NIFA Invests $7.1M in Professional Development for Agricultural Literacy (A7501)

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Agriculture and Food Research

The PDAL program area in the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative’s Education and Workforce Development program aims to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by increasing the number of K-14 educational professionals trained in the food and agricultural sciences. This program recognizes the importance of education and workforce development in addressing global challenges related to food security, sustainable agriculture, and climate change.

Program Objectives

The PDAL program area expects participants, including teachers, post-baccalaureate pre-service teachers, counselors, and administrators, to achieve the following objectives:

1. Develop and apply skills necessary for integrating food and agricultural science concepts in their classes.
2. Explore the opportunities available in food and agricultural science career paths.
3. Forge mentorships with professional and business leaders, and faculty at four-year institutions.

List of Awardees

• Auburn University
• Eastern New Mexico University
• Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center
• Mala`ai; NY Sun Works
• Pennsylvania State University-Univ Park (2 awards)
• Pittsburg State University
• Sam Houston State University
• South Dakota State University
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
• Texas State University
• The Curators of the University of Missouri
• Utah State University
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The article discusses the PDAL program in the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative’s Education and Workforce Development program. This program aims to increase the number of K-14 educational professionals trained in the food and agricultural sciences. By focusing on education, workforce development, and partnerships, the article aligns with SDG 4, SDG 8, and SDG 17.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 4.7: By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others, through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles.
• SDG 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.
• SDG 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources.

The article highlights the PDAL program’s goal of training educational professionals in the food and agricultural sciences, which aligns with SDG 4.7. By equipping learners with knowledge and skills related to sustainable development, the program contributes to the target of promoting sustainable development through education. Additionally, by providing training and mentorship opportunities, the program supports SDG 8.6 by reducing the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training. Lastly, the program’s emphasis on forging mentorships with professional and business leaders and faculty at four-year institutions aligns with SDG 17.16, which aims to enhance global partnerships for sustainable development.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article implies indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:

• Number of K-14 educational professionals trained in the food and agricultural sciences
• Integration of food and agricultural science concepts in classes
• Exploration of opportunities available in food and agricultural science career paths
• Establishment of mentorships with professional and business leaders and faculty at four-year institutions

These indicators can be used to measure progress towards SDG 4.7 by tracking the number of educational professionals trained and assessing the extent to which they integrate food and agricultural science concepts in their classes. The exploration of career opportunities in the field can also be measured to determine the program’s impact on learners’ knowledge and skills related to sustainable development. Additionally, the establishment of mentorships can be monitored to assess the program’s success in fostering partnerships and knowledge sharing, aligning with SDG 17.16.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nifa.usda.gov