Assessing knowledge and engagement on sustainable development goals: exploratory research in the agri-food departments of Ibero-American universities

Aim of study: To offer an overview of current knowledge and civic engagement in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) applied to agriculture sector. Area of study: Members of university communities from agri-food field departments at universities from three Ibero-American countries (Spain, Colombia and Brazil). Material and methods: Data were collected from 631 on line surveys from different Ibero-American faculties of the area. Survey had a semi-structured format with 27 questions divided into three blocks. Descriptive, quantitative and qualitative analysis was performed. The level of knowledge and engagement of SDGs related to agriculture sector as Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) were investigated. Main results: The level of knowledge about the SDG Agenda, the priority rating for the implementation of each goal and the level of engagement varied significantly between countries. While Spain obtained the highest values in most of the variables relating to knowledge of the SDGs, followed by Brazil, Colombia showed the highest levels of engagement and willingness to apply specific actions in the agri-food sector to promote the implementation of the SDGs. The paper also improves the current state of knowledge by highlighting the important role that universities can play in advancing implementation of the SDGs. Research highlights: The knowledge and engagement must be improved if we are to achieve the SDGs, and education and research play a vital role in bridging the SDG implementation gap in agri-food field. In the area the best-known SDG strategies are those related to sustainable farming systems and the least-known are the concept of Degrowth as a possible efficient strategy, Permaculture and Local Production and Consumption. Big differences exist between countries in terms of public knowledge and engagement with SDGs.