Teaching Workshop: Teaching Workshop: International Cooperation in the Environmental Sector: the Mau Forest (Kenya)
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The workshop aims to introduce students to issues related to deforestation, food security and international cooperation projects that work to reduce these phenomena.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, the student should know the main causes of tropical deforestation and food insecurity and the most effective actions to combat the phenomenon.
Students should also be able to identify the territorial elements that characterise these problems.
Finally, students should be able to critically interpret development cooperation actions in the environmental and agri-food sectors, identifying the actors involved and analysing their strategies.
Students should also be able to identify the territorial elements that characterise these problems.
Finally, students should be able to critically interpret development cooperation actions in the environmental and agri-food sectors, identifying the actors involved and analysing their strategies.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
The workshop will take place exclusively in residential form in Kenya. Therefore, it will only take place if health and travel conditions between countries (Italy-Kenya) allow it.
Course syllabus
The workshop takes place in Kenya and will last about two weeks.
The workshop aims to introduce students to issues related to the management of natural resources and the conflicts associated with them. The topics of deforestation, nature conservation and, more generally, some global initiatives related to the climate issue will be explored.
The areas chosen for analysis are the Mau Forest (Kenya), particularly the Nakuru County, and the Narok County, particularly the southern section where important internationally protected areas are located.
The workshop aims to introduce students to issues related to the management of natural resources and the conflicts associated with them. The topics of deforestation, nature conservation and, more generally, some global initiatives related to the climate issue will be explored.
The areas chosen for analysis are the Mau Forest (Kenya), particularly the Nakuru County, and the Narok County, particularly the southern section where important internationally protected areas are located.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is aimed at students of the Bachelor's degree course of Human sciences of the environment, territory and landscape (old and new system) and of the Master degree of Analysis, planning and sustainable territory management.
English language proficiency and a general knowledge of development geographies or environmental policy are required (see specific exams).
The workshop will include times of hiking in the forest, staying overnight at high altitudes (2500 m asl) and staying in semi-arid lands. Therefore, willingness to walk on trails, good tolerance to changes in elevation and warm temperatures are required.
Students will be selected on the basis of CV and a short individual interview.
Those interested in participating can send a CV and a list of credits taken so far to the lecturer by 10/10/2023.
English language proficiency and a general knowledge of development geographies or environmental policy are required (see specific exams).
The workshop will include times of hiking in the forest, staying overnight at high altitudes (2500 m asl) and staying in semi-arid lands. Therefore, willingness to walk on trails, good tolerance to changes in elevation and warm temperatures are required.
Students will be selected on the basis of CV and a short individual interview.
Those interested in participating can send a CV and a list of credits taken so far to the lecturer by 10/10/2023.
Teaching methods
The course aims to combine theoretical analysis with visits to areas affected by relevant socio-environmental issues.
The workshop includes excursions in and around protected areas, visits to development cooperation projects or economic activities related to natural resource management.
The workshop includes excursions in and around protected areas, visits to development cooperation projects or economic activities related to natural resource management.
Teaching Resources
The workshop will take place in the field and will be preceded by two introductory theoretical lectures. The volume Albertazzi, Bini, Trivellini (2023). Forests and Communities. Deforestation, Conservation and Socio-ecological Relations in the Mau Forest, Kenya. Milan University Press (available in Open Access at the link https://libri.unimi.it/index.php/milanoup/catalog/book/89) is to be considered preparatory reading. Additional materials useful for further study of the topics will be shared by the lecturer.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Students will be divided into working groups and, taking turns, will solicit an initial reflection on the elements that emerged at the end of each day. At the conclusion of the workshop, each group will be expected to produce a video recounting their experience and a short report identifying the main issues observed and their peculiarities.
Professor(s)