Agricultural Training for Young Adults in Bhutan: Productivity, Stewardship, and Joy
In 2021, the Kingdom of Bhutan launched a skilling program for unemployed young adults. The author designed and delivered three hands-on horticultural trainings in 2022: High-Altitude Vegetable Production (three months), Mid-Latitude Vegetable Production (four months), and Special Projects in Weed Control and Cold Storage (one month). Three themes are present in each training: Productivity, Stewardship, and Joy. I discuss the theoretical foundations for experiential education and describe a pedagogical approach to training young adults in farming. Experiential learning oc-curs in three domains: cognitive, psychomotor, and affective. Affective components of training programs are thought to be critical to transforming knowledge and skills into action. Situational learning theory describes the value of an environment where learners practice alongside peers and mentors. Special attention is paid to these con-cepts when planning and delivering the trainings. I summarize what was done and share lessons learned from each session. I then consider how farmer trainings for young Bhutanese adults can be improved.