Agricultural education in Malta

Abstract

This research focuses mainly on formal agricultural education in Malta. However, non vocational educational programmes, established to instil in children an appreciation for farming and a respect for rural environments, are also studied and evaluated. Moreover, this work examines non-formal agricultural education and training provided by Government agencies and private agricultural companies. Due to the fragmented and isolated nature of agricultural education; the small numbers of respondents, and the limited statistical data and resources; this research utilises a wide variety of qualitative and quantitative data collecting techniques. This allows for a triangulation of data that results in a more comprehensive view of the situation under study. This dissertation is divided into four parts: The first part presents a theoretical and historical perspective of what agricultural education should be, how it developed in Malta, and those current issues and constraints that are influencing it. This part also outlines the methodology adopted and presents a framework that serves to contextualises the results obtained. The second part focuses on the three agricultural education institution that provide vocational agricultural at the . secondary, post-secondary and tertiary level. Their historical development, aims and objectives, strengths and constraints, vocational programmes, and overall organisation are evaluated and critically discussed. The third part exemplifies aspect of the training needs of local agricultural industries, using a specifically designed questionnaire. Also, the inception, development, and present operation of the Government extension service is critically analysed and evaluated. The fourth part and final sect10n proposes policies, measures and changes that could help to improve the overall situation of agricultural education in Malta. This research has shown that numerous problems hinder agricultural education in Malta. Agricultural education policies are not clear; initiatives are isolated and uncoordinated; financial and human resources are limited, the extension service is not achieving its objectives; and education and training is not satisfying the exigencies of local agricultural industries. However, in spite of all these problems, this investigation has managed to identify those few initiatives and institutions, notably the Institute of Agriculture, that have proved to be successful and that could serve as a sound foundation for further improvement.