933343 Local knowledge and ethnobiology in organic farming

Type
Seminar
Semester hours
4
Lecturer (assistant)
Ahrendt, Marten Johannes , Schunko, Christoph , Vogl, Christian R.
Organisation
Offered in
Wintersemester 2024/25
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

Organic farming was initially developed through experiments and innovations by farmers and consumers and only later supported by science and politics. Still today major developments are driven by organic farmers themselves. Such farmer-driven developments stem from farmers’ place-based and culturally-shaped understandings of socio-ecological processes in their environment and manifest in local knowledge systems, which include farmers’ knowledge, practices, and beliefs. This seminar explores the concept of local knowledge – and the related discipline of ethnobiology – and its value for the sustainable management of natural resources, especially in organic farming. It introduces the concept, addresses the dynamics of local knowledge systems, highlights options for conservation and the links and possible bridges between local and scientific knowledge systems. Moreover, the seminar discusses the research approaches and methods needed to appropriately investigate local knowledge systems.
Previous knowledge expected

None.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to
•explain the concept, relevance and practical potential of local knowledge systems, particularly for organic farming;
•design and evaluate research methodologies for investigating local knowledge;
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.