EDS352 Agroecology and Food Systems

This course is about the principles of agroecology and sustainable agri-food system development from the local to the global level. The course is built around four interconnected modules:

• Agriculture as social-ecological systems
• Cropping systems
• Soil, water, energy
• Livestock systems

The first module lays out an interdisciplinary framework for studying agroecology and agricultural systems. The framework draws on ecology, agronomy, sustainability science, rural sociology, anthropology, and philosophy of science. Across modules, we assess social and environmental outcomes of practices and policies according to three dimensions: Productivity; Environmental sustainability; Social equality.

In all modules, we present case studies that exemplify important agricultural practices and production systems, development pathways and debates about the role of technology and politics in agricultural development. Topics covered include the environmental effects of agri-food systems, agroecology, sustainable intensification, cropping systems, agrobiodiversity, seed supply systems, crop and livestock breeding, integrated pest management, integrated soil fertility and water management, integrated crop-livestock systems, energy-flows, knowledge systems, knowledge politics in agricultural research for development, the political economy and governance of agricultural development.

The objective of this course is to provide knowledge about fundamental aspects and key debates about agri-food system transformation.

The course is taught by a group of agriculture, agroecology and development scholars at Noragric.

Knowledge: The student is able to understand agriculture and agroecology as a system with emphasis on ecological principles (agro-ecosystems) with sustainability, productivity and social outcomes. The student shall acquire knowledge about key approaches to sustainable agriculture and their ecological and agronomic principles.

Skills: The student can analyze and deal critically with various sources of information and research literatures and use them to formulate scholarly arguments about different approaches and methods in agroecology/agricultural research and development. The student can apply this knowledge to carry out assignments and research projects (including a master thesis within the topic). The student understands the principles of a range of agroecological approaches and will be able to assess their appropriateness in different contexts.