Sustainable Agriculture Through Agroecology: A Beginner's Guide

Agroecology is a scientific discipline, a set of practices, and a social movement that integrates principles of ecology into agricultural systems. It focuses on the sustainable management of agricultural landscapes by considering the complex interactions between plants, animals, humans, and the environment. Agroecology aims to create farming systems that are environmentally sound, socially just, economically viable, and resilient to climate change. This concept emerged in the early 20th century from scientific and activist circles, as a response to the negative environmental and social impacts of industrial agriculture.

L'Institut Agro Montpellier called on a team of expert researchers and teachers in agronomy, zootechnics, ecology, social sciences, economics, anthropology, genetics, biology, soil science, to help you explore the emergence and the principles of this complex and multidisciplinary field.

What is agroforestry and how can it contribute to agroecology? What role plays animal husbandry in agroecology? What is intercropping and how does this work?

The Agroecology, an introduction course will be an opportunity for you to learn more about the key principles of agroecology such as promoting biodiversity, integrating different components in synergy, energy efficiency, resilience, social responsibility...

How is understood by farmers, politicians, advisors, researchers and other actors, the transition processes to organic agriculture?

What strategies are available to enter the market?

How is agroecology put to the test and implemented in Brazil, Madagascar, France, Burkina Faso, Cambodia or the USA?

Today, agroecology is recognized as a comprehensive approach that integrates science, practice, and social activism. It is seen as a key strategy for addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, and the preservation of biodiversity. The concept has been embraced by various international organizations, including the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which promotes agroecology as a pathway to sustainable food systems.

At the interface of agronomy, ecology and social sciences, this MOOC is open to beginners with an interest in the subject, but also to professionals who want to acquire skills based on the latest advances in research and development, students who want to acquire a scientific grounding, but also to those who want to develop their professional skills.

Learn more about the course here.
L'Institut Agro Montpellier
Enrollment: From July 4, 2024 to July 4, 2025 
Course: From July 4, 2024 to July 4, 2025

Editor's note: The illustration in this article was created using Firefly, an artificial intelligence tool from Adobe.