Online
Plant Genetic Resources and Resilient Seed Systems for Sustainable Food Security
Increasing stresses on agricultural systems have resulted in an intensification of the use of natural resources for agricultural production. Many have risen concerns on the future of food and nutrition security, especially for smallholder farmers and their communities. The actual seed systems appear not sustainable if we are to feed more than 9 billion people in 2050. For agriculture to be sustainable, new approaches in seed systems ought to transit from conservation towards resilience.
What will you learn?
Upon completion of the course you will:
- Be familiar with contemporary approaches towards crop conservation and sustainable use of plant and genetic resource for food and agriculture (PGRFA) and resilient seed systems;
- Be able to identify opportunities in your local context to integrate resilient seed systems and food security in implementation strategies;
- Learn mechanism and procedure for acquiring (new) planting material;
- Linking ex-situ conservation (seed conserved in a genebank) with on-farm management of PGRFA through a community seed bank, seed fairs, diversity blocks);
- Designing a successful intervention for resilient seed systems and food security;
- Learn about supportive policies and laws boosting seed systems towards resilience.
For whom is this course?
The training is designed for professionals in public, civil, research, education and/or development organisations, with an interest in agriculture, agrobiodiversity, seeds and food security. Applicants should have at least a BSc degree, have three years of professional experience in a relevant field, and be fluent in English.
Course programme in more detail
Bottlenecks in the food supply chain as well as poor access to information and agricultural services are putting agriculture under increasing stress. As a result, smallholder farmers and their communities are facing recurring agricultural crises and food insecurity. One of the responses to deal with the stress has been to intensify the use of natural resources upon which agriculture depends and increase the commercialization of food production. In many parts of the world, this response has led to a reduction of the range of crops and crop varieties cultivated in agricultural systems. To strengthen and (re)build resilience in agriculture through the safeguarding and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity has become a priority.
| Duration | Part-time / 9 weeks |
| Study load | 120 hours |
| Programme | Facilitated sessions approx. 2 - 2,5 hours per week / Self-study approx. 8-10 hours per week |
| Break | Yes, from 7-11 Nov. |
Courses are currently blended
Courses will be taught in blended format. Which means, partially online and partially in an OKP country, not The Netherlands. Details will follow soon.
Application for this course
On top of this page you can apply for the course Plant Genetic Resources and Resilient Seed Systems for Sustainable Food Security. Depending on your nationality, your organisation and the type of course you wish to join, your eligibility and the application procedures may differ. Find out more about the requirements and the application process.