Diverse Farming Systems

Diverse Farming Systems

In this multidisciplinary course, we will critically explore intersecting literature on agroecology, biodiversity, ecosystem services, diversified farming systems, agroforestry, and farmers' livelihoods. The course's first part will focus on applying ecological theory to diverse farming systems, particularly intercropping and agroforestry. The second part will emphasize biodiversity in terms of how agricultural landscapes affect biodiversity and how biodiversity contributes to the sustainability, productivity, and resilience of agroecosystems and farming communities. Finally, the last part will discuss the concept of "the new peasantries" as developed by van der Ploeg (2009), its connection with diverse farming systems, and the rural social movements that promote diverse farming systems, agroecology, and food sovereignty.

School(s)/College(s)
Environment and Sustainability
Course Number(s) UM Course ID Academic Level Credits Sustainability Category*
EAS 553 046241 Graduate 4.0 Sustainability-Focused

Academic Terms

YearSession(s)
2026Fall
2025Fall
2024Fall