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Khon Kaen University

Master of Science Program in Agricultural Extension and Development

SDG Alignment for Master of Science Program in Agricultural Extension and Development

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Master of Science Program in Agricultural Extension and Development is intrinsically designed to be a catalyst for sustainable community-led change, aligning powerfully with the core philosophy of the SDGs. The curriculum acts as a vital bridge between scientific innovation and on-the-ground practice, producing graduates skilled in translating knowledge into tangible actions that empower communities. It makes a foundational contribution to SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by focusing on transferring sustainable agricultural technologies to smallholders and developing community enterprises. By emphasizing social dynamics, leadership, and inclusive program planning, it directly addresses SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The program's focus on sustainable systems and climate change adaptation links it to SDG 12, SDG 13, and SDG 15. As a program centered on education, communication, and collaboration, it is a cornerstone of SDG 4 (Quality Education) and embodies the multi-stakeholder approach of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 1 Icon SDG 1: No Poverty

Alignment Summary: This program directly tackles poverty by equipping graduates with the skills to facilitate rural and agricultural development. Courses focus on empowering local communities through knowledge transfer, building economic resilience via community enterprises, and designing extension programs that enhance the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 167 102Principles of Agricultural Extension and DevelopmentThis course aligns with Target 1.4 by teaching methods to build the resilience of the poor and vulnerable through knowledge transfer in agriculture, which is a key economic asset.
AG 167 401Agricultural Business Management for Community EnterpriseDirectly contributes to poverty eradication by providing skills to create and manage community-based enterprises, fostering economic resilience and income generation for the poor (Target 1.1).

SDG 2 Icon SDG 2: Zero Hunger

Alignment Summary: The curriculum is central to achieving Zero Hunger by training professionals who can effectively disseminate sustainable and productive agricultural practices. It focuses on technology transfer, innovation management, and developing sustainable farming systems to increase the productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, directly supporting food security.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 167 102Principles of Agricultural Extension and DevelopmentDirectly supports Target 2.3 by focusing on methods to double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers through access to knowledge and technology.
AG 167 301Innovation and Technology Management for Agricultural DevelopmentContributes to ending hunger by teaching how to manage and disseminate agricultural innovations that enhance productivity and ensure sustainable food production systems (Target 2.4).
AG 167 501Sustainable Agricultural SystemAligns perfectly with Target 2.4 by ensuring sustainable food production systems and implementing resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and help maintain ecosystems.

SDG 4 Icon SDG 4: Quality Education

Alignment Summary: The program embodies quality education by not only providing advanced academic training to its students but also by focusing on the dissemination of knowledge to the wider community. It trains graduates in effective communication and the use of information technology to provide lifelong learning opportunities for farmers and rural populations.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 167 701Research Methodology in Agricultural Extension and DevelopmentDirectly supports Target 4.4 by equipping students with the advanced research and technical skills needed for effective employment in the development sector.
AG 167 302Communication and Information Technology in AgriculturePromotes lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by teaching students how to use technology to create and deliver educational outreach to the wider community.
AG 167 898 / 899ThesisRepresents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity where students conduct original research on agricultural development, contributing new knowledge for sustainable practices (Target 4.4).

SDG 5 Icon SDG 5: Gender Equality

Alignment Summary: The curriculum contributes to gender equality by addressing the social dynamics that often exclude women from decision-making and economic opportunities in rural areas. By understanding these dynamics, graduates can design and implement development programs that are inclusive and empower women as leaders and participants.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 167 103Social Psychology in Agricultural and Rural DevelopmentSupports Target 5.5 by providing an understanding of social dynamics, which is crucial for designing interventions that ensure women's full and effective participation in community life.

SDG 8 Icon SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Alignment Summary: This program promotes inclusive and sustainable economic growth by fostering entrepreneurship at the community level. It equips graduates with the skills to develop and manage local enterprises, which creates jobs, adds value to agricultural products, and stimulates local economies.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 167 104Social Dynamics and Leadership in Community DevelopmentContributes to productive employment and decent work by developing local leadership capabilities for effective community-based economic initiatives (Target 8.5).
AG 167 401Agricultural Business Management for Community EnterpriseDirectly aligns with Target 8.3 by promoting development-oriented policies that support productive activities, entrepreneurship, and the growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises.

SDG 9 Icon SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Alignment Summary: The curriculum fosters innovation by focusing on the effective management and transfer of agricultural technologies. It enhances scientific research by linking it to practical application, helping to upgrade the technological capabilities of the agricultural sector and promote sustainable practices.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 167 301Innovation and Technology Management for Agricultural DevelopmentSupports Target 9.5 by enhancing scientific research and upgrading the technological capabilities of the agricultural sector through effective technology transfer and management.

SDG 10 Icon SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Alignment Summary: The program aims to reduce inequalities by training professionals who can design and implement inclusive development programs. By understanding the social dynamics and psychological factors within communities, graduates are better equipped to empower marginalized groups and ensure equal opportunities in rural development.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 167 103Social Psychology in Agricultural and Rural DevelopmentDirectly addresses Target 10.2 by providing the tools to understand and promote the social and economic inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, or other status.

SDG 12 Icon SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Alignment Summary: This program promotes responsible production by focusing on sustainable agricultural systems. It teaches the principles of efficient resource management, waste reduction, and environmentally friendly farming practices, contributing to a more sustainable and circular agricultural economy.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 167 501Sustainable Agricultural SystemDirectly aligns with Target 12.2 by promoting the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources within agricultural production systems.

SDG 13 Icon SDG 13: Climate Action

Alignment Summary: The curriculum directly addresses the need for climate action by educating future leaders on the impacts of climate change on agriculture. It focuses on building resilience and adaptive capacity in farming communities, ensuring they are prepared for climate-related hazards and can contribute to mitigation efforts.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 167 502Climate Change and Agricultural DevelopmentStrengthens resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards (Target 13.1) and improves education and awareness-raising on climate change adaptation (Target 13.3).

SDG 15 Icon SDG 15: Life on Land

Alignment Summary: This program contributes to the protection of terrestrial ecosystems by promoting sustainable agricultural systems. By training extension professionals in environmentally sound practices, it helps to ensure that farming activities conserve biodiversity, maintain soil health, and prevent land degradation.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 167 501Sustainable Agricultural SystemSupports the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems (Target 15.1) by promoting agricultural practices that are in harmony with the environment.

SDG 16 Icon SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Alignment Summary: The program supports the development of strong community-level institutions by fostering local leadership and promoting participatory approaches to development. Graduates are equipped with the skills to facilitate inclusive decision-making processes, which are foundational for effective and accountable local governance.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 167 104Social Dynamics and Leadership in Community DevelopmentContributes to developing effective and inclusive institutions at the community level (Target 16.7) by fostering local leadership and participatory decision-making.

SDG 17 Icon SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Alignment Summary: This program is fundamentally about building partnerships for sustainable development. It trains professionals to be effective facilitators and communicators who can work across sectors—linking government, NGOs, research institutions, and local communities—to plan, implement, and evaluate effective development programs.

Course CodeCourse TitleAlignment Rationale
AG 167 201Program Planning and Evaluation in Agricultural ExtensionDirectly supports multi-stakeholder partnerships (Target 17.17) by teaching the skills needed to plan, monitor, and evaluate effective development projects, which are typically collaborative efforts.
AG 167 891 / 892Seminar in Agricultural Extension and Development I / IIEnhances the global partnership for sustainable development by having students engage with and present on the latest global development research, fostering knowledge-sharing (Target 17.6).
AG 167 898 / 899ThesisRepresents a significant contribution to global partnerships by creating and sharing knowledge on effective development strategies and technologies to help solve sustainability challenges (Target 17.16).