ERASMUS-EDU-2022-CBHE-STRAND-2

The project is aimed at creating a sustainable dual bachelor’s program in agroecology at three universities in Kazakhstan and developing courses for the continuous training of specialists. Its goal is to bridge the gap between the requirements of agricultural enterprises and workforce preparation by providing specialists with up-to-date knowledge and skills in resource-saving technologies, quality production, and agroecological monitoring.

The program will be aligned with international standards and will prepare students for future challenges in agriculture. Once developed, the educational courses will be implemented with a focus on quality control and monitoring. As a result, approximately 100 students annually from PSU, KazNAU, and KIMEU, as well as specialists and agricultural companies, will benefit. Graduates will be able to return to the companies that supported their training, contributing to addressing the shortage of qualified personnel in rural areas.

The goal of the dual program is not only to teach professional skills but also to develop teamwork, social responsibility, and practical abilities. The program closes the gap between theory and practice, focusing on the real needs of production, which allows preparing specialists who meet employers’ requirements. This motivates students to engage in more conscious learning and encourages them to remain with the enterprise after graduation. The main outcome will be the preparation of specialists capable of starting work immediately without the need for adaptation. Within the framework of the project, 19 products will be created, including reports, brochures, agreements, and accredited programs.

Overall Objectives of the Project

  1. Modernization and innovation of agroecological education in Kazakhstani universities to increase its relevance for the labor market and society.
  2. Development, implementation, testing, and evaluation of new methods in dual education programs in agroecology at three universities in Kazakhstan in accordance with EU priorities for the country.
  3. Promoting the agroecological transition of the agricultural system through the educational process, adapting it to climate change, respecting biodiversity, and ensuring sustainable and integrated resource management.

They are further analyzed in the following specific objectives:

  1. A critical review of the current state of affairs in both the general agroecology sector in Kazakhstan and in agroecological education.
  2. Development and adjustment of agroecology educational programs in accordance with the needs of companies in Kazakhstan.
  3. Engaging specialists to identify their needs in agroecology, develop the content of practical sessions within the dual education framework, and mentor students during their work/study in companies. Transfer and implementation of best practices from EU countries with long-term experience in agroecology programs by creating opportunities for periodic practical sessions conducted by academic and corporate staff.
  4. Creating tools and templates to facilitate the step-by-step implementation of practical sessions at enterprises. A Dual Methodology Guide will be developed, with particular attention to communication between universities and companies, communication among instructors, between instructors and students, and the role of instructors in the educational process.
  5. Demonstrating the advantages of dual higher education technology to all stakeholders, including assessment of adapted educational programs, necessary tools, and teaching materials. All materials will be available in three languages to ensure wide dissemination not only in Kazakhstan but across the Central Asia region: English, Kazakh, and Russian.
  6. Developing a methodology for modifying and restructuring existing bachelor’s programs in science and technology to implement the integrated dual paradigm in practice.
  7. Dissemination of project results and promotion of the creation of additional dual higher education programs in Kazakhstan and the region.
  8. Creating a foundation for future dual education in agroecology and lifelong learning (LLL) programs in the region.