This document provides an overview of the agricultural education system in Belize. It outlines the country's history and independence from Britain. Agriculture is a major industry, making up 20% of GDP. The education system is influenced by British and American models and includes primary, secondary, vocational, and university levels. There are a few agricultural high schools and Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College offers an associate's degree in agribusiness. Overall the agricultural education system seeks to train students but could be improved through more resources, equipment, and international collaborations.

1. Gaspari Cordova, BSc.
Agronomist (EARTH University)
Agriculture/Natural Resources
University of Nebraska, Lincoln. May 2016

3. 1. Over view of Belize
2. Agricultural Industries in Belize
3. Education in Belize
4. Agricultural Education
5. Agricultural Institutions (schools)
6. Organizations
---Research studies at education level---

4.  British Honduras crown colony
 1973 British Honduras name was changed to BELIZE
 Independence in 21 September, 1981
 Central America and Caribbean
 Only English Central American country
 Other languages: Spanish, Garifuna, Maya, Mandarin, German
 Exchange rate USD$ 1= BZ$2

5. 35 people per square mile
14 people per square kilometer
370,300 (2015)

6.  Unemployment rate: 10.2%
 Literacy rate: 79.7% (2010)
 Inflation rate 0.1% (March 2015-March 2016)
 Average person with an associate degree earns USD$ 650/monthly
 Teaching or working for agricultural industry

7. • Sugar
• Banana
• Citrus
• Marine products
20% of GDP
25% of labor force is employed through agriculture
(Small scale farming – market)

8. EDUCATION SYSTEM
 British/American influence through the Jesuits (Catholic Schools)
 Grade 1-8 system ( Infant 1,2) (Standard 1-6)
 High school (4 years)
 Junior College (Associate Degree, 2 years)
 University of Belize (Associate degree, Bachelors degree or Certificate)
 Galen University (Dual Bachelors & Masters degree with University of NC)
 Other study abroad (USA, Caribbean, England and Canada)

9.  4H (8 months certificate program)
High schools
 Mopan high school
 Belize high school of Agriculture
 Chunox St. Victor vocational and agriculture high school
Post-secondary
 Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College
 University of Belize Central Farm

10. Agribusiness
Tertiary level institution (Established 9 years)
2 years associate degree + other programs
T- together
E- everyone
A- achieve
M- more
230 graduates with the valedictorians from this department

11. Community outreach
Business oriented
Leadership skills

13.  lack of proper equipment
 shared space
farm mechanization
food and beverage/food & nutrition lab

14. Centro Escolar Mexico Junior College
Mr. Hugo Gonzalez, Dean
Email: hgonzalez@cemjc.edu.bz
Office number: +501-423-3132

15.  MoA- Ministry of Agriculture / Natural Resources
 CARDI- Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute
 FAO- Food and Agriculture Organization
 OIRSA- Organismo Internacional Regional de Sanidad Agropecuaria
 USDA- (Foreign Agricultural service)
 E.U. - European Union
Just a few to mention….

16.  Population grows
 More opportunities for youths to develop skills in Agriculture
 More scholarship opportunities (Taiwan, China, Cuba, Costa Rica)
 Seeking collaboration with international entities/organizations
 More space for improvement through collaborations