Rural And Urban Inner-City High School Student Knowledge And Perception Of Agriculture

This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and perception of rural and urban inner-city students in two Midwestern states regarding agriculture, food, and natural resources. Since this study was a pilot project, these two subgroups of the United States population were assessed to provide baseline data reflecting the knowledge and perceptions of United States residents regarding agriculture and the food industry. Data were collected from 1121 respondents but did not constitute a representative sample of students in the two Midwestern states. However, the results of this study may have implications for other groups on a practical basis. Three objectives were specified for this study as follows: 1) to assess the level of agricultural knowledge among rural and urban inner-city high school students in a midwest; 2) to assess the level of agricultural perceptions among rural and urban inner-city high school students in the midwest; and, 3) to compare the level of agricultural knowledge and perception of both subgroups. Both groups of respondents were most knowledgeable about Natural Resources concepts whereas the Rural Students were least knowledgeable about the Plants in Agriculture concept area compared to the Urban Inner-City High School Student respondents who were least knowledgeable about the Policy concept area. Overall, respondents had the most positive perception about the Natural Resources concept area and were the least positive about the Agricultural Policy concept area. Men and women of all ages and ethnic groups have a vested interest in agriculture (Law & Pepple, 1990). Consumers as well as policy makers need to be "agriculturally literate" in order to respond appropriately as issues arise. Most Americans, whether young or old, have limited knowledge about agriculture and food production. Many would agree with the need for a basic understanding of agriculture, the agricultural industry, and its importance to our country and citizens. Mawby (1990, p. 72) noted that by "...educating Americans in the wise management of food supplies and related renewable resources, we can anticipate more knowledgeable decision-making about agriculture in the future." No research has been conducted to compare the agricultural literacy level of individuals from various ethnic groups. However, Horn and Vining's (1986) study found that fewer than thirty percent of a sample (n = 2000) of Kansas students, primarily of European descent, could give correct answers to basic agriculture questions. To date, no study has been published specifically regarding the agricultural literacy level of students of African American descent; however, Washington and