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Agroecology and Sustainable Farming


Course Description

Exploration of the principles and practices of sustainable agriculture and their integration with ecological concepts. Students will develop a deep understanding of how agriculture affects environmental health, economic viability, and social equity. Through lectures, discussions, and self-driven research projects, students will learn how to evaluate sustainability in agriculture.


Athena Title

Sustainable Agriculture


Semester Course Offered

Offered spring


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Student Learning Outcomes

  • Focuses on introducing students to new topics as well as gaining new skills in navigating the scientific literature. The main outcomes for learners are:
  • Define and explain the principles of sustainable agriculture and their relationship with ecological, environmental, social, and economic sciences.
  • Understand the concept of agroecology and its role in promoting resilient and sustainable food systems including as part of climate change adaptation and maintaining food security.
  • Gain confidence in reading, interpreting, and summarizing concepts from primary literature (scientific papers).
  • Build presentation and discussion skills (both written and oral) about sustainable agriculture.
  • Acquire a breadth of basic knowledge of the different topics that shape sustainable agroecology by generating a written body documenting self-driven research on a topic of your choosing within sustainable agriculture.

Topical Outline

  • Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture and Ecology • Definition of sustainable agriculture and its importance • Historical context and evolution of agricultural practices • Principles of agroecology and their relationship to ecological concepts • Systems thinking in agriculture: understanding interconnections
  • Environmental Impacts of Agriculture • Comparison of conventional vs. sustainable agriculture: ecological, social, and economic impacts • Soil erosion, water pollution, and other environmental challenges • Land sparing vs land sharing
  • Sustainable Agricultural Systems • Organic farming principles and practices • Permaculture design and implementation • Agroforestry and silvopasture systems • Urban agriculture, hydroponics, and rooftop gardening
  • Soil, Water, and Waste • Soil degradation and erosion prevention, cover cropping, and crop rotation • Composting, secondary products, and food waste • Soil and water testing and nutrient management • Water consumption and water policy
  • Crops, Countries, and Industries • Case studies of certain example crops, industries, and countries • Students generate and choose project ideas
  • Biodiversity and Conservation in Agriculture • Importance of biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems • Habitat restoration and wildlife-friendly farming practices • Integrating native plants and pollinators in agricultural landscapes
  • Agroecology and Resilient Food Systems • Principles of agroecology: diversity, efficiency, and resilience • Food sovereignty and security in a changing climate • Case studies of agroecological projects around the world
  • Sustainable Agriculture and Global Challenges • Climate change and its impacts on agriculture • Mitigation and adaptation strategies for sustainable agriculture • Role of sustainable agriculture in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
  • Policies and Regulations • Government policies and incentives for sustainable agriculture • International agreements and organizations promoting sustainable agriculture • Barriers to implementing sustainable agriculture and potential solutions
  • Project Work, Finals Review, and Presentations

Syllabus