Agroecology: Working with the complexity of farming systems
The aim of this course is to provide students interested in global development with an introduction to the analysis of complex farming systems.
Information from the course leader
Welcome to the Agroecology online course 2026!
**Agroecology: Working with the complexity of farming systems (SLU: LB0121; **NMBU: PAE301; HU: AEKO301)
Course dates: 19 January – 23 March 2026
This online course is based on real case studies of agroecological systems in different parts of the Global South and North. This is a 7.5 credits course on 50% speed. Even if this is a fully online course, we have delivery deadlines that will require your attention. All communication is conducted through Canvas.
Please note that this course uses a student-centred learning approach, meaning group work over internet, no use of recorded or live lectures, use of peer feedback and reflective exercises (e.g reflective diary) throughout the whole course.
This is a unique course based on a long-term collaboration between SLU, NMBU in Norway, KU in Denmark, and HU in Helsinki. The possibility to share experiences and knowledge with students from other Nordic universities has been greatly appreciated by our students.
In this course, you will learn an approach to work systemically with complex farming situations. You will not only learn how to systemically analyse a particular farm case study, but also practice methods for describing and analysing the case and its goals, as well as train in analysing and suggesting improvements. Using the case, you will have the opportunity to explore the complexity of agroecology using concepts such as systems, multi-functionality and ecosystem services.
The course is divided into 7 modules running for approximately two months. The course will include group assignments over internet as well as individual work. Key readings will be given in all modules to help support the learning activities with theoretical information.
The course schedule will be published one month before course start in Canvas, but be prepared for a compulsory Zoom session on the first day of the course.
**Contact: **Margarita Cuadra (course leader) margarita.cuadra@slu.se or Theresé Engvall (vice-course leader) therese.engvall@slu.se
Course evaluation
Additional course evaluations for LB0121
Academic year 2024/2025
Agroecology: Working with the complexity of farming systems (LB0121-30171)
2025-01-20 - 2025-03-24
Academic year 2023/2024
Agroecology: Working with the complexity of farming systems (LB0121-30312)
2024-01-15 - 2024-03-19
Academic year 2022/2023
Agroecology: Working with the complexity of farming systems (LB0121-30110)
2023-01-16 - 2023-02-15
Academic year 2021/2022
Agroecology: Working with the complexity of farming systems (LB0121-30219)
2022-01-17 - 2022-02-17
Syllabus and other information
Syllabus
LB0121 Agroecology: Working with the complexity of farming systems, 7.5 Credits
Agroekologi: Att arbeta med komplexitet i lantbruksystemSubjects
Agricultural ScienceEducation cycle
Master’s levelModules
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Single module | 7.5 | 0101 |
Advanced study in the main field
Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirementsMaster’s level (A1N)
Grading scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Language
EnglishPrior knowledge
Knowledge equivalent to 120 credits and English 6.Objectives
The aim of this course is to provide students interested in global development with an introduction to the analysis of complex farming systems.
After completion of the course, the student will be able to:
apply a systemic agroecological approach to a complex farming system;
recognize the steps needed to understand and improve a complex farming system;
identify and use suitable methods at the different steps of a systemic approach;
engage in a constructive peer feedback process;
reflect on their own learning and on group dynamics based on the course experiences.
Content
In this course students learn an approach to work systemically with complex farming situations.
The course is based on real farm cases in different parts of the Global South and North. The students learn about and practice methods for describing and analysing a case and its goals, and will train in analysing and suggesting improvements.
Grading form
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.Formats and requirements for examination
Passed written assignments, project work and contributions to group discussions over the Internet.
If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Other information
The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Additional information
The course is given fully online.Responsible department
Department of Urban and Rural Development
Further information
Litterature list
Course literature (available in Canvas at course start)
Key readings:
- Armson, R. 201 Growing Wings on the Way: Systems Thinking for Messy Situations. Triarchy Press Limited, 2011. Chapters 3, 4 and pages 149-153.
- Gliessman, S. R. 2015. Agroecology. The ecology of food systems. Third edition. CRC Press. 371 pp. Chapters 1, 2, 24, 25, 26.
- Holland, J. 2007. Tools for institutional, political, and social analysis of policy reform: a sourcebook for development practitioners.
- Geir Lieblein, Edvin Østergaard & Charles Francis. 200 Becoming an Agroecologist through Action Education. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability, 2:3, 147-153, https://doi.org/10.1080/14735903.2009684574
- Wells, S. 2006. Force Field Analysis. Mini-Tutorial Quality Management. 4 p.
- Wilson, J. 1992. Changing Agriculture. Kangaroo Press, Kenthurst, pp.80 (pages in the course: 7-15, 24-26, 36-38 and 40-54).
Additional readings:
- Berry, W. 1990. The Pleasure of Eating. In: Robert Clark (Ed) Our Sustainable Table, North Point Press, 1990.
- Kloppenburg et al., (1996). Coming in to the Foodshed. Agriculture and Human Values. 13, 33-4
- IPES-Food. 2016. From uniformity to diversity: a paradigm shift from industrial agriculture to diversified agroecological systems. International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food systems. www.ipes-food.org