Rural Development and Agro-forestry PG (8762.4)

The unit will introduce and discuss theories and approaches to rural development and agro-forestry. It will also introduce the students to the role of rural development in achieving sustainable livelihoods and positive change in rural communities. The unit will explore the impact of agro-forestry practices on farming and land-use systems. It will examine the strengths, shortcomings and impact of rural development and agro-forestry interventions adopted by development agencies and communities at local and regional levels. To enhance the students' knowledge and skills in dealing with rural development and agro-forestry issues, the unit will introduce and critically examine the impact of structural adjustment programs in developing countries. It will also introduce and examine rapid rural appraisal techniques, the concepts and practices of sustainable livelihood framework and agro-forestry extension approaches and techniques.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the key theoretical perspectives and approaches to rural development and agro-forestry, and be able to contribute to debates and knowledge development related to the advancement of the rural sector;
2. Understand and discuss critically the strengths and weaknesses of different rural development policies and approaches, and agro-forestry initiatives;
3. Demonstrate operational skills needed to work successfully with rural communities and other stakeholders such as development agencies;
4. Develop relevant frameworks and mechanisms to accommodate modern science and indigenous knowledge, while achieving sustainable development and maintaining ecological balance; and
5. Demonstrate the skills required to articulate and present critique appropriate for studies at post-graduate level.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None.

Incompatible units

None

Equivalent units

None

Assumed knowledge

None.