Empirical Analysis of Curriculum and Employment in the Labor Market: A Study of the Agriculture Economics and Development Department

This field study empirically explores the linkage between curriculum quality and graduate employment results in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Development at Shaikh Zayed University, Afghanistan. Adopting a mixed-methods process, quantitative analysis of graduate survey responses with qualitative evidence from literature and field observations to assess curriculum relevance, teaching effectiveness, and alignment with labour market needs. Data were gathered from 80 graduates over the past four years using structured questionnaires and the probability sampling method to trace employment status. Descriptive statistics in SPSS were applied to evaluate graduates’ views on curriculum satisfaction, society, practical exposure, and teaching management, as well as the trend of new students and graduation. Results show broad agreement that the curriculum is current and meets expectations, particularly regarding market relevance. However, greater variation in responses related to practical, curriculum structure, and management practices points to areas requiring improvement. Additionally, employment, graduation, and enrolment trends from 2021 to 2025 were analysed. Many alumni are working in government organisations and non-government organisations by their abilities and talents, research discovered, and most of the graduated students are hired in agriculture and the higher ministry education sector. although the number of graduates has decreased in 2025 due to economic difficulties, families’ financial challenges, migration, and lower intake. Furthermore, some have pursued further education. Generally, the consequences show that the curriculum stimulates employability, although it might have more practical components, better institutional connections, and a more market-focused method. The study provides evidence-based recommendations for curriculum improvement that emphasizes the development of practical skills, improved teaching management, and greater collaboration with the labour market.