Exploring middle school students' awareness of agricultural production and its decline in an agriculturally predominant city

PurposeThe objective of this study is to gain insight into the level of awareness among 8th grade students regarding agricultural production, and its decline. The study examines the students' cognitive structures, their interpretation of the decrease in agricultural production, and the solutions they propose to address this decrease.Design/methodology/approachThe study, which was conducted as a case study, collected data from 223 eighth grade students living in urban, and district centers. The data collected was subjected to descriptive, and content analysis.FindingsThe study revealed that students predominantly perceive agricultural production as crop farming, neglecting livestock, fisheries, and forestry. They have misconceptions about the relationship between agriculture, and ecology. Additionally, students struggled to develop issue-based solutions to agricultural problems.Practical implicationsIntegrating agricultural education into middle school curricula through experiential learning could improve students' knowledge, and perceptions.Theoretical implicationsThe findings highlight the role of regional influences on students' awareness of agriculture, and emphasize the need for formal education to bridge knowledge gaps.Originality/valueThis study provides insight into middle school students' awareness of agricultural production in T & uuml;rkiye, highlighting the need to introduce agricultural education at an earlier stage.