Overview

This module gives you the opportunity to see the practical application of natural resource management principles that are discussed in other parts of the programme. During visits to areas which are managed for a range of food production objectives, you will meet and discuss with different stakeholders and collect information relevant to a specific research topic. The assessment will develop your understanding of: (1) the current food and land-use strategies/policies in a specific region; (2) the impact of food/land-use policy on state, private-sector and community land resource management; (3) the role of agroforestry in delivering national policy objectives.

(1) the current food/environment/land-use strategies/policies in a specific country/region;

(2) the impact of food/environment/land-use strategies/policies on state, private-sector and community land resource management;

(3) the role of agroforestry in delivering national/regional policy objectives;

(4) project and hypothesis design and execution.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold (50% / -C) The reports show evidence of ability to collate information from a variety of sources; the majority of the material included is relevant although some relevant literature sources are not included. An attempt has been made to link the principles and theory described in the reports to the practice(s) seen during the trip. The reports give a factually correct account of topics discussed during the field trip, including some quantitative information. The reports are logically structured, the majority of the writing is clear, and referencing uses a standard system.

-good (60% / -B) The reports show evidence of ability to collate and appraise information from a variety of sources; all of the material included is relevant and most of the important literature sources are included. The links between the principles and theory described in the report and the practice(s) seen during the trip are discussed. The reports give a comprehensive account of topics discussed during the field trip, including considerable quantitative information. The reports are logically structured and well written, with only minor typographical errors and very few mistakes in the referencing

-excellent (70% / -A) The reports show evidence of ability to collate and critically appraise information from a variety of sources; all of the material included is relevant and all the important literature sources are included. The links between the principles and theory described in the report to the practice(s) seen during the trip are fully and thoughtfully discussed. The reports give a comprehensive and critical account of topics discussed during the field trip, including considerable quantitative information. The report is logically structured and well written, with only minor typographical errors and no mistakes in the referencing.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply principles, theories and frameworks to locally specific conditions

• Formulate, conduct and communicate qualitative, need-driven research

• Identify and critically evaluate the key ecological, socio-economic and political influences on the management of land resources by different groups of people.