Taster: Global agriculture in the 21st century

About this course

This taster compares agricultural development in India, China and Myanmar, considering their differing histories and political systems. It examines policies and programmes, rural governance, food security, poverty, unemployment, migration, land loss, displacement, climate change and environmental damage. Discussion also considers how agricultural growth might be balanced with environmental sustainability, alongside current issues and future pressures. Teaching combines a lecture with classroom discussion, using examples from the three countries to explore how people, policies and place influence farming.

What you'll learn

• Compare agricultural development and rural experiences in India, China and Myanmar
• Explain how policies and programmes influence farming and rural communities
• Relate agriculture to food security, rural development and rural governance
• Assess tensions between agricultural growth and environmental sustainability

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for beginners and also welcomes learners with some basic knowledge. No special knowledge or skill is required. Teaching combines a lecture with classroom discussion, so participants can expect both structured presentation and group-based consideration of the topics.

• Suitable for learners approaching global agriculture as a new subject
• Includes classroom discussion alongside the lecture