2025 IJRSE – Volume 14 Issue 14
Available Online: 15 August 2025
Author/s:
Hugo, Ana Vera
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture, Philippines (anaveras.hugo@gmail.com)
Abstract:
Youth participation in agriculture is critical to ensuring sustainable food production. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) play a key role in shaping the next generation of agricultural professionals. This systematic literature review aimed to identify agricultural activities implemented in HEIs relative to food security. The review supports Sustainable Development Goal #2 on Zero Hunger by highlighting programs that engage youth in agriculture while contributing to local and global food security. Using a systematic review of related literature and qualitative analysis of documented activities, the study identified four major categories of initiatives: (1) developing graduate courses centered on Community Food Security with integrated service-learning projects; (2) forging partnerships between HEIs and other universities; (3) strengthening agricultural sciences in education, research, and extension; and (4) encouraging students’ direct involvement in agricultural production after graduation. Among these, graduate courses on Community Food Security emerged as the most frequently implemented. Most initiatives were reported in the United States, followed by Africa and Asia. Findings highlight the diverse ways HEIs contribute to food security through education and community engagement. Future research may focus on comparing the effectiveness of these initiatives across contexts and exploring unpublished studies, particularly in the Philippine setting, to expand the evidence base.
Keywords: food security, higher education institutions, service learning, agricultural education, systematic literature review
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25248
Cite this article:
Hugo, A. V. (2025). A systematic literature review of agricultural activities in higher education institutions and their role in food security. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 14(14), 239-248. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2025.25248