D-Lab: Smallholder Agriculture

3-0-9 units · Graduate

Explores solutions to enhance the productivity, efficiency, and sustainability of food and agricultural systems involving smallholder farmers from low- and middle-income countries as the main producers. Lectures from industry and academic experts are paired with experiential learning at regional farms to explore innovative practices, building a system-level framework for incorporating smallholders into local and regional food systems. Project-based teamwork with global partners focuses on leveraging resources to enhance production, such as through pest reduction, appropriate irrigation technology, post-harvest refrigeration, or value chain/business/cooperative innovations. Optional international summer travel to project locations. Students taking graduate version complete additional deliverables. Limited to 12.