AGRI302084 Ethnopedology, ethnometeorology and ethnoclimatology: Local knowledge about soil, weather and climate change

Type
Lecture and seminar
Semester hours
2
Lecturer (assistant)
Seidel, Sabine , Schunko, Christoph
Organisation
Organic Farming
Offered in
Wintersemester 2026/27
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

Ethnopedology, ethnometeorology and ethnoclimatology are essential for understanding how local communities perceive and interrelate with soils, weather and climate. These fields of research explore related knowledge, practices and beliefs of local communities, offering critical insights into past and future trajectories of agricultural systems that are aligned with cultural and socio-ecological contexts.
In the winter term of 2026, this course focuses on climate change impacts on agricultural systems as one of the most prominent drivers of changes in agriculture and food systems. The seminar highlights the significance of an interdisciplinary investigation of climate change to properly understand and address climate change impacts and adaptation in (organic) agricultural systems. Therefore, in this semester, introduction and discussion of local communities and farmers' knowledge of climatic changes and climate change adaptation is complemented by natural scientific perspectives. Moreover, we examine how local knowledge is addressed and incorporated into global climate change research and policy.
The course combines theoretical insights gained from reading and discussion with the practical application of the learnings in case studies, which are to be selected by students from around the globe. The case studies allow students to examine the multi-dimensional impact of climate change on agricultural systems and how farmers adapt to changing socio-ecological conditions.
Previous knowledge expected

No specific previous knowledge expected.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to
•understand the significance of local knowledge systems in farmers’ soil management and perception and adaptation to climate change
•embrace the complexity of soil management and climate change adaptation as multi-dimensional processes that require integrating socio-cultural and ecological perspectives
•critically evaluate and synthesise information from diverse sources, including scientific literature and non-scientific materials, into case studies
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.