Education and training in agricultural meteorology: current status and future needs

The present status of education and training in agricultural meteorology is reviewed in relation to the agreed objectives of this interdisciplinary science. The major educational contribution of the agronomy faculties to the educational and research effort is acknowledged. The significant part played by the World Meteorological Organization Regional Meteorological Training Centres in the training of technical and scientific personnel is reviewed. The heterogeneous training facilities and programmes of the Regional Meteorological Training Centres are described. The absence of a scientifically based evaluation system of the training effort in agricultural meteorology is noted. In the 21st century the socio-economic gap between the richest developing and the poorest developed countries is likely to widen. Thus, the requirements for education, research and services in agricultural meteorology are likely to diverge especially in the field of applications. The major aim of the developing countries remains the increase in quantity and nutritional quality of food and fibre production. The aim of the developed countries will most likely centre on sustainable agricultural systems environmentally compatible with the requirements of an urban society. Educational facilities in agricultural meteorology will have to adapt to such a gradually changing situation nationally, regionally and internationally. Advantages from remote learning techniques and commercial systems are also likely to follow. Research priorities will be reviewed in view of changing national objectives. Agricultural meteorology will have to be integrated into the major research efforts of national priority. Growing competition in the field of meteorological services will also affect agricultural meteorology. The services of proven use to the agricultural community are likely to succeed in the 21st century as the free market economy gains ground. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.