Projects

Projects

The Association NATURA supports joint projects for research or development training in all areas related to Tropical and Subtropical Agriculture. These projects are normally undertaken by NATURA members and our developing country partners, usually with support from international and donor agencies. NATURA projects include building joint training modules, undertaking joint research projects, publishing learning materials, evaluating international projects, building institutional capacity and promoting student/staff mobility. NATURA promotes its projects after evaluations by the Board and/or special committees. The NATURA label is given to the most significant projects, whose results are evaluated in accordance with NATURA quality assurance criteria

NATURA current projects in 2008:

Research:

  • People 2008 - preparation of the project
  • Participation to the Sub Saharan Africa Challenge Programme

Training and education:

  • European Master AGRIS MUNDUS on Sustainable Development in Agriculture
  • Master course in South-East Asia on Integrated Management of Natural Resources and Agricultural Development (INRAD)
  • European Master of professional studies:
    • Stakeholders in Rural Development
    • Processing of Food Tropical Products
    • Rural Development and Projects
  • ERASMUS MUNDUS External Cooperation Window - preparation of projects

Provision of Expertise

  • Monitoring of European Union funded CGIAR Research projects

Cooperation:

  • The platform for African - European partnership on agricultural research for development (PAEPARD)

09.11.2004 - AGRIS MUNDUS


1. Title of the Masters Course:

AGRIS MUNDUS - Sustainable Development in Agriculture Masters Course

2. Summary description of the Masters course:

The AGRIS MUNDUS Masters Course is a product of NATURA, a network of European Institutions for higher education in agriculture. In existence since 1988, NATURA collaborates closely with institutions in Asia, Africa and the Americas in providing post graduate education and training opportunities.

It focuses on improving the management of rural and agricultural development for disadvantaged populations. This innovative approach is based on mobility of people, different disciplines exchanging experiences and the establishment of a common high quality standard in education and training.

The AGRIS MUNDUS Master courses objectives are to train students able to cope with the current global/international concerns in agriculture and rural development. Graduates will be qualified to identify and critically analyse key factors shaping the development of crop, forest and animal production, the management of research and rural development projects and finally, the sustainable use of natural resources and the environment.

They will be trained to formulate and provide effective and appropriate responses to complex agriculture and natural resources related issues.

Duration: 2 years (120 ECTS).

Teaching languages: English, French, Spanish, Italian, according to the various M1/M2 possible combinations.

Number of students: 50 per year (ratio staff/student: approximately 1:2)

The programme content includes 15 possible M1/M2 combinations. The programme involves one year (M1) in one institution, and one year (M2) in a second institution in another country, for one of the 7 possible specialisations as follows:

- Agricultural Development Economics
- Horticultural crops
- Livestock production & systems
- Tropical rural forestry
- Land and water management
- Human Nutrition and Food Systems
- Agricultural Systems Research and Development.

The 4th semester is devoted to thesis work, generally in tropical countries, with double supervision.

Institutions involved:

- the Wageningen University and Research Centre in the Netherlands
- the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University (KVL) in Denmark
- the University of Reading in UK
- the University of Cork in Ireland
- the University of Catania in Italy
- the Polytechnic University of Madrid in Spain
- the Centre National d’Etudes Agronomiques des Régions Chaudes of Agropolis, Montpellier, France

Masters Degrees awarded:

Students will be awarded two nationally recognized masters degrees (diplomas of each of the two M1 and M2 universities), together with a specific NATURA Masters degree in Sustainable Development in Agriculture, and a joint diploma supplement (nature, level, content and status of the studies; outstanding features of professional training; list of courses validated).

Admission criteria:

- Bachelor of Sciences (180 ECTS) with honour in a field related to agricultural development or, alternatively, a BA in the Social Sciences or equivalent; verified excellent quality of the institution where the first degree was obtained
- Sufficient language level in the European languages needed for the training
- Strongly convincing letter of motivation
- Proof of ability to cover living expenditures and tuition fees.

Preference will be given to candidates with appropriate professional experience, and recommendation by an academic or a professional body. 60% of the annual study places are reserved for third countries students.

See more information NEWS
CALL FOR CANDIDATES FOR THE AGRIS MUNDUS !!!

Didier Pillot

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