The College of Agriculture and Food Sciences (CAFS) at Florida A&M University (FAMU) continues to lead in global agricultural education through innovative, student-centered programming that integrates academics, service and international engagement.
At the center of this effort is AGG 4952: Service Learning in International Agriculture, a signature course led by Harriett A. Paul, director of the Office of Global Agriculture Programs and co-principal investigator on both the USDA 1890 Universities CEGFSD and USDA NIFA NextGen programs.
In Spring 2026, 15 CAFS students participated in this immersive course, combining rigorous classroom preparation with a transformative international experience in Kenya.
Before traveling, students were grounded in global agriculture, food systems, best practices, biotechnology and international development through contributions from CAFS faculty Drs. Satyanarayan Dev, Anamika Sharma and Mehboob Sheikh, as well as Dr. Stephan Tubene of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, a key consortium partner in both programs. This interdisciplinary preparation ensured students were not only ready to travel but also to analyze, engage and contribute.
Once in Kenya, classroom theory became lived experience. At the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, students gained firsthand insight into how agriculture intersects with diplomacy, trade and food security.
“Visiting the Embassy helped me see how agriculture connects to policy and global development. Agricultural careers can also exist in diplomacy and international service,” said Brielle Elliott, a graduating senior in Agribusiness.
At Egerton University, students participated in the Biennial Symposium, the Agricultural Technology and Innovation Trade Fair, and laboratory and farm visits.
“While our environments are different, many of the challenges we face in agriculture are similar,” said Dillon Ford, a second-year master’s student, who noted Egerton’s hydroponics and aquaponics research directly informed his own graduate work.
At Kilimo High School, students served as both learners and mentors, engaging younger students through field demonstrations and knowledge-sharing activities.
“It reminded me of the importance of applied education in shaping future agricultural leaders,” reflected Adrienne Jones, a third-year Agribusiness major.
At Kilimo High School, students worked alongside smallholder farmers and community development initiatives.
“It’s not just about production; it’s about supporting livelihoods and empowering people,” said Jakia Dickson, a senior in Plant and Animal Sciences.
Throughout the program, students developed greater global awareness, intercultural competence, and practical insights into viable food systems.
“This experience changed how I see agriculture. It made it more real, more connected and more impactful,” said Kaleb Paul, a third-year Food Sciences major.
“The Kenya Service Learning experience stands as a model for how teaching, service and global engagement can come together to create meaningful and lasting impact,” said Dr. Anthony Ananga, interim associate dean of Academic Programs.
“AGG 4952 is more than a course; it is a defining experience that shapes students’ perspectives, strengthens their skills and prepares them to lead in a global agricultural landscape,” said Dean Garlen Dale Wesson.
As CAFS continues to expand its global footprint, programs like AGG 4952 reaffirm the college’s commitment to developing globally engaged leaders prepared to address the complex challenges of agriculture, food security and development both at home and around the world.
