Developing Human Capital for Food Safety: Global Best Practices and Policy Lessons for Azerbaijan
Date Issued
2025
Author(s)
Garashli, Susan
Khidirzada, Nazrin
Gasimova, Seljan
Abstract
This paper explores the shortage of skilled food safety professionals in Azerbaijan and
assesses available policy alternatives to close the human capital gap prevalent in this sector. To
do so, the study relies on qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews with
representatives from the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency (AFSA) and the Azerbaijan Food Safety
Institute (AFSI), and defines key challenges to the problem at hand in terms of 3 problems leading
up to a larger problem of shortage: lack of relevant educational programs, lack of progress in
learning new practical skills, and the lack of institutional human resource development conducive
to career growth and employee retention. Three policy options were evaluated using five criteria:
effectiveness, efficiency, equity, feasibility, and flexibility. The analysis concluded that the most
sustainable and impactful solution lies in establishing specialized undergraduate and graduate
programs in Azerbaijani universities that meet international standards. This solution addresses
the shortage while also offering a high return on investment, enhancing institutional capacity, and
reducing the reliance on external support. The paper also provides actionable recommendations
such as initiating more partnerships to design practical curricula, focusing on teaching global
trends and standards, and providing extra funding for modernization of the study environment and
facilities in support of the implementation of this policy.
assesses available policy alternatives to close the human capital gap prevalent in this sector. To
do so, the study relies on qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews with
representatives from the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency (AFSA) and the Azerbaijan Food Safety
Institute (AFSI), and defines key challenges to the problem at hand in terms of 3 problems leading
up to a larger problem of shortage: lack of relevant educational programs, lack of progress in
learning new practical skills, and the lack of institutional human resource development conducive
to career growth and employee retention. Three policy options were evaluated using five criteria:
effectiveness, efficiency, equity, feasibility, and flexibility. The analysis concluded that the most
sustainable and impactful solution lies in establishing specialized undergraduate and graduate
programs in Azerbaijani universities that meet international standards. This solution addresses
the shortage while also offering a high return on investment, enhancing institutional capacity, and
reducing the reliance on external support. The paper also provides actionable recommendations
such as initiating more partnerships to design practical curricula, focusing on teaching global
trends and standards, and providing extra funding for modernization of the study environment and
facilities in support of the implementation of this policy.