Agroecologist Education for Sustainable Development of Farming and Food Systems

• Published in: Agronomy journal 2017-01, Vol.109 (1), p.23-32
• Main Authors: Francis, C. A., Jensen, E. S., Lieblein, G., Breland, T. A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agricultural Science; Ecology; Ekologi; Environmental Sciences related to Agriculture and Land-use; Jordbruksvetenskap; Miljö- och naturvårdsvetenskap
• ISSN: 0002-1962; 1435-0645; 1435-0645
• DOI: 10.2134/agronj2016.05.0267

Core Ideas Ecological principles are applied in design of future farming systems. Close working relationships with farmers and other stakeholders are essential to education. Educational programs will develop autonomous and social learners. Local food systems provide an alternative to growing globalization of food. Graduate study in agroecology prepares students for responsible action in the future. Twelve educational strategies for future agroecologists are based on experiences in Nordic universities, with priorities informed by six propositions about future resource challenges. The principal objective is student learning for future challenges and contributions to sustainable development of farming and food systems, including practice in acquiring capacities needed for responsible future action. The heart of the program is learning to apply ecological principles in design of farming and food systems, using multi‐criteria evaluation for prioritizing sustainability challenges, and measuring ex‐ante success of transition. Working closely with farming and food system stakeholders in design and implementation of learning environment is essential, plus recognizing contributions of farmers and food system professionals as vital to education for design of future systems. Holistic approaches integrate multiple disciplines, and combine technologies developed through science with those discovered in the field. Students’ prior experiences also contribute to activities in the learning landscape, and important skills are developed for autonomous and lifelong learning. Practices from organic farming and other alternative farming strategies provide useful examples, and local food systems represent one viable option that can potentially reduce food distance and food waste, and thus contribute to food security and food sovereignty. Capacities to deal with difficult challenges are developed by each student in agroecology and related courses, including observation, participation, reflection, dialogue, and visioning. These capacities are applied while completing a thesis project using natural science and social science methods that affirm their skills and prepare students well for responsible action in a complex and uncertain future.