University or other institution: Route To Food Initiative (RTFI)
Course Title: Introduction To Agroecology
Course Developer: Dr. Martin Olulu, Ph.D.,
Course Facilitators: TBD
Welcome Message: Welcome to the introductory course on agroecology (AE) in which you will learn about agroecology and its paradigm-shifting approach to food systems analysis, key principles and practices, and the need to assemble a socio-political movement capable of sustainably transforming the food system. A review and critique of the conventional mode of agricultural production is integrated throughout the course. The knowledge and skills learnt can be applied at personal, professional, community, national, and global levels. The course is divided into five (5) sections and twelve (12) lessons which can be undertaken at one’s own pace. At the end of each lesson, teaching and learning activities (TLAs), further reading materials, and a self-assessment are provided to deepen your learning and engagement with the subject matter. A certificate of completion will be provided for successful accomplishment of the course requirements.
Course Summary: This is an introductory level course on agroecology which examines the challenges facing conventional agriculture and the need to rethink our food systems. It covers the principles and science of agroecology, and highlights strategies for an agroecological transformation in the context of Kenya, other developing countries, and globally.
Audience Description: The course is targeted at decision-makers (both public and private), researchers, civil society organizations (CSOs), youth, women, and the general public.
Delivery Mode: The course is fully online and delivered through a learning management system and hosted on the RTFI Website. Both synchronous (through Zoom, Google Class, etc.) and asynchronous (PowerPoint, pdfs, YouTube videos, etc.) multimedia will be used to deliver the online course. However, if conditions permit, a blended version of the course with face-to-face components will be offered.
Expected Learning Outcomes (ELOs): By the end of this course, participants should be able to:
- Explain the challenges facing conventional agriculture and the current food system.
- Apply systems thinking to analyze issues and offer solutions.
- Implement agroecological principles and practices in their spheres of influence.
- Question the organization and politics of the current food system.
- Design a transition to a more agroecological food system.
*The ELOs follow the revised Bloom’s Taxonomy (Anderson and Krathwohl 2001)