Tropical Agricultural Ecology?
| Numbering Code | G-AGR05 7EA09 LE85 | Year/Term | 2022 ・ Intensive, First semester |
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| Number of Credits | 2 | Course Type | Lecture |
| Target Year | Target Student | ||
| Language | Japanese and English | Day/Period | Intensive |
| Instructor name |
HIGUCHI HIROKAZU (Graduate School of Agriculture Professor) KONDO TOMOHIRO (Graduate School of Agriculture Associate Professor) |
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| Outline and Purpose of the Course | General characteristics of natural environment in the tropics, mainly in Southeast Asia and East Africa, are explained. After that, dynamics of farming systems in recent years and various issues regarding crop production, such as changes in agricultural resources and future perspectives of sustainable agriculture in the tropics are discussed. Students study basis of agricultural ecology in the tropics. | ||
| Course Goals |
To know the newest knowledge on agriculture, agricultural ecology, agricultural systems and agricultural environment in the tropics, to be able to discuss about agricultural production and environmental issues in the tropics, which influence global future, based on the data, and to be able to explain clearly global scale issues on agricultural production and environment. |
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| Schedule and Contents |
Environmental characteristics of the tropics (3 sessions) The sessions will explain the weather characteristics of the tropics, mainly Southeast Asia and East Africa, with a focus on the rainfall patterns and their changes in recent years, as well as the factors behind the changes. Soil characteristics of the tropics will also be discussed. Land use and farming dynamics (4 sessions) The transformations of land use and farming systems that have been accelerating in recent years due to various factors and their relationship to weather conditions will be described in detail, with a focus on Mainland Southeast Asia. "Intensification," "diversification," and "sustainability" will be used as key concepts. Changes in agricultural resources (4 sessions) These sessions will provide a detailed explanation of agricultural resources in the tropics and their characteristics, their changes in recent years, and how these changes relate to land use, farming systems, and agricultural production. The future of sustainable agricultural production in tropical regions (4 sessions) Following a comprehensive analysis of recent changes in land use, farming dynamics, agricultural resources, and the impact of climate change, the future of sustainable agricultural production in the tropics will be explained with "food production" and "environmental conservation" as key concepts. |
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| Evaluation Methods and Policy | Evaluation will be based on reports and attendance. | ||
| Course Requirements |
It is desirable, although not required, that students have completed Tropical Agriculture in the Faculty of Agriculture. |
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| Study outside of Class (preparation and review) |
Students are expected to study beforehand. Especially, it is recommended to review the contents of “Tropical Agriculture” and “Soil Science” on the undergraduate level. There are several opportunities for group presentation. At that time, students are expected to discuss with the group members for the preparation. |
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