School-based agricultural education leverages schools as hubs for economic development, preparing the next generation of agriculturalists, improving food security, and breaking generational cycles of poverty.

School-Based Agricultural Education (SBAE) is a proven experiential learning model with over 100 years of success. It has two core objectives:

1. Youth Development:
Contribute to the academic, vocational, and life skills of young people through a positive youth development (PYD) model.

2. Technology Adoption:
Transfer skills and agricultural innovations into the home and community through youth in schools.

Origins of SBAE
Why Schools?

School-Based Agricultural Education (SBAE) leverages schools as hubs for economic development, aiming to prepare the next generation of agriculturalists, improve food security, and break generational cycles of poverty.

SBAE has two core objectives:

1. Youth Development:
Contribute to the academic, vocational, and life skills of young people through a positive youth development (PYD) model.

2. Technology Adoption:
Transfer skills and agricultural innovations into the home and community through youth in schools.

Origins of SBAE
Why Schools?

Technology Adoption

By empowering in-school youth as early adopters and key drivers in the diffusion of agricultural innovations, SBAE creates a tipping point of technology adoption that leads to agricultural and economic transformation in rural communities.

step1

Step 1:

Researchers develop innovations and train teachers

step02

Step 2:

Teachers train students in school on innovations

step3

Step 3:

Students apply innovations on home farms

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Step 4:

Parents witness the students’ increased production and adopt innovations

Youth Development

Central to SBAE is an integrated, hands-on learning experience that combines four key components implemented through agricultural student organizations such 4-H, 4-K, Young Farmer or Future Farmer clubs.

Learn more about

Experiential Learning
Positive Youth Development

Watch the SBAE Model in Action

Home Entrepreneurship Project, Prince Dou

Home Entrepreneurship Project, Harriet Dahn

4-H Liberia Agricultural Fair

School Demonstration Farm

4-H Liberia opening ceremonies

4-H Ghana opening ceremonies

Agricultural Creed Winner 2017 | Ghana – Deborah Felicity

Agricultural Creed Winner 2023 | Liberia – Daybah Gontee

Classroom Instruction

After participating in SBAE teacher trainings, Simon, a junior high agricultural science teacher, transformed his teaching methodology from using only lectures to using songs, games, and the school farm to experientially teach students.

HOME ENTREPRENEURSHIP
PROJECT (HEP)

Using methods learned in SBAE, Charles grew vegetables and cassava in his HEP, earning enough money to pay school fees and buy a bicycle. He taught three farmers improved techniques and aims to study agriculture in college to become a commercial farmer.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

After months of preparation, Daybaa won the 2023 National Agriculture Creed Speaking Competition. Her principal was so proud of the trophy she brought home that he gave her a scholarship to complete school.

School
Demonstration Farm

The Belamu 4-H Club grew enough produce in their demonstration farm that they hosted a farmer field day to celebrate their achievements and showcase their improved farming practices to parents and farmers in the community.

Learn More About the SBAE Model

SBAE Introductory Guide

Building a strong SBAE program starts with understanding its foundations. Empower Youth, Transform Agriculture: An Introductory Guide to School-Based Agricultural Education explores the history, theory of change, and key advocates in government, agriculture, and education to help you lay the groundwork for success.

Download

SBAE Ready Technical Guide

Once you're ready to take action, SBAE Ready: A Technical Guide to Implementing School-Based Agricultural Education in Developing Countries provides a step-by-step framework to design and launch an effective program from the ground up.

Download

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