E-Learning Solution on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Students of Higher Learning in Cambodia (Focus Vegetables)

Abstract

Food security is one of the critical development issues faced by several developing countries. One avenue of yielding quality crops is by ensuring that good agricultural practices are followed throughout the entire farming cycle. This research focuses on educating students of higher learning on good agricultural practices associated with growing vegetables. Research target are students who are currently pursuing tertiary education in the field of agronomy and agroindustry, as it is expected that upon graduation, they will represent the frontlines of various agricultural concerns. As such, students form the basis for sustainable education as they can replicate knowledge gained and impact farmers on good agricultural practices through proper education, as well as enforcement. For the purpose of this research, students from Royal University of Agriculture, Cambodia are identified as participants. The electronic learning method (e-Learning) is deployed to expose students to new mechanisms of teaching and learning, as well as to encourage students to be more active in independent studying. As teaching material, interactive multimedia videos canvassing the general farming guidelines, production and post harvest practices pertaining to the cultivation of vegetables are produced and distributed to students through workshops. A web portal is also developed to form an online community of students and promote interaction through forums, live chats, news updates and social networking platforms.