Education in any discipline needs to foster continuity and change. In applied sciences like Agriculture, Engineering, needs to be responsive to changing needs from the field. In case of agriculture, farming is pursued by rural majority, many of them illiterate too. They are the actual ‘practitioners’ – their role in shaping curriculum has been minimal or less distinct.
In India, Agriculture is not a new occupation. It has been practiced over centuries. India can boast of classical texts like Vrikshayurveda too. Modern agricultural sciences too backed by comprehensive curricula, robust institutions, strong extension and enthusiastic farming communities dealt with threatening food shortages. However, the over emphasis on certain approaches led to counterproductive and harmful practices; while specialisations side stepping holistic approaches. Holistic Agroecological pathway is being recognised as necessary in terms of sustainable livelihoods and ecologies, worldwide. Also, agroecology education is not just content; it is also pedagogy, alternative research paradigm and extension. Agroecological education needs to recognise and adopt necessary changes.
Focusing on how to deal with challenges, inspiring examples are being shared in this issue on all these above aspects. Use of social media and ICT tools have opened up new ways of reaching out, sharing knowledge and helping each other.
As readers and committed authors, please continue to share your inspiring stories. Also, as individuals and groups, keep supporting us voluntarily to sustain our efforts.
4. Editorial
6. Agroecology Education – The pedagogy and practice
Anshuman Das
11. Effective Pedagogy and Research perspective
K V S Prasad
14. Training videos on agroecology – Putting the power of learning in farmers’ hands
Savitri Mohapatra
18 In the news
21. Pathways to promote agroecology
G Chandra Sekhar, G. Rajashekar and G V Ramanjaneyulu
25. Strategies for reviving the agro-ecological approach
Susanta Sekhar Chaudhury, Biswa Sankar Das, Pulak Ranjan Nayak
29. New Books
30. Sources
31. Emerging avenues in Agroecology Education
33. Weaving a classroom of hope in the farm
Archana Bhatt, Vipindas and Divya P R
