The Dean of the College of Agriculture at the University of Basra, Professor Dr. Sarmed Ghazi Muhammad Al-Shawi, participated in publishing an article in the Iraqi Scientific Academy on the status of agricultural colleges in Iraq.

The article, published in the journal "Awraq Al-Ama'iyyah," covered the current status of agricultural colleges and the most important challenges and proposed solutions facing them in Iraq.

Al-Shawi explained in the article that the noticeable decline in the number of students enrolled in agricultural colleges in Iraq is the result of a number of governmental, institutional, economic, and social challenges. He explained that weak funding, the absence of policies to integrate graduates into the labor market, society's preference for medical and engineering specialties, and limited agricultural employment opportunities are all factors contributing to this decline.

He also pointed to the impact of the Ministry of Oil's control over large areas of agricultural land, weak curricula, and the lack of practical training, as well as the difficulties of obtaining loans and support for graduate projects.

Al-Shawi proposed a package of solutions, most notably increasing government and financial support, allocating land for graduates, updating curricula to keep pace with modern technologies and smart agriculture, and building partnerships with the private sector and international organizations to provide job opportunities and practical training that will advance the agricultural sector.

Department of Media and Government Communication / College of Agriculture