In a significant push towards addressing food security challenges in Ghana, Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) has submitted a petition advocating for the inclusion of Basic Practical Agriculture as a compulsory foundation course in the new draft secondary education curriculum.
The petition signed by its Executive Director, Kofi Asare addressed to the Honorable Minister for Education and the Acting Director-General of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), highlighted the critical need for integrating agricultural education to equip students with essential skills for both tertiary education and the world of work.
“Having participated in a stakeholder engagement session organized by NaCCA on the new draft secondary education curriculum scheduled for introduction in the next academic year, we welcome the creation of two agricultural subjects: Agriculture (an Arts subject) and Agricultural Science (a Science subject).
“These two (2), provide flexibility of subscription for students across disciplines. Unfortunately, all two (2) subjects are optional, limiting their potential impact on all second-cycle students”.
Kofi Asare, Executive Director, Africa Education Watch
The above limitation, Mr Asare argued reduces the subjects’ potential impact on the broader student population across the country.
Barriers to Food Security
Kofi Asare, Executive Director of Eduwatch further emphasized the importance of agriculture and food security for Africa’s survival, drawing a parallel with the essential 4th Industrial Revolution skills.
He pointed out that the major barriers to food security in Africa include an underdeveloped agricultural sector characterized by low technology adoption, minimal investment, and a lack of youth interest and participation.
The situation, he stated is exacerbated by the adverse effects of climate change on crop yields, making Africa, including Ghana, increasingly food insecure.
Addressing Food Security in Ghana
Moreover, Mr Asare argued that to sustainably address food security issues in Ghana, it is imperative to mainstream Basic Practical Agriculture into the secondary education curriculum.
This approach according to him would ensure that all students gain fundamental knowledge of agriculture and farming, fostering a deeper understanding and interest in the agricultural sector from an early age.
Highlighting the education think-tank recommendation, Mr Asare emphasized the need for the government to make Basic Practical Agriculture a compulsory foundation course, alongside Physical Education and Health, the only foundation course currently in the draft curriculum.
According to Mr Asare, this addition would not only shape students’ perspectives on agricultural career choices but also provide them with practical knowledge and skills in agriculture and climate change.
In addition, Mr Asare pointed out that the addition of the two courses as compulsory subjects would be instrumental in cultivating a culture that supports enhanced food security in Ghana.
He also stated that the petition underscores the urgency of preparing the youth with relevant contemporary proficiencies and competencies, aligning with Eduwatch’s broader goal of a bi-focal secondary education curriculum.
By integrating Basic Practical Agriculture as a compulsory course, Eduwatch envisions a generation of students better prepared to tackle the pressing food security challenges facing Ghana and the broader African continent.
“Eduwatch supports the Ministry of Education on the need for a bi-focal secondary education curriculum that prepares the youth with the relevant contemporary proficiencies and competencies for both tertiary education and the world of work”.
Kofi Asare, Executive Director, Africa Education Watch
In conclusion, Eduwatch’s petition called for a strategic shift in the educational approach to agriculture, emphasizing practical skills and knowledge as foundational elements of the secondary education curriculum.
This move, Mr Asare asserted, is crucial for building a resilient and food-secure future for Ghana, urging the Ministry of Education and NaCCA to consider the recommendation seriously, recognizing its potential to transform the agricultural landscape and secure the nation’s food sovereignty.
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