Societal perceptions of agriculture : a Brunei case study

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate perceptions of Bruneian lower secondary students, and, their teachers and parents of agriculture. Desisgn/methodology/approach: The sample of the study was 151 lower secondary agriculture students, and, their 138 parents and eight teachers. The data, using one-shot case study (pre-experimental design) survey design, were collected by administering three survey instruments (20 items each) covering four scales: (1) importance of agriculture, (2) knowledge of agriculture, (3) agriculture training in schools, and (4) parent/teacher support to students. The items in the instruments were modified to make them suitable for students, teachers and parents, without changing their content and context. Findings: The findings suggest that the respondents' perceptions (teachers mean scores being the highest) were positive and they agreed that agriculture and its training at schools are important for the nation; people should have knowledge of agriculture and related fields, and, parents should support their children to study agriculture. Forms 1, 2 and 3 students' perceptions about the four scales were significantly different, but not of age and gender based groups. Parents' educational qualifications influenced their perceptions not the gender. Practical implications: The Brunei government should improve agriculture training facilities at secondary level and start tertiary agriculture institutions to attract quality students to the field and to minimise its dependence on expatriates. Originality/value: The findings will guide the Brunei government to achieve its vision to produce highly knowledgeable and skilled locals and have a competitive and dynamic economy.