Program Overview
Agriculture and environmental science have traditionally been seen as separate subjects, but many of today’s problems – and career opportunities – require an understanding of both. Climate change, nitrate pollution and greenhouse gas emissions are some of the environmental issues that have an effect on the production of crops and animals, either directly (e.g. warmer temperatures) or indirectly (e.g. environmental regulations that affect land management). In turn, one of the most challenging global problems we face is how to reduce our impact on the environment while maintaining food – and increasingly – biofuel supplies. The Environmental and Agriculture Program seeks to enable students to work toward a sustainable society and to improve the quality of life on earth.
Developments in the rural economy have placed increased emphasis on conservation, biodiversity and the aesthetic appeal of the countryside. Highly skilled people who can reconcile the conflict between commercial food production and environmental considerations are in constant demand. This course brings together PAID-WA’s expertise in agriculture and environmental management and will provide you with a thorough understanding of the science and technology associated with sustainable agricultural production systems. It also evaluates the impact of agricultural activities on the environment and identifies ways of minimizing it. Students learn the foundations of environmental science and investigate the ethical, sociopolitical, cultural, and economic aspects of environmental issues. In addition, they gain knowledge about plant production and post-harvest valorization, the sustainable management of forests and livestock production.
Many students augment their classroom work with internships, research and service learning opportunities with a nearby town or one of the many strong non-governmental organizations located around the country, or in public agencies. Others study environmental and agricultural topics abroad. The course prepares graduates for postgraduate studies in the management of environmental resources and agricultural development. The course includes field trips, interaction with agri-environmental organizations including local conventional and organic farms and companies specializing in agri-environmental consultancy and research. The Institute has its own farm with a poultry enterprise and land managed to provide environmental benefits.
Main Objectives
To meet the needs for those who are committed to environmental issues, passionate about agriculture and the rural community development.
Expected learning outcomes
As a graduate you are, among other things, able to:
- Demonstrate quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and skills to solve contemporary problems related environment and agriculture
- Assist in sound policy development and implementation.
- To address issues of the competing needs of diverse clientele and communities relating to crop and livestock production, and environmental management.
- Provide a basic account and evaluation of current research theories in connection with sustainable natural resource management and food security in developing countries. Identify research interest in problems related to environment and agriculture for postgraduate studies.
Program Duration
Three years full time.
At the end of year two, students will undertake internship/industrial placement while during year three students will undertake a research project, giving them the opportunity to tackle some of the current challenges that we face in the agricultural and environmental sciences.
Target Audience
Farm managers, members of government and nongovernmental organizations in the environment and agriculture sector, and students.
Career Opportunities
Graduates can pursue careers in the fields of agricultural production as well as in the professional management of environment and natural resources. They find work in the administration of economical and technical management of agricultural companies, sustainable development of forests, soil conservation and planning, quality certification, waste management, processing, marketing, and distribution of food products