International Applications of Conservation Agriculture

Catalog description

This 3-credit, graduate-level course examines agricultural systems located in diverse geographical locations across the globe. Select agriculture production systems will be individually investigated to understand the environmental history of the area, creation of active production practices, viability of current methods, and value-added benefits from adding enhanced conservation practices. Science-based development plans will be created for the agriculture systems explored, which will have targeted goals, project objectives, theories to change (opportunities, barriers, planned interventions), implementation strategies, and assessment indicators. Improvement plans for each agriculture system will prioritize conservation practices and reflect on economic strengths and limitations of the region, community considerations, and dietary needs of the local population. Agriculture systems examined will include a diverse grouping of large-scale and small-holder food and fiber systems in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.