In a recently published study for the German-Mongolian Cooperation Project for Sustainable Agriculture (DMKNL) we have analysed and evaluated the current situation on the labor market for highly qualified agricultural professionals in Mongolia.

Each year, more than 1000 graduates leave the Mongolian University of Life Sciences (MULS) – the country’s most important institution for the training of agricultural specialists – and become available to the Mongolian job market. However, despite this relatively large pool of university graduates, agricultural managers in Mongolia often point to the lack of well qualified professionals in the field.

The study’s goal was to assess the gap between the qualifications and professional aspirations of agricultural students and young agricultural professionals in Mongolia, and the demands that the country’s agricultural enterprises place on these professionals. In total, 180 interviews were conducted with agricultural students, young professionals and agricultural managers to analyse the situation. Derived from these interviews, a comprehensive qualitative data analysis was conducted.

The results of the analysis point in two directions. First, the data suggests that many agricultural managers are rather satisfied with the performance of university graduates and young professionals. And second, all three groups, students, young professionals and agricultural managers, would prefer a more practical approach in the curriculum offering more hands-on experience for students during their university career.

The DMKNL is implemented by IAK Agrar Consulting GmbH. The project is funded by the Federal German Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) through its general agent GFA Consulting Group GmbH.

The complete study can be downloaded here.