AGROECOLOGY ONLINE COURSE SERIES

Agroecology: Principles & Practice

Now it its second year, the Agroecology Course, is being offered this fall as part of our International Agroecology Online Course Series.

This web-based eight-week course on the the design of biodiverse and sustainable agroecosystems is offered to agricultural professionals (farmers, researchers, extension agents and advanced students). The course will cover the practical aspects of sustainable agriculture such as the role of biodiversity in agriculture, ecological pest management, organic soil management and the design of sustainable agricultural systems through crop diversification schemes.

COURSE DATES:

October 4- November 28, 2004

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:

September 24, 2004

Course Description

The course is organized to provide an understanding of the scientific basis and methodology necessary to design ecologically based sustainable agricultural systems. The goal of agroecological design is an agroecosystem that mimics the structure and function of local natural ecosystems, that is with high species diversity and a biologically active soil, but a system that is also socially equitable, culturally sensitive and economically viable.

During the course we will cover the theoretical and practical aspects of sustainable agriculture such as the role of biodiversity in agriculture, ecological pest management, organic soil management and the design of sustainable agricultural systems through crop diversification schemes. We will also address the social and economic dimensions of agroecology using case studies from developing and industrialized countries.

Course Outline

Unit 1. Introduction to Agroecology

a. Agroecology: concepts and principles
b. Agroecosystem processes

Unit 2. Ecological Crisis of Industrial Agriculture

a. Impact of Pesticides
b. Impact of Transgenic Crops

Unit 3. Ecological Basis of Agroecosystem Management

a. Ecological Role of Biodiversity in Agroecosystems
b. Soil Ecology & Management
c. Ecologically Based Pest Management

Unit 4. Organic Farming

a. Organic Farming Principles
b. Organic Agriculture: The Agroecological Basis of Conversion

Unit 5. Alternative Agriculture

a. Traditional Agriculture in the Developing World
b. Agroforestry
c. Polycultures
d. Permaculture

Unit 6. Examples of Agroecologically Based Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives

a. Case studies in the Developing World
b. Case studies in Europe
c. Case studies in USA

Unit 7. Assessing the Sustainability of Agricultural Systems

Course Structure

The course will consist of seven units which will include weekly reading assignments, slide shows and links to resources that will allow students to explore topics of interest in greater detail. All course material will be available in a secure web site, accessible via a password assigned to each student.

Students will have access to an online library of articles and resources on the course web site that would help them develop a deeper understanding of agroecological design. Throughout the course, students are expected to participate in online discussion groups and explore the various agroecological resources available over the internet by responding to assigned questions and preparing case studies. Course instructors will facilitate discussions in current issues and encourage students to engage in a productive dialogue.

Students who satisfactorily complete all assignments will be awarded a Certificate of Completion in Agroecology from the Agroecology Program, University of California, Berkeley, and the Center for the Study of the Americas (CENSA).

Participants should have reliable access to the Internet and a working knowledge of the English language.

To register, please fill out the course registration form.

For further info please send an e-mail to agroecology@porfyra.com