Ethical governance of artificial intelligence in agricultural higher education: Challenges, mitigation strategies, and a path forward

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into agricultural higher education offers transformative potential for modernizing curricula, enhancing research, and preparing students for AI-driven agri-tech industries. However, this rapid adoption introduces significant ethical challenges that remain inadequately addressed in policy and practice. This article examines the ethical implications of AI use in agricultural education, focusing on academic integrity, algorithmic bias, data privacy, equitable access, and the risk of undermining critical thinking skills. Drawing on recent empirical studies and ethical decision-making frameworks, the paper identifies a critical gap in institutional policies, particularly the absence of discipline-specific guidelines compared to fields like medicine or law. A synthesis of current research reveals that while AI tools enhance learning efficiency, their misuse threatens authenticity and fairness, especially in resource-constrained and rural institutions. To address these concerns, the study proposes a multi-stakeholder mitigation strategy encompassing the development of AI ethics frameworks, pedagogical redesign emphasizing experiential learning, equitable access initiatives, and faculty training. The findings underscore the need for proactive governance that balances innovation with ethical responsibility. By embedding ethical literacy into curricula and fostering inclusive AI practices, agricultural universities can ensure that technological advancement aligns with core values of equity, sustainability, and food security. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research and policy development in this emerging domain.

کلیدواژه ها:

Artificial intelligence ، Agricultural education ، Ethical governance ، Academic integrity ، Technology adoption