Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes of an Agroecologist
By Karen Adler, UMB, Norway
It becomes evident in a multidisciplinary field such as agroecology that reality, as we see it, is very different from the picture we get when studying isolated components of systems separately, for example soil microbiology or consumer behavior.
Agroecologists need a new set of tools to deal with the kind of complexity presented to them. The new tools are a combination of knowledge, skills and attitudes, since knowledge on its own, does not give the ability to handle a complex issue.
The agroecologist learns about farming operations and food chains, while at the same time learning to be a good communicator and facilitator able to turn theory into action. As well, agroecologists learn how to reflect and to be open to new ideas while recognizing the goals, needs and interests of the people they are working with.
The programme is designed to develop agroecologists who will be successful contributors to future food systems that must deal with production and economies, environmental impacts, and social equity issues. The following table summarizes the knowledge, skills and attitudes that are important in meeting this aim.
Knowledge:
- Agroecosystem structure and functioning
- Evaluation criteria with emphasis on overall system sustainability
- Methods for system analysis
- Knowledge of problem and conflict management
- Specific knowledge of relevant topics e.g. ecological agriculture, agroecology, adaptive management, ecology, environmental management
Skills:
- Action competence to bridge the gap between knowing and doing
- Transform knowledge into action
- Link theory to practise to manage complexity and change
- Reflection skills
- Communication and facilitation skills
- Teamwork / Co-operation skills - in general and interdisciplinary
- Autonomous, life-long learning
Attitudes:
- Learning to deal with ethics and values (personal and cultural)
- Willing to take risks Open-minded towards new methods, interdisciplinary approaches
- Changes in general as opposed to status quo
- Recognise the needs, values and interests of the actors and stakeholders
- A person who is investigative, critical, spirited, determined, approachable, communicative
