School-Based Agricultural Education (SBAE) fosters positive youth development (PYD) by empowering young people with the skills, confidence, and experiences to transform their communities. Building capacity of rural teachers to effectively use PYD techniques is a key task when establishing SBAE programs.
In a study by Lerner and Lerner, youth involved in 4-H programs demonstrated remarkable growth in the five C's of PYD: Competence, Confidence, Connection, Character, and Caring. Similar findings have emerged from our work in West Africa, where young people in agricultural programs gain skills that extend beyond the classroom. We also identified a sixth "C" — Contribution, highlighting how youth contribute to themselves, their families, and their communities.
In addition to these core outcomes, SBAE promotes financial independence through home projects, where students manage small-scale farms. This process not only builds confidence but also provides students with tangible benefits—earning money to cover school fees, buy food, or invest in farm improvements. For many, these projects serve as a springboard to greater ambitions, like studying agriculture or starting their own businesses.
Through leadership development, community engagement, and cross-cultural exchanges, SBAE cultivates a sense of belonging and purpose, preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders who are ready to contribute and drive positive change.
For more information on Drs Lerner’s 4-H Study of Positive Youth Development in the US:
