Module: Organic Farming in the Tropics and Subtropics (3405-410)

Persons:

• Dr. Sabine Zikeli (verantwortlich)

Degree Program:

• Organic Agriculture and Food Systems (Master, since 01.10.2014)
  3. Semester, elective
• Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics and Subtropics (until WS 2018/19) (Master, since 01.10.2014)
  3. Semester, elective
• Agricultural Sciences in the Tropics and Subtropics (from WS 2019/20 on) (Master, since 01.10.2019)
  3. Semester, elective
• Bioeconomy (Master, since 01.10.2014)
  3. Semester, elective
• Bioeconomy (starting WS 16/17) (Master, since 01.04.2017)
  3. Semester, elective

Relation to other Modules:

Having studied this module in combination with several other modules for organic farming the student will have a good basis for a profession in international marketing and consulting for organic farming, in certification or extension services for organic agriculture.

Prerequisites for Attendance:

This module requires basic knowledge in plant and animal production on the level of a Bachelor-degree in agriculture.

Sprache:

English

ECTS:

6 credits

Frequency:

every winter semester

Length of the Module:

1 semester

Final examination:

Written exam (100 %)

Length of the examination:

120 minutes

Workload:

56 h presence + 104 h preparation at home + exam = 160 h workload

Professional competences:

After completing this module, students understand the basic principles of Organic Farming and they are familiar with the specific challenges of its application in tropical and subtropical countries. The students comprehend the role of certification in organic farming and the specific systems that are implemented for smallholders in developing countries. In addition, the students are proficient in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches of organic farming systems, the interactions between animal husbandry and crop production, in particular for smallholder farms.

Key competences:

During preparation for the exam and while preparing and following up on lectures, students practice time management and self-reliance. They learn and practice critical and analytical thinking, while writing essays and seminar papers enhances their scientific articulateness. Through the compilation and interpretation of information from stakeholder interviews during the excursions, students practice and improve their capability of exploring settings from agricultural practice and food processing and their link to science.

Courses