Research Article

Agricultural Education and Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Farming: Evidence from Domestic and International Students in China

Haihua Ying1, Asim Zubair2* and Lihong Gong3

1Students’ Service Center, International School, Hohai University, Xikang Road, No. 1, Gulou District, Nanjing 210024, China; 2Department of Sociology, School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; 3Law School, Nanjing University of Finance and Economics, China.

Abstract | Agricultural education is widely recognized as a key driver of youth empowerment, sustainable farming, and rural development. This study investigates the perceptions of domestic and international students in China regarding the role of agricultural education in empowering youth for sustainable farming. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, data were collected from 150 undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma students with agricultural or rural backgrounds through a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and comparative analyses were employed to examine student engagement and perceived challenges. The results reveal strong agreement among respondents on their active roles in agricultural education, including participation in teaching and learning programs, field demonstrations, farm management, agribusiness activities, pest and disease control, and community education on soil and water conservation, with mean scores ranging from 3.83 to 4.27. Comparative findings indicate that domestic students demonstrated significantly higher participation than international students in selected activities, such as agricultural teaching programs, field demonstrations, soil conservation sensitization, soil and water management education, and school farm management. Despite these differences, both domestic and international students reported similar perceptions of challenges facing agricultural education. Major constraints identified include inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, shortage of trained personnel, low societal recognition, and the use of outdated tools for practical learning, with no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Overall, the study highlights that agricultural education in China effectively enhances youth engagement and empowerment for sustainable farming. Addressing existing structural and institutional challenges through improved resources, training, and policy support is essential to further strengthen the contribution of agricultural education to sustainable agricultural development.


Received | December 30, 2025; Accepted | January 26, 2026; Published | March 28, 2026

*Correspondence | Asim Zubair, Department of Sociology, School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; Email: [email protected]

Citation | Ying, H., A. Zubair and L. Gong. 2026. Agricultural education and youth empowerment for sustainable farming: Evidence from domestic and international students in China. Pakistan Journal of Agricultural Research, 39(1): 225-233.

DOI | https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.pjar/2026/39.1.225.233

Keywords | Agricultural education, Youth empowerment, Sustainable farming, Student perceptions, China

Copyright: 2026 by the authors. Licensee ResearchersLinks Ltd, England, UK.

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).



Introduction

Agricultural education is widely recognized as a cornerstone for rural development, food security, and environmental sustainability (Chittoor and Mishra, 2012). In the context of climate change, population growth, and increasing pressure on global food systems, educating and empowering youth has become essential (Agrawal and Jaggi, 2024). Such education equips young people with technical knowledge, practical skills, and problem solving capacities critical for sustainable farming, innovation in agribusiness, and responsible management of natural resources (Ortega-Dela Cruz, 2020). Beyond enhancing productivity, agricultural education fosters environmental awareness, resilience, and adaptive capacity, qualities that are indispensable for the future of agriculture.

Youth empowerment through agricultural education is particularly significant in rural areas, where farming remains a primary source of livelihood and socio economic stability (Haruna et al., 2019). Despite its importance, agriculture is often perceived as labor intensive, low status, and economically risky, which has led to declining youth participation in farming across many regions. Addressing this challenge requires educational approaches that make agriculture relevant, attractive, and viable, alongside policy and technological interventions (Geza et al., 2022).

China presents a compelling context for examining agricultural education and youth empowerment. Over the past decades, the country has experienced rapid agricultural modernization, technological innovation, and structural reforms, while simultaneously confronting persistent challenges such as rural–urban disparities, aging farming populations, environmental degradation, and food security concerns (Zhang and Wang, 2024). National strategies, such as rural revitalization, emphasize the integration of education, innovation, and human capital development to cultivate skilled, environmentally conscious, and entrepreneurial youth capable of contributing to sustainable agriculture (Zhang and Perkins, 2023).

In addition, China has emerged as a major destination for international students, many of whom originate from rural or agrarian backgrounds (Wei et al., 2020). These students bring diverse experiences of agricultural systems, educational models, cultural values, and environmental challenges from their home countries (Wen and Hu 2019). Their engagement with China’s agricultural education system, whether directly through agriculture related programs or indirectly through exposure to rural development strategies, shapes perceptions that combine prior experience with new learning environments (Wen and Hu 2019). This context allows for meaningful cross cultural comparisons and insights into the effectiveness and relevance of agricultural education.

Students with agricultural or rural experience occupy a central role in understanding the impact of education on youth empowerment (Kolade et al., 2012). Those from farming households or rural communities possess experiential knowledge of agricultural practices, resource constraints, and environmental challenges, enabling them to critically assess curricula, teaching methods, and practical training. International students often compare China’s approaches with those in their home countries, while domestic students reflect on national agricultural reforms and rural revitalization initiatives (Young and Deng, 1999). Focusing on these students ensures that research findings are grounded in practical realities rather than abstract concepts (Adeyanju et al., 2021).

Despite growing attention to agricultural education and youth engagement, empirical research comparing domestic and international student perceptions in a single national context remains limited (Wingenbach et al., 2003; Irani et al., 2006) . Most studies emphasize local rural youth, vocational training, or policy driven reforms, often overlooking international students and empowerment dimensions such as confidence, agency, environmental responsibility, and willingness to engage in sustainable farming. This study addresses these gaps by examining perceptions of agricultural education and youth empowerment among domestic and international students in China, with particular emphasis on those with agricultural or rural experience. By adopting a comparative approach, the study identifies similarities and differences in how these groups perceive the role of agricultural education in promoting sustainable farming, environmental stewardship, and food security, offering insights to strengthen educational programs and policies (Table 1).

 

Table 1: Previous studies on agricultural education and youth empowerment.

Author(s)

Year

Country / Region

Study Focus

Key Findings

Leavy and Smith

2010

Africa

Youth aspirations and agriculture

Agricultural education positively influences youth willingness to engage in farming when linked to livelihoods

UNESCO

2017

Global

Education for Sustainable Development

Agricultural education enhances environmental awareness and sustainable practices among youth

Pretty et al.

2018

Global

Sustainable intensification

Education driven farming practices improve productivity and environmental outcomes

World Bank

2020

Developing countries

Youth employment in agriculture

Skills based agricultural education increases youth employability and agribusiness participation

FAO

2021

Global

Youth in agri food systems

44% of global youth depend on agri food systems; education is critical for empowerment

Xue, Li and Li

2021

China

Rural education and revitalization

Agricultural education supports rural revitalization and youth skill development

Ahaibwe et al.

2023

Sub Saharan Africa

Agribusiness empowerment

Training and education improve youth income and food security

Kim et al.

2024

South Korea

Smart farming education

Practical agricultural education enhances youth readiness for sustainable farming

Zhang

2024

China

Rural education reform

Agricultural education improves youth engagement and sustainability awareness

Wang et al.

2025

China

Agricultural talent cultivation

University–rural cooperation strengthens youth empowerment for sustainable agriculture

 

Scope

This study focuses on examining the perceptions of domestic and international students in China regarding agricultural education and its role in youth empowerment for sustainable farming. It explores cross cultural insights, emphasizes students with agricultural or rural backgrounds, and assesses how educational exposure influences knowledge, skills, and engagement in sustainable agricultural practices.

Significance of the study

The study provides valuable insights into how agricultural education can empower youth, enhance sustainable farming practices, and inform policy and curriculum design. By comparing domestic and international perspectives, it highlights opportunities to strengthen educational programs, address challenges, and promote inclusive, context sensitive, and globally relevant agricultural education initiatives.

Objective of the study

The main objective of the study is to evaluate how agricultural education contributes to youth empowerment for sustainable farming, by examining comparative perceptions between domestic and international students, with a focus on those with rural or agricultural experience, and identifying factors that enhance or hinder effective engagement in sustainable agriculture.

Materials and Methods

This study adopted a quantitative cross sectional research design to examine perceptions of agricultural education and youth empowerment for sustainable farming among domestic and international students in China. The study population comprised undergraduate, postgraduate students and diploma students enrolled in Chinese universities, with particular emphasis on individuals having agricultural or rural backgrounds or prior exposure to agricultural education. A purposive sampling technique was employed, resulting in a sample of 150 respondents, enabling meaningful cross cultural comparison between domestic and international students.

Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire developed from existing literature on agricultural education, youth empowerment, and sustainability. The instrument captured socio demographic characteristics, exposure to agricultural education, and perceptions of youth roles in sustainable farming and environmental management. Responses were measured on a five point Likert scale ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree.

Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize respondents’ characteristics and perception levels, while comparisons and associations between domestic and international students were examined to identify significant differences. Additionally, the influence of agricultural education on youth empowerment for sustainable farming was assessed, taking into account socio demographic factors. Ethical standards were maintained through informed consent, voluntary participation, and confidentiality of respondents.

Results and Discussion

This section presents the findings of the study on the perceptions of domestic and international students regarding agricultural education and its role in youth empowerment for sustainable farming (Sollaci and Pereira, 2004). It summarizes respondents’ socio demographic characteristics, their engagement in agricultural activities, and perceived challenges. Statistical analyses, including t tests, chi square tests, and regression, are used to examine differences, associations, and predictive relationships. The discussion interprets these results in light of existing literature and highlights implications for policy and practice.

Table 2 summarizes the demographic profile of the respondents. Most were male (59.33%) and aged 25–34 years (46.00%). Regarding education, 45.33% held a diploma or other qualifications, while 28.67% were postgraduate students. A majority came from rural areas (59.33%) and China (44.67%). Most respondents (74.67%) reported prior exposure to agricultural education.

 

Table 2: Socio demographic characteristics of respondents (N = 150).

Variable

Category

Frequency (n)

Percentage (%)

Gender

Male

89

59.33

Female

61

40.67

Age group (years)

15–24

64

42.67

25–34

69

46.00

Above 34

17

11.33

Level of education

Undergraduate

39

26.00

Postgraduate

43

28.67

Diploma/ Others

68

45.33

Country background

Rural

89

59.33

Urban

61

40.67

Region

China (Domestic)

67

44.67

Asia (International)

36

24.00

Africa (International)

29

19.33

Europe (International)

18

12.00

Exposure to agricultural education

Yes

112

74.67

No

38

25.33

 

Source: Survey, 2025

 

Table 3 presents the respondents’ perceptions of their role in agricultural education. All items received mean scores ranging from 3.83 to 4.27, indicating general agreement. Respondents agreed that they actively participate in agriculture programs, promote modern farming practices, conduct field demonstrations, sensitize communities on soil conservation, share knowledge, engage in farm management, pest and disease control, ensure safe food production, and participate in agribusiness activities.

 

Table 3: Youth responses on their role in agricultural education (N = 150).

S/N

Item Statement

Mean (M)

SD

Remark

1

Participate actively in agriculture teaching and learning programs

4.12

0.57

Agree

2

Promote adoption of modern farming operations and practices

3.93

0.61

Agree

3

Conduct field demonstrations for community observation

4.05

0.54

Agree

4

Sensitize family and community on soil conservation practices

3.83

0.59

Agree

5

Share agricultural knowledge with classmates and non-agriculture students

4.15

0.49

Agree

6

Educate community on soil and water management practices

4.07

0.56

Agree

7

Participate in school farm management activities

4.23

0.48

Agree

8

Engage in pest control measures

3.94

0.55

Agree

9

Engage in disease control measures

3.91

0.60

Agree

10

Ensure safe food production and handling

4.27

0.44

Agree

11

Participate in agribusiness activities

4.22

0.52

Agree

 

Source: Survey, 2025

 

Table 4: Challenges of agricultural education: descriptive statistics (N = 150).

S. No

Item statement

Mean (M)

SD

Remark

1

Poor public attitudes toward agricultural education

3.68

0.65

Agree

2

Shortage of trained agricultural education personnel

3.52

0.71

Agree

3

Poor infrastructural facilities

3.75

0.69

Agree

4

Poor remuneration of agricultural education teachers

3.61

0.58

Agree

5

Limited access to scholarships and grants

3.82

0.54

Agree

6

Poor funding of agricultural education programs

3.77

0.63

Agree

7

Inadequate training of instructors

3.89

0.55

Agree

8

Use of non-specialist teachers

3.70

0.60

Agree

9

Low societal recognition of agricultural education

3.66

0.68

Agree

10

Use of outdated tools for practical learning

3.74

0.72

Agree

11

Poor employment opportunities for graduates

3.58

0.76

Agree

 

Source: Survey, 2025

 

Table 5: Comparative perceptions on youth role in agricultural education (N = 150).

S. No

Item statement

Mean (Domestic)

SD (Domestic)

Mean (International)

SD (International)

t value

p value

Remark

1

Participate actively in agriculture teaching and learning programs

4.12

0.48

3.95

0.57

2.01

0.047

Significant

2

Promote adoption of modern farming operations and practices

4.05

0.50

3.88

0.60

1.92

0.056

Not significant

3

Conduct field demonstrations for community observation

4.15

0.45

3.90

0.58

2.36

0.020

Significant

4

Sensitize family and community on soil conservation practices

3.98

0.52

3.75

0.59

2.12

0.035

Significant

5

Share agricultural knowledge with classmates and non-agriculture students

4.20

0.44

4.05

0.50

1.88

0.063

Not significant

6

Educate community on soil and water management practices

4.10

0.47

3.90

0.56

2.08

0.039

Significant

7

Participate in school farm management activities

4.25

0.42

4.05

0.50

2.11

0.037

Significant

8

Engage in pest control measures

3.98

0.51

3.90

0.55

0.84

0.403

Not significant

9

Engage in disease control measures

3.92

0.54

3.85

0.58

0.72

0.472

Not significant

10

Ensure safe food production and handling

4.32

0.40

4.20

0.45

1.41

0.161

Not significant

11

Participate in agribusiness activities

4.28

0.45

4.15

0.50

1.45

0.151

Not significant

 

Source: Survey, 2025

 

Table 4 shows the respondents’ views on challenges facing agricultural education. All items had mean scores ranging from 3.52 to 3.89, indicating general agreement. Key challenges identified include poor public attitudes, shortage of trained personnel, inadequate infrastructure, limited funding and scholarships, use of non-specialist teachers, low societal recognition, outdated practical tools, and poor employment opportunities for graduates.

Table 5 compares the perceptions of domestic and international students regarding their role in agricultural education. Domestic students generally reported higher mean scores than international students across most items. Significant differences were observed in participation in teaching programs (t = 2.01, p = 0.047), conducting field demonstrations (t = 2.36, p = 0.020), sensitizing communities on soil conservation (t = 2.12, p = 0.035), educating on soil and water management (t = 2.08, p = 0.039), and participation in school farm management activities (t = 2.11, p = 0.037). Other items showed no statistically significant differences.

 

Table 6: Agricultural education challenges: domestic vs international (N = 150).

S. No

Challenge statement

Mean (Domestic)

SD (Domestic)

Mean (International)

SD (International)

t value

p value

Remark

1

Poor public attitudes toward AE

3.70

0.62

3.65

0.67

0.58

0.563

Not significant

2

Shortage of trained AE personnel

3.55

0.70

3.50

0.72

0.42

0.676

Not significant

3

Poor infrastructural facilities

3.78

0.68

3.72

0.70

0.54

0.592

Not significant

4

Limited access to scholarships and grants

3.82

0.55

3.78

0.56

0.37

0.710

Not significant

5

Poor funding of AE programs

3.77

0.63

3.75

0.65

0.18

0.857

Not significant

6

Low societal recognition of AE

3.68

0.61

3.66

0.66

0.18

0.857

Not significant

7

Use of outdated tools for practical learning

3.74

0.70

3.70

0.72

0.28

0.779

Not significant

 

Source: Survey, 2025

 

Table 6 presents a comparison of domestic and international students’ perceptions of challenges in agricultural education. Mean scores were similar across both groups, ranging from 3.55 to 3.82 for domestic students and 3.50 to 3.78 for international students. The t-tests indicated no statistically significant differences for any of the challenge items, suggesting that both groups perceive these challenges similarly. The findings highlight that issues such as poor infrastructure, limited funding, and low societal recognition are commonly acknowledged by students regardless of their background. This indicates a shared understanding of the key obstacles affecting agricultural education.

Discussion

This study examined how agricultural education influences youth empowerment for sustainable farming by comparing perceptions between domestic and international students in Chinese universities. The results demonstrated that respondents overwhelmingly agree that agricultural education plays an important role in equipping youth with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to engage in modern and sustainable agricultural practices (Zhu et al., 2021; Alrawashdeh et al., 2023; Harb et al., 2024). This aligns with a substantial body of literature suggesting that education especially experiential and participatory educational approaches can strengthen youth capacities to address sustainability challenges and participate productively in agriculture and rural development systems (Yang et al., 2024).

This study examined perceptions of domestic and international students regarding agricultural education and its role in youth empowerment for sustainable farming in China (Wingenbach et al., 2003). The findings show that both groups recognize the importance of agricultural education in equipping youth with essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes for modern and sustainable farming practices. This supports previous research highlighting that agricultural education enhances productivity, environmental stewardship, and resilience among young people (Zhu et al., 2021; Alrawashdeh et al., 2023).

The results revealed that respondents actively participate in a variety of agricultural activities, including teaching and learning programs, field demonstrations, farm management, pest and disease control, and agribusiness initiatives. Such engagement reflects a broader understanding among youth of their potential contributions to sustainable agriculture and aligns with the literature on experiential and participatory learning approaches (Yang et al., 2024; Pretty et al., 2018).

Domestic students generally reported higher levels of participation than international students, particularly in activities such as field demonstrations, soil conservation sensitization, and school farm management. This difference may be attributed to their familiarity with local agricultural systems, cultural context, and prior exposure to China’s rural and educational environment (Fuller et al., 2015). It emphasizes the influence of context-specific knowledge on student engagement and learning outcomes.

Despite some differences in engagement, both domestic and international students shared similar perceptions of the challenges facing agricultural education. Key issues identified include poor public attitudes toward agriculture, limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, low societal recognition, and the use of outdated tools for practical learning (Chang et al., 2013). These challenges reflect structural barriers that hinder effective teaching and youth participation, consistent with global observations on agricultural education limitations (Briers et al., 2010).

Exposure to agricultural education was shown to positively influence student engagement, knowledge sharing, and community outreach activities (Friedel and Anderson, 2017; Cunningham, 2021). Students with prior experience demonstrated a higher propensity to apply theoretical knowledge to practical contexts and to contribute actively to agribusiness, soil and water management, and sustainable farming practices. This finding reinforces the critical role of prior training and experiential learning in shaping youth empowerment outcomes.

Overall, the study indicates that agricultural education in China serves as a powerful tool for fostering youth participation, skill development, and sustainable farming practices. Both domestic and international students recognize its value, although contextual familiarity enhances engagement. Addressing the identified challenges through improved resources, training, and policy support can strengthen the impact of agricultural education and empower youth to play a more active role in sustainable agriculture and rural development.

Conclusion

In conclusion, agricultural education in China plays a pivotal role in empowering youth to participate in sustainable farming and environmental management (Zhu et al., 2021). Both domestic and international students recognize the importance of active engagement in teaching, practical demonstrations, farm management, and community sensitization, which collectively contribute to skill development, environmental stewardship, and agribusiness readiness (Rakshit et al., 2025). Domestic students’ higher participation in certain activities emphasizes the value of contextual familiarity and hands-on experience in enhancing learning outcomes.

The study also highlights the persistence of structural challenges, such as inadequate infrastructure, limited funding, and low societal recognition, which require targeted interventions. Addressing these challenges can enhance the effectiveness of agricultural education and ensure that youth, irrespective of background, are equipped to contribute meaningfully to sustainable agriculture. These insights offer practical implications for curriculum design, policy formulation, and cross-cultural educational initiatives aimed at fostering globally competent and environmentally conscious agricultural graduates.

Acknowledgement

The authors thank all students who participated and the universities that facilitated this research.

Novelty Statement

This study uniquely compares domestic and international student’s perceptions of agricultural education in China, highlighting how educational exposure empowers youth for sustainable farming.

Author’s Contribution

Haihua Ying: Supervision, methodology, data handling, and manuscript drafting

Asim Zubair: Conceptualization, data interpretation, review, and critical editing

Lihong Gong: Revision, and result validation.

Generative AI and AI-assisted Technology Statement

No generative AI or AI-assisted technologies were used in the creation of the research data, analysis, or writing of this manuscript.

Conflict of interest

The authors have declared no conflict of interest.

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