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INVESTIGATOR: Githinji, L.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY
P. O. Box 9081
PETERSBURG, VIRGINIA 23806

ENHANCING THE CAPACITY OF VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY TO EXPAND URBAN AGRICULTURE EDUCATION THROUGH THE DISTANCE LEARNING APPROACH

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: In Virginia 17% of population has limited access to fresh food, compared to 7% nationwide. Areas with limited access to affordable and nutritious food are referred to as food deserts. There is a need to mitigate food deserts by increasing food production. Unfortunately there are very few Extension personnel that are well equipped to assist Virginia residents in urban agriculture. The goal of this project is to build the capacity of Virginia State University to expand urban agriculture education through distance learning. The supportive objectives are to: (i) develop educational modules suitable for distance learning; (ii) enhance technology to support distance learning; and (iii) establish/maintain urban agriculture training sites across the state. The project activities will include hiring an educational support specialist and student who will assist in the various educational activities related to urban agriculture distance learning; acquiring technology to support efficient and effective program delivery; and enhancing delivery methodologies in support of distance learning. The expected long-term project outcomes are: increased urban food production, enhanced food security; reduced cost of food; improved health through access to fresh foods; and increased local incomes. The success of the project will be evaluated continuously using appropriate tools such as pre/post-tests, questionnaires, surveys, and follow up interviews. This project addresses three key NIFA priority areas, viz., Food security; Sustainable Agriculture; and Youth Development. It also addresses two NIFA disciplines, namely, Agriculture and Youth Development. Virginia State University is fully committed to expanding the proposed project beyond the period of USDA support.

OBJECTIVES: The overall goal of this project is to expand Urban Agriculture Education through Distance Learning Approach.The supportive objectives are:i) To increase educators' knowledge and hands-on skills in urban agriculture;ii) To acquire technology to support urban agriculture education through distance learning; andiii) To develop and maintain urban agriculture sites to support hands-on experiential learning.