Module ENS-4305:
Agroforestry Systems & Prac.
Agroforestry Systems and Practices 2024-25
ENS-4305
2024-25
School of Environmental & Natural Sciences
Module - Semester 1
15 credits
Module Organiser:
Bid Webb
Overview
The Agroforestry Systems and Practices module offers a comprehensive examination of a holistic approach to land management, blending agriculture and forestry practices to establish more sustainable and productive land use systems. This module examines the fundamental principles of ecological interactions, exploring agroforestry practices globally, and delving into the associated social, economic, and ecosystem benefits.
The inherent multifunctionality of agroforestry renders it an exciting and promising strategy for fostering sustainable development across diverse regions worldwide. Through this course, you will develop an understanding of how to assess agro-ecological and socio-ecological interactions, examining their benefits for individuals, communities, and the broader environment within a systems thinking framework. You will acquire practical skills in the development and design of agroforestry interventions.
Assessment in this module involves two applied reports. The first report entails the identification, classification, and description of a land-use and livelihood system. The second report takes the form of a consultant design report, providing a platform for you to showcase your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Topics in this module include:
- Agroforestry classification
- Biophysical principles and interactions
- Agroforestry design through ‘options by context’
- Agroforestry and livelihood systems
- Agricultural components of agroforestry systems
- Temperate and tropical agroforestry system
- Agroforestry and conservation -
Assessment Strategy
-threshold -- (C) show a basic ability to classify and describe agroforestry practices based upon their components and their various spatial and/or temporal arrangements. - be able to evaluate some key agro-ecological and social-ecological interactions in agroforestry systems. - be able to somewhat demonstrate and justify how agroforestry practices can contribute to ecosystem service provision at multiple scales of analysis. - be able to somewhat interpret the scope and limitations of agroforestry practices taking into account local ecological and socio-economic conditions and use these to design an agroforestry case using options-by-context.
Good -- (B) show a strong ability to classify and describe agroforestry practices based upon their components and their various spatial and/or temporal arrangements. - be able to evaluate most key agro-ecological and social-ecological interactions in agroforestry systems. - be able to mostly demonstrate and justify how agroforestry practices can contribute to ecosystem service provision at multiple scales of analysis. - be able to interpret the scope and limitations of agroforestry practices well taking into account local ecological and socio-economic conditions and use these to design an agroforestry case using options-by-context.
Excellent --(A) show an excellent ability to classify and describe agroforestry practices based upon their components and their various spatial and temporal arrangements. - be able to evaluate all key agro-ecological and social-ecological interactions in agroforestry systems. - be able to to fully demonstrate and justify how agroforestry practices can contribute to ecosystem service provision at multiple scales of analysis. - be able to interpret the scope and limitations of agroforestry practices excellently taking into account local ecological and socio-economic conditions and use these to design an agroforestry case using options-by-context.
Learning Outcomes
- Classify and analyse agroforestry practices based upon their components and their various spatial and temporal arrangements.
- Critically evaluate the scope and limitations of agroforestry practices taking into account local ecological and socio-economic conditions and use these to design an agroforestry case using a options-by-context approach.
- Evaluate the key agro-ecological and social-ecological interactions in agroforestry systems.
- Summarise and justify how agroforestry practices can contribute to ecosystem service provision at multiple scales of analysis.
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Livelihood and Land use (LLU) diagram. You will need to produce a diagram based on a case study that visually depicts the livelihoods and land use system and how the component parts interact. This is complemented by a report expanding on the functioning of the system.
Weighting
40%
Due date
15/12/2024
Assessment method
Report
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Practitioner Activity: Agroforestry Design. This is a consultant report recommending agroforestry interventions to meet stated/assumed objectives. The written component will justify the design and expand on the implementation process.
Weighting
60%
Due date
19/01/2025
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Formative
Description
Critical analysis and review of a paper. This will involve identifying and analysing lines of argument and reasoning and critically reviewing the strengths and weaknesses. It will be a combination of visual and written analysis.
Weighting
0%