Fulbright Scholar reinforces Clark State’s role in global agriculture education

Kigbajah Salifou Coulibaly, Ph.D., a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will give a public presentation on global agriculture and economic development on March 31 at Clark State College, a founding member of the Community College Alliance for Agriculture Advancement and the hub for the Ohio Center for Precision Agriculture.

At 9:30 a.m., Coulibaly will present an informational session regarding his personal experiences with the Fulbright Program, opportunities for students who are pursuing or have earned a bachelor’s degree and professionals interested in international academic exchange and research.

At 11 a.m., Coulibaly will present a lecture titled “The Importance of Cocoa Production in Cote d’Ivoire: Challenges and Opportunities.”  The presentation will examine cocoa production in Cote d’Ivoire and explore economic and environmental factors affecting one of the world’s most important agricultural commodities.

Both presentations, which are free and open to the public, will be held on Clark State’s Springfield campus in LRC, room 207.  Parking is located in Clark State Springfield campus lot J.

Supported through the Fulbright Program Outreach Lecturing Fund, Coulibaly’s visit will also include meetings with Clark State’s agriculture advisory committee and campus tours highlighting Clark State’s agriculture programs to encourage international collaboration and introduce all parties to research and perspectives from around the world.

An associate professor of economics at the Ecole Nationale Superieure de Statistique et d’Economie Appliquee in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, Coulibaly's research focuses on agricultural economics, cocoa production, climate variability and strategies to improve income for smallholder farmers.

Cote d’Ivoire is the world’s largest producer of cocoa, making the crop central to the country’s economy and to global chocolate supply chains.

Clark State offers a range of agriculture programs designed to prepare students for careers in the modern agricultural industry including degrees and certificates in agricultural business, precision agriculture, horticulture, turf and landscape management, greenhouse operations and golf course operations. The programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on learning experiences and industry partnerships that reflect current agricultural technologies and workforce needs.

In 2024, Clark State announced a $9 million initiative with the United States Department of Agriculture to create a national agriculture center for two-year colleges and connect more students to agricultural career pathways.

“As agriculture increasingly relies on technology, the demand for professionals skilled in implementing geospatial technologies like GPS and GIS continues to grow,” said Arly Drake, associate professor of agriculture. “Clark State’s precision agriculture program provides these critical skills, promoting efficient resource use and contributing to sustainable farming practices. Hosting an international scholar through the Fulbright Program also gives our students and community an opportunity to learn about global agricultural systems and the economic challenges and opportunities facing farmers around the world.”