primary goal of the meeting was to understand the factors contributing to the decline in student interest in agricultural programs and to explore concrete strategies for increasing enrollment. “To attract students, we must not only rebrand our programs, but also transform how agriculture is perceived in society,” Dr. Jemal remarked. He added that the university plans to rename courses, update curricula, and integrate digital tools and experiential learning into its teaching approaches.
Dr. Jemal also mentioned that Haramaya University would enhance collaboration with researchers, industry stakeholders, and policymakers to modernize and revitalize the agricultural sector. “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and our education system must reflect that reality by producing graduates who are innovative, tech-savvy, and practice-oriented,” he stated.
Dr. Patrick Okori, Executive Secretary of RUFORUM, pointed out that agriculture in Africa is often undervalued, which has led to declining interest among students in the field. He called for stronger capacity-building for instructors in digital and emerging technologies, a shift in family attitudes towards farming and agribusiness, the introduction of income-based incentives, and placing agriculture higher on national policy agendas. “To attract students, we must invest in updated, attractive, and relevant curricula that emphasize digitalization and hands-on skills,” Dr. Patrick Okori emphasized.
RUFORUM is also committed to supporting Haramaya University through targeted capacity-building initiatives, including training programs and soft skills development, to ensure that both faculty and students are prepared for the modern challenges in agriculture.
The session featured presentations by Dr. Meseret Amde, Haramay University’s Director of Academic Programs, and Dr. Patrick Okori, which led to active discussions, critical questions, and constructive recommendations from the participants. Attendees expressed a strong commitment to rethinking, reviewing, and modernizing agricultural education curricula to strengthen Haramaya University’s branding and reputation in the field.
Reporter: Aweke Ayalneh
Photo: Fuad Ahmed and Tewodros Lishan
Haramaya University Public and International Relations Directorate
Tags: academic reform, Agricultural Education, agricultural studies, attracting students, curriculum modernization, education innovation, education policy, education reform, future of agriculture, higher education, modernization of education, rebranding education, skills development, student enrollment, university education
