Teaching international animal agriculture

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• International Agriculture
• Sustainable Development

Background:

• U.S. animal science curricula often focus on large-scale commercial production, which may not suit resource-limited global farmers.
• Commercial farming can pose significant economic risks to smallholder farmers in developing countries.
• Subsistence farming systems may benefit more from locally adapted or smaller livestock species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce undergraduate and graduate students to international animal agriculture concepts.
• To explore livestock species and sustainable project implementation suitable for impoverished families on small farms.
• To enhance student understanding of global food issues, challenges, and complexities.

Main Methods:

• A 15-year-old course reviews traditional and potential livestock species for small farms.
• Students learn about sustainable livestock project implementation stages: feasibility, design, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Case studies illustrate global food issues, and a term paper requires students to plan complementary livestock enterprises for small crop farms.

Main Results:

• The course effectively modifies ethnocentric student attitudes, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Students gain an appreciation for the complexity of global food production and hunger.
• Student evaluations highlighted the importance of international knowledge and content in animal science curricula.

Conclusions:

• International animal agriculture courses are crucial for preparing students for global challenges.
• Integrating international perspectives enhances animal science education and addresses diverse farming contexts.
• The course promotes a more nuanced understanding of poverty, ambition, and appropriate technological solutions in global agriculture.