Challenges and Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence Integration into Agricultural and Natural Resources Curricula: Postgraduate Students’ Perspectives

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

academic member of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources

10.22054/ims.2026.93734.2833
Abstract
This applied study identified the challenges and opportunities of implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture and natural resources curricula from postgraduate students' perspectives. Methodologically, it followed a quantitative descriptive-survey design. The population comprised Master's and Ph.D. students at the University of Tehran and Gorgan University, with 51 selected via convenience and voluntary sampling. Data were gathered through a valid, researcher-developed 66-item questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89). Analysis involved descriptive statistics and inferential tests, including one-sample t-test, independent samples t-test, and one-way ANOVA. The findings showed that key perceived opportunities included facilitating research, accelerating education, enhancing data analysis, and creating career opportunities. Conversely, weak technical infrastructure, lack of educational culture, gaps between theory and practice, and absent policymaking were the main challenges. Furthermore, students exhibited a significantly positive attitude toward AI integration. Although gender and academic degree showed no significant differences, the method of AI acquaintance significantly influenced certain attitudinal components. Students viewed AI as a complementary tool for enhancing education and research quality, concluding that successful implementation depends on infrastructural development, ethical-legal frameworks, and curriculum revision.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 11 November 2026

  • Receive Date 10 July 2026
  • Revise Date 26 September 2026
  • Accept Date 01 October 2026