Population increases have been accompanied by advances in agriculture and agricultural technology, but starvation in developing countries and environmental problems caused by agriculture remain serious concern. Agricultural development is often not sustainable, resulting in damage to both the environment and to agricultural product.
The agriculture sector presents a series of paradoxes. Food from agriculture is a basic necessity of life yet, over the last century, agriculture has declined in relative importance. The number of farmers and farm workers has decreased and left agriculture for more profitable work. If this continues, a food crisis is likely to develop that could lead to increase starvation. The importance of agriculture and sustainable development needs to addressed through environmental education, and fundamental to the success of environmental education is children. Elementary and secondary schools are strategic places for introducing the basics of agriculture to students, particularly if the sessions are designed to be innovative, interesting and involve active participation. By involving students in agricultural activities, students will obtain and retain a positive perception that agriculture is essential and interesting.
Environmental education can also build environmental ethics, while trying to improve agricultural output. With environmental education, students will have good environmental awareness to benefit environment and agricultural development.