Curriculum needs to meet New Agriculture imperatives: A Case Study Eastern Caribbean Institute of Agriculture and Forestry (ECIAF), Trinidad

Governments in the region are taking action to transform its agriculture sectors and it is important that agricultural professionals meet this challenge. The Eastern Caribbean Institute of Agriculture and Forestry (ECIAF) in Trinidad prepares a significant portion of the para professionals in the region. This study evaluated (1) the perceived level of preparation graduates (n=100) have about their training at the ECIAF and (2) their competency gaps and (3) their job satisfaction. A self reporting survey instrument was used and data analysis involved mainly descriptive statistics and means’ comparisons using SPSS v.17. The results indicated that (1) there is a deficiency in the non-traditional areas of the curriculum particularly with preparation for the new agriculture: sustainability, food safety and value addition (2) that while respondents were generally satisfied with their job, they were unhappy with training opportunities and promotion. The current study reveals that there is a gap between what the curriculum provides and the futuristic realities of the sector. It is recommended that, given the disconnect between curriculum and strategic initiatives for new agriculture in the region, curriculum modification would be required to prepare a well-trained workforce for a competitive, profitable and sustainable agriculture in the region.