Sustainability & Agriculture ((4 Credits))

Catalog description

In this interdisciplinary study, students investigate efforts to create systems of sustainable agriculture in both the developed and the developing world. Students examine current and traditional agricultural practices and their use of water, soil and other resources from a critical sustainability perspective. Students also learn about economic, political, social and technological forces that influence agriculture and efforts to move agricultural practices in a sustainable direction. According to the UN, the world's population is projected to grow from roughly 7 billion people today to over 9 billion people in 2050. Feeding an additional 2 billion people will put further stresses on the environment, particularly water and soil resources. In addition, many people in the developing world as well as some in the developed world are struggling today to maintain healthy diets. Upon the completion of this course, students shall be able to: 1. Assess the differences between practices of sustainable agriculture and traditional agricultural practices and evaluate the different impacts on resource depletion. 2. Explain the challenges that developing countries face in ensuring food security and evaluate whether sustainable agricultural practices might improve food security in developing countries. 3. Compare innovative practices in sustainable agriculture, particularly related to soil and water, and explain how some organizations and countries are succeeding in using sustainable agriculture.