Challenges and Approaches to learning and teaching

agrobiodiversityBy

Professor Lenah NakhoneEgerton University

Kenya

Introduction

• Definition of agrobiodiversity

• Role of agrobiodiversity in People’s livelihoods

• Role of agrobiodiversity in food security

• Role of learning in conservation and management of agrobiodiversity

Status and Trends of Learning AGBD at Egerton University

• No comprehensive programme in agrobiodiversity

• Isolated Courses in the Faculties of agriculture, Science and Environment and resource Development

• Attempts being made – - Development of training modules- Draft Curriculum for Post- Graduate Diploma in AGBD.

Status…..Continued

• On-going research in various Departments

• Comprehensive research in Bondo District, Western Kenya.

• Enlisted Graduate students to make follow-up research on agrobiodiversity in Bondo District.

Learning Systems

• Basic training of agriculture and related professionals

• Compartments in the agriculture Sector

Challenges

• Inherent attitude of lecturers at Universities

• Development of appropriate curricula in agrobiodiversity

• Dwindling interest in agriculture and related programmes

• Inadequate awareness on agrobiodiversity

Approaches to Learning and Teaching agrobiodiversity

• Experiential learning

• Competence Based Learning

• Interdisciplinary and holistic

Implementation of teaching of agrobiodiversity at University

• Curriculum development

• Approval of AGBD courses

• Research programmes in agrobiodiversity

Policy on agrobiodiversty

• Existing Policies non-responsive to activities of agrobiodiversity

• Draft Environment Policy of 2008

• Necessary Policy Actions– Capacity Building at Institutional level

Conclusion and Recommendations

• Develop relevant case studies

• Develop a curriculum framework for teaching AGBD

• Determine appropriate points of entry for teaching AGBD at Universities in Sub-Saharan Africa

• Establish Research Networks

THANK YOU.