Paradigm Shift for Young Agriculture Professionals
Raymond Erick Zvavanyange1 and Jami Willard2
1National Chung Hsing University 250 Kuo Kuang Road 402 Taichung Taiwan
2 Yakima Washington USA
Abstract
This article reviews global study and employment opportunities for young professionals from an agricultural perspective. How can young professionals in every territory and nation get hold of the opportunities they desire? How can they relate scholarly or professionally on an equal platform? A vital piece for young agricultural professionals is remaining current with the information available in their specific field. With all the research and information available it is paramount to know the latest breakthroughs to ensure the knowledge is relevant.
Keywords: opportunities, young professional, information, knowledge
Introduction
Today’s technological and sophisticated world demands an all-encompassing perspective in conducting daily business. There is a growing recognition that availing opportunities does not necessarily translate to getting hold of them. How can young professionals in every territory and nation get hold of such opportunities? How can they relate scholarly or professionally on an equal platform?
Young professionals are young persons studying, employed or engaged in both in the scientific disciplines. For study, young persons are taken through broad training, knowledge and skills acquisition processes. To those employed, it is essentially an application of knowledge acquired, if possible, to life situations. This period is also known as professional development. Young professionals eager to display their training, knowledge and skills may be disappointed if they choose inappropriate disciplines or face challenges in employment settings. This should not be a drawback to their anticipated contributions as what counts ultimately is insights and contributions made. Unless there is solid contributions by young professionals then progress is either delayed or inhibited.
A change in perception of scientific disciplines by young professionals is critical. Perception impacts positively or negatively on working relationships and determines who gets support, attention and resources and who does not. A positive perception is critical to a healthy relationship with full mutual cooperation and benefits. Young professionals cannot do without support from established scholars and experts in their disciplines. Scholarly experts play an important role as mentors, reviewers, guides and advisors at the same time maintaining standards, evaluating the quality of work and safeguarding against misconduct acts. These checks and balances are essential for the advancement of scientific and professional knowledge.
Young professionals can take lessons from prominent world-class scientists. Notable names include the late Norman Bourlag, father of the Green Revolution,the late Wangari Maathai an environmentalist, Indian agriculturalist M. S. Swaminathan , the late rumen microbiologist James Bernard Russell of Cornell University, Gebisa Ejeta 2009 World Food Prize Laureate and Jud Heinrichs of The Pennsylvania State University a co-inventor of the Penn State Forage and Total Mixed Ration Particle Size Separator important in ruminant nutrition. Together with other scientists these individuals present valuable lessons to young professionals because of their outstanding and credible collaborative research in science and agriculture. In addition, institutions, private and public organizations and governments represent the ideal framework and guidelines for impact evaluation in agriculture.
Opportunity For A Paradigm Shift
World class contributions are done in a context where an individual has overcome barriers such as ethical issues, language, skills, training, geographical location and perception. An example of professionals with a paradigm shift is Doctors Without Borders an organization with professionals from different countries, different specialties, and different education systems all working together to improve health. The tide can be turned. In the words of Harvard Professor Calestous Juma , the question “how to turn knowledge into products, from research to the market place?” which he notes as critical for Africa’s development can equally be taken by young professionals across the globe. A mindset away from "pursuing irrelevant academic butterflies", is further encouraged.
Information communication and technology (ICTs) tools such as Web 2.0 when strategically used can help young professionals to share knowledge and reach a wider audience. ICTs when put in context, for example, in higher education this means greater chances of realizing uniform standards in teaching and learning modes. This also demands competence in using ICTs.
Conclusion
A vital piece for young agricultural professionals is remaining current with the information available in their specific field. With all the research and information available it is paramount to know the latest breakthroughs to ensure the knowledge is relevant. Young professionals should continuously ask themselves what skills they need, how they should use and apply them. It is insufficient to express willingness for realization of this paradigm; young professionals must be actors and fully involved in this goal.