Growing Agricultural Literacy: Investigating Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Security

Abstract

In an era of increasing global populations, agricultural literacy emerges as a critical need for sustainable engagement with the Earth's resources. This study seeks a comprehensive exploration of agricultural literacy, aiming to understand its complex scope, assess existing gaps, and propose strategies for improvement. As societies expand, both direct stakeholders in agriculture and consumers reliant on its products necessitate a comprehension of farming practices, challenges, and innovations to navigate a sustainable path forward. Agricultural literacy is part of daily life yet, despite agriculture's presence in daily life, a visible gap exists in public understanding. Furthermore, perceptions toward agriculture, particularly regarding climate-smart practices, emphasize the need for directed initiatives to bridge knowledge divides and dispel misconceptions. By understanding the relationship between agricultural literacy and attitudes toward climate-smart agriculture, this study aims to explain pathways for strengthening comprehension and advancing sustainable practices. Knowledge gaps and misconceptions pave the way for tailored educational programs and policy frameworks aimed at nurturing agricultural literacy. A descriptive and correlational design was used for this study to describe the participants and relationships among factors being education, age, attitudes toward food and agriculture, and climate-smart agriculture. A questionnaire was sent to participants electronically which took approximately 10 minutes. Results were analyzed using statistical analysis ANOVA, mean, standard deviation, percentages, regressions, and frequencies. Furthermore, the impacts of these efforts extend to education systems, envisioning a complete incorporation of agricultural literacy into all levels of education. From primary school curricula to college education, embedding agricultural literacy not only imparts essential insights into food systems and environmental stewardship but also instills a profound appreciation for global interdependencies. By nurturing a sense of agency and stewardship, agricultural literacy education propels future toward roles as consumers, innovative agrarians, and champions of climate-smart agriculture. Understanding agriculture becomes not just desirable but necessary to feed growing populations. By working together across disciplines—among policymakers, educators, researchers, and communities—we can move towards a future where knowing about agriculture is fundamental for making informed decisions and caring for our resources. Together, we aim for a sustainable food system that meets current needs and fulfills future goals.