New Water Cons. and Climate Smart Ag. Electives Sept. 4

8 Weeks: September 4 – October 29, 2012
Prerequisites: OL 342.

Water Conservation and Management. A shortage of water or unreliable access to water is one of the biggest issues in development. Community water sources dry up during climate change related drought—or seasonally during the dry season.

There is competition among different segments of the community for available water. Discussing community water challenges calls for stepping back from the immediate problem and looking at the relevant underlying causes for the shortage of water in order to begin developing solutions.

This past quarter CSDi has seen a number of water related partner projects worldwide. We are seeing tremendous similarities between the projects: not enough water, too much water—and contaminated water. These challenges lead to reduced harvests, reduced income, reduced food security and nutrition, chronic ill health from waterborne disease, and flooding.

Agricultural families suffer from widespread malnutrition caused by climate variability—including extreme drought that reduces crop yields & negatively impacts livestock. These challenges exacerbate the already complex problem of poverty due to a lack of agricultural income. Combined, they lead to chronically malnourished and frequently ill children—and an inability to purchase food and pay for children’s education and health care.

The solutions that students have been developing include a community-based water use management plan. Community members will first develop a participatory mapping of water resources and uses, and then consult with a water management expert to develop a participatory process and training program for developing the water use management plan.

The course includes an overview of water conservation techniques complete with downloadable manuals and field guides for each technique. See the full syllabus.

8 Weeks: September 4 – October 29, 2012
Prerequisites: OL 342.

Climate Smart Agriculture. Depleted soils, unreliable access to water, outmoded agricultural practices and a lack of coping strategies for adapting to a changing climate are leading to reduced agricultural productivity, income generation, and food security for smallholder farmers worldwide.

This past year CSDi has participated in a number of agricultural partner projects worldwide. We are seeing tremendous similarities between the projects: eroded topsoil, gullys, not enough water, too much water, drought, and a lack of knowledge of effective techniques for adapting to a changing climate. These challenges lead to reduced harvests, reduced income, and reduced food security.

Agricultural families suffer from widespread malnutrition caused by a changing climate. These challenges exacerbate the already complex problem of poverty due to a lack of agricultural income. Combined, they lead to chronically malnourished and frequently ill children—and an inability to purchase food and pay for children’s education and health care.

The solutions that students have been developing for their projects include a community-based Climate Smart Agricultural Program. In OL 333 students and their community members will first develop a participatory mapping of crop systems, and soil and water resources, and then consult with an expert in soil, water and agriculture to develop a participatory training process for developing a Climate Smart Agricultural Program specific to their local context.

The course includes an overview of climate smart agricultural practices complete with downloadable manuals and field guides for each technique. See the full syllabus.