Agroecology Class

About Course

Welcome to the introductory course on agroecology (AE). This course will introduce you to agroecology’s paradigm-shifting approach to food systems analysis, focusing on its key principles and practices. You will explore how agroecology challenges conventional agricultural methods and promotes a sustainable transformation of the food system. The course also emphasizes the importance of creating a socio-political movement to support these changes. We will review and critique conventional agricultural systems, highlighting their limitations and environmental impact throughout the course.

Agroecology offers a holistic perspective on food systems, addressing ecological, social, and economic aspects. The principles of agroecology will be explored in-depth, with practical strategies for implementing sustainable farming practices. By the end of the course, you will have the knowledge and skills to apply agroecological principles in various contexts, from personal to global levels.

Furthermore, the course is divided into five sections and twelve lessons, which can be completed at your own pace. This flexibility allows you to engage with the material on your schedule. After each lesson, you’ll access activities, readings, and self-assessments to deepen your understanding of the subject.

Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion. The course is fully online, hosted on the RTFI website, and delivered through a learning management system. It combines both synchronous and asynchronous multimedia, including Zoom, Google Classroom, PowerPoint, PDFs, and YouTube videos, to enhance the learning experience.

If conditions allow, we may also offer a blended version of the course, combining online and face-to-face components. This course offers a unique opportunity to understand agroecology, rethink food systems, and explore transformative strategies for agroecological change, both locally and globally.

 

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What Will You Learn?

  • The challenges facing conventional agriculture
  • Agroecology as a holistic and integrated science
  • Agroecology as a set of principles and practices
  • Agroecology as a socio-political movement, and
  • Strategies for transitioning to agroecological food systems

Course Content

Section 1: Introduction to Agroecology
By the end of this lesson, participants should be able to; Define agroecology Understand the evolution of agroecology Identify the principles of agroecology Recognize and demystify common myths about agroecology

Section 2: Introduction to Systems Thinking
By the end of this lesson, participants should be able to; Explain the concept of sustainable development (SD) Understand and apply systems thinking to agriculture and food systems 

Section 3: Agroecosystems
By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to; Understand agroecosystems as part of a broader food system Explain the role of biodiversity and ecosystems in agroecosystems Appraise food systems as integrated agri-eco-food-health systems “Agricultural sustainability doesn't depend on agritechnology. To believe it does is to put the emphasis on the wrong bit of 'agriculture.' What sustainability depends on isn't agri- so much as culture.” - RAJ PATEL

Section 4: Food and Nutrition Security
By the end of this lesson, participants should be able to; Explain the definition and dimensions of food security Identify relevant international conventions, treaties, and declarations on the right to food Understand key enablers of food security  Appraise Kenya’s governance of food and nutrition security (FNS) “To address our current food system problems, I propose a series of local, regional, national and global conversations - starting around the dinner table - to rethink the food we produce, buy and eat” - ELLEN GUSTAFSON

Section 5: Agroecological Practices

Section 6 : Conservation Agriculture and Agroforestry

Section 7: Soil and Water Conservation Practices

Section 8: Weed Management, Pest and Disease Control

Section 9: Introduction to Political Ecology/ Economy

Political Ecology of Modern Agriculture

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Audience

  • The course is targeted at decision-makers (both public and private), researchers, civil society organizations (CSOs), youth, women, and the general public

A Programme of Heinrich Boell Foundation
Prof. Wangari Maathai Road, Nairobi
P.O. Box 10799-00100 GPO Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254 (0)20 760 5300

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