Survey and interactions with stakeholders for transition in rural and tropical areas

Teacher(s)

Baret Philippe; Defourny Pierre (coordinator);

Language

French

Prerequisites

This course is only open to final-year students authorized to begin their master's thesis.

Main themes

The course covers the following topics:

• complexity of activity systems involving local actors in temperate or tropical environments, and diversity of reference frameworks;
• analysis of strategies adopted by stakeholders in local development and/or transition processes;
• strengths and limitations of projects and programs as development tools;
• qualitative methods, participatory survey practices, and rapid appraisals;
• paradigm of participation and legitimacy of interventions;
• analysis of the institutional environment and the role of the bioengineer in intervention logics;
• critical analysis of problem-solving practices and knowledge transfer through actual situations.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	a. Contribution to the program’s learning outcomes (LO): M1.4, M1.5, M2.5, M3.6, M4.1, M4.4, M5.3, M5.9 b. Specific learning outcomes for this course: At the end of this activity, the student will be able to: understand the complexity and diversity of stakeholder systems and their reference frameworks; acquire reflective analysis skills concerning the practices implemented; develop know-how related to observation, understanding, and characterization of local realities through qualitative survey methods and participatory diagnostics, including the economic and social dimensions of agro-sylvo-pastoral production systems, issues of socio-ecological transition or local development; position the bioengineer’s intervention within its broader technical and institutional framework, whether in tropical regions or in Europe.

Content

The course is based on personal preparation for each session through a portfolio of required readings and active participation in seven sessions that alternate between methodological contributions, guest lectures, and discussions. An original dynamic is implemented to encourage individual contributions and a collective process that fosters the development of a constructive critical mindset. A reflective teaching approach is emphasized through peer interaction and the development of attitudes. Attendance at all classes is mandatory, and additional work will be required in case of absence.
This course also supports, through its learning outcomes, the implementation and/or contextualization of the master's thesis process carried out in a Global South country and/or in connection with local stakeholders in both the Global North and South.

Teaching methods

See above – Given the teaching method, the course will not be held if there are fewer than seven participants.
The schedule shown is indicative and subject to change depending on the constraints of the participants.

Evaluation methods

Student assessment is based on course participation, session reports, and the presentation of a personal project that simulates a real-life situation requiring application of all acquired learning outcomes (case study linked to the thesis or another practical experience).

Other information

This course is aimed at any master's student who, as part of their thesis or future career plans, wishes to gain a better understanding of the realities of rural life in countries in the Global South or in industrialized countries through interactions with local stakeholders.
This course may be taught in English. 

Online resources

Moodle

Teaching materials

• Un portefeuille de lecture obligatoire est constitué au fil du cours. A portfolio of required readings is developed throughout the course.

Faculty or entity

> AGRO