WISO302098 Livelihood system dynamics in rural development

Type
Lecture and seminar
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Hauser, Michael
Organisation
Development Research
Offered in
Sommersemester 2026
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

Farmers in precarious conditions have a remarkable capacity for survival. This survival behaviour is reflected in the agricultural technologies they use, how they relate to neighbours and communities, and how they form political opinions about agriculture and food. Though sometimes tricky for researchers to parse, they strongly influence people's transition readiness in complex environments. In other words, livelihood circumstances affect disadvantaged people's ability to manage change and improve their well-being. What resources constitute the material, human, and social foundation for survival? How can farmers and those depending on off-farm income be supported in improving their well-being and adapting to change, especially considering the risks and uncertainties that dominate human choices? Third, it develops students' understanding of how development interventions can become workable for people in precarious conditions. To achieve these objectives, the course synthesises the latest thinking from systems theory, biology, social sciences, and practical experiences in rural development. Livelihoos dynamics are examined through a social systems lens; we highlight how communication, sense-making, and decision-making processes shape behaviour within households, communities, markets, and organisations — all interconnected social systems. The course offers students an in-depth perspective on how people manage livelihoods based on agriculture and natural resources, and introduces additional concepts to help students understand transformation processes in agriculture and food systems. This foundation enables students to recognise the barriers to change that must be overcome to ensure access to healthy foods, income and wellbeing.
Previous knowledge expected

Participants should be interested in concepts related to livelihoods, food systems, and transitions in complex environments. Active participation in discussions, group work, and online check-ins is expected, along with a willingness to read, listen to podcast episodes, and watch online resources. Additionally, students should be committed to a mini-study project.

This course is the first of three and offers students insights into the management of farm and food system transitions in complex environments. The other two courses are Facilitating change for sustainable development (AGRI302099) and Participatory methods in development research and practice (AGRI302101).
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

1. Describe key concepts for understanding human behaviour in complex environments.
2. Explain the value of systems approaches for understanding farm and food system changes.
3. Apply the livelihood system perspectives to a sector and case relevant to your discipline (e.g., organic farming, agroforestry, horticulture, etc).
4. Debate critical lessons from a farm and food systems perspective, especially for sustainability.y.
5. Propose applications of systemic perspectives when managing farm and food system transitions. Summarise the challenges and opportunities of the livelihoods perspective.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.