Characterization of newly admitted students in Agronomic Engineering at UNIPAZ: a dialogue between student aspirations and global agro-challenges
Keywords:
Agronomic Engineering, Agriculture 4.0, sustainability, socioeconomic profiles.Abstract
Feeding 8.5 billion people while restoring degraded ecosystems presents an unprecedented challenge (Godfray et al., 2010; FAO, 2023). Agronomy programs are pivotal in addressing it. We profiled the 2024-A incoming cohort in Agronomy at UNIPAZ (n = 60) through structured surveys, quantitative text mining and focus groups. Seventy-two percent of students come from rural areas, and 65 % graduated from technical/agricultural high schools. While 78 % prioritize disruptive technologies—drones, IoT sensors—mirroring Agriculture 4.0 trends (Rose & Chilvers, 2018), 62 % demand socio-environmental approaches (rural equity, food sovereignty). Only 34 % explicitly link technological tools to community benefits, highlighting a techno-social gap (Klerkx & Rose, 2020). Preferred domains include biotechnology, crop production and agribusiness management (33 % each). Findings support curriculum redesign toward socio-environmental innovation modules and farmer-centered fieldwork (Bawden, 2021).
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