Here comes a special insight into the development of the Agroecology programme at Alnarp that seems to be currently stuck in its own development.
Since nine years the programme is existing now. But still there is not the success, in terms of applicant numbers and participants, that was aimed by the founders. Furthermore, the programme is lacking proper acknowledgement by the University in general. Although, SLU is advertising to support sustainable and future oriented education, the importance of such subjects like Agroecology is not very high in the agenda.
On the other hand there was much critique from the students side in recent times: Content overlaps and lacking coordination of the recommended courses within the programme are only one example that confuses students. A great challenge as well is the different knowledge levels and interdisciplinary as well as cultural backgrounds of the students. This makes teaching not easy and to reach one level for having proper discussions and progress seems quite hard.
Such and similar related questions were recently concluding in an student-initiative of students from three years of the Agroecology programme that sat together and exchanged their dissatisfaction. Out of that an invitation to all Agroecology related teachers emerged to discuss this questions and issues. Luckily, the teachers were very welcoming this request and last week the meeting took place.
In the meeting there was a very constructive discussion taking place, facilitated well by students and teachers. The conclusion was that many things have to change and as well the authorities of the university will be contacted regarding some issues. Everyone got his/ her homework to do and hopefully the programme will develop positively in the future. We are looking forward to coming generations of students and their appreciation of our initiative.