Agrarian systems and farm

Teacher(s)

Lobet Guillaume;

Language

French
> English-friendly

Prerequisites

(confirmed)
Courses in biology, ecology, biosphere engineering, economics, soil science for the first three years of the bioengineering program or equivalent.

Main themes

Study of the diversity and the spatial and temporal evolution of agrarian systems, in order to understand their functioning and dysfunction, the cause and nature of their evolution. Analysis of current systems and search for sustainable solutions.
Origin of agriculture. Evolutionary dynamics of agrarian systems. Sustainability of agrarian systems and impact of the agroecosystem on the environment and human societies. Necessary conditions for the functioning of agrarian systems: tools, manpower, fertility renewal, plant-animal interactions. Methodology for the study of the dynamics of agrarian systems, their balance or dysfunction: ecological, economic, social and political causes of the genesis, evolution and collapse of the systems over the course of history. Search for new balances.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	a. Contribution of the activity to the AA standard (AA of the program) To know and understand a base of in-depth knowledge in the field of agrarian systems (M1.1, M1.2, M2.4, M2.5) Activate and mobilize its engineering knowledge according to a quantitative approach, in the face of a complex agronomic problem on a system-wide scale (M1.1, M1.2, M2.4, M2.5) Propose a rigorous and innovative scientific approach to deepen a research problem in the field of agrarian systems (M1.3, M3.3, M3.7, M3.8). Design and implement a complete and innovative engineering approach (M4.1 to M4.7) Communicate (M6.1, M6.3, M6.7) Act as a responsible actor (M7.1, M7.3) b. Specific wording for this A.A. activity in the program (maximum 10) At the end of this activity, the student is able to : 1 : M1 know and understand the functioning of agrarian systems and their impact environmental 2: M2 mobilize knowledge critically in the face of a complex problem on the scale of the agro-ecosystem, integrating the disciplines of agronomy, ecology, geography, climatology, technology, economics, sociology, agricultural policy, etc. 3: M3 be able to formulate a research question related to the functioning of the agrarian system, and design and implement a methodology to answer it 4: M4 strategically distinguish the key elements relating to a complex issue of the functioning/dysfunction of an agrarian system 5: M4 analyze this question using a systemic and multidisciplinary approach in order to make a diagnosis. 6: M4 be able to conceptualize the issues raised 7 : M6 understand and exploit scientific articles specialized in the course themes 8 : M6 pose a complex problem in a synthetic way 9 : M7 demonstrate intellectual independence, take a critical look at the impact of global and specific practices of agro-ecosystems. 10 : M7 integrating humanistic values, cultural openness and solidarity in the analysis of agro-ecosystems

Content

Itinerant agriculture and sedentarization. Hydraulic systems. Mountain agriculture. Fallow systems. Fallow land systems. Mechanization, chemization, genetic improvement. Transport and globalization. Conventional agriculture. Sustainable agriculture and transition systems. Organic agriculture. Conservation agriculture. Agroecology. Permaculture.

Teaching methods

Lectures with concrete examples, case studies, guided questions.
Presentations by field practicioners. 
Scientific publications of international general or specialized journals, book chapters, documentaries, etc.

Evaluation methods

Group project, done during the year, on transversal and synthesis questions, where the student will have to demonstrate analytical and critical thinking skills based on specific knowledge acquired in teaching.

Online resources

Moodle

Bibliography

Nombreuses références bibliographiques mentionnées dans les montages powerpoint fournis.

Teaching materials

• Support(s) de cours obligatoire : Montages powerpoint disponibles sur Moodle. Supports complémentaires facultatifs: Mazoyer et Roudard, 2002. Histoire des agricultures du monde FAO, 2001. Systèmes d'exploitation agricole et pauvreté

Faculty or entity

> AGRO