Agricultural Water Management: Water, Society and Technology Interactions

Course Description

"Agricultural Water Management: Water, Society and Technology Interactions" is an innovative and comprehensive course offered by WageningenX that addresses the critical issue of sustainable water management in agriculture. This intermediate-level course explores the complex interplay between water resources, societal needs, and technological advancements in the face of increasing global challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and population growth.

What students will learn

• Understanding of water allocation, distribution, governance, and usage in agriculture
• Basic principles for estimating irrigation water requirements
• Relationships between water management practices and local agricultural conditions
• Interplay between water technologies, management, and governance
• Analysis of institutional and infrastructural designs for sustainable agricultural water management

Prerequisites

A basic understanding of social and biophysical sciences is required to fully engage with the course material.

Course Coverage

• Global water issues and their impact on agriculture
• Crop water requirements and irrigation calculations
• Agricultural water distribution and technology
• Water management and governance at various institutional levels
• Real-world application through a case study in Morocco

Who this course is for

This MOOC is ideal for professionals, students, and individuals with a basic knowledge of social and biophysical sciences who are passionate about contributing to improved agricultural water management. It's particularly suited for those interested in environmental studies, agriculture, water resource management, and sustainable development.

Real-world Applications

• Developing sustainable irrigation strategies for farms and agricultural projects
• Implementing water-saving technologies in agricultural settings
• Advising on water governance policies at local, regional, or national levels
• Conducting research on sustainable water management practices
• Participating in rural development projects focused on water resource management
• Addressing water scarcity issues in urban and peri-urban agriculture
• Contributing to climate change adaptation strategies in the agricultural sector

Syllabus

This course offers a unique socio-technical approach, combining water technologies with social factors to provide a comprehensive understanding of agricultural water management. By enrolling, students will gain valuable insights and practical skills to address one of the most pressing global challenges of our time.