Land and farms

The module is divided into four sections. Sequence 1 presents the basic concepts and analytical frameworks for a farm and its operation, including its biophysical, technical, and economic determinants. Sequence 2 takes a closer look at the decision-making processes that underlie the establishment and management of cropping systems within the farm. The last two sequences focus on the regional level. Sequence 3 focuses on representing the diversity of cropping systems and farms, and its application to analyzing the joint dynamics of agricultural uses and water resources in a territory. Sequence 4 addresses the issue of coordinating the technical choices of farms within a territory, with an application to watershed management.

The objectives of the module are to provide students with frameworks for understanding and representing 1) the decision-making processes underlying agricultural practices (cropping systems) at the farm level, and 2) the diversity of agricultural systems and farms at the regional level. These analytical frameworks focus on issues such as assessing the pressures on water resources (quantity and quality), evaluating room for maneuver, and supporting individual or collective decision-making for changing practices.

Required prerequisites*:

EU Water and crop production

Recommended prerequisites:

knowledge of basic agronomy concepts: cropping system, technical itinerary, production function

Assessment: continuous assessment

Examination:

Continuous assessment:

In-class exam, subject combining agronomic and economic approaches

Syllabus:

Management, Farming, Production system, Irrigation, Land, Farming practices