Training Agricultural Economists for Work in International Development

摘要

Because precise knowledge has been lacking regarding the training needs of the increasing number of developing country students receiving U.S. graduate training in agricultural economics (AE), some 750 developing country alumni of U.S. AE graduate programs were surveyed to determine how they assess their training; analyze the status of AE in developing countries; and map a strategy for improving U.S. AE programs. Respondents to the survey, results of which are presented here, cited the following major strengths of U.S. graduate training programs: comprehensive training in theory and quantitative methods; flexible programs allowing breadth and depth in training; good student-faculty interaction; and a favorable climate for learning and research.