Center for Environmental Issues

Note:
1. Arabic classes consists of learning basic Arabic writing and practicing oral discussions
2. Sustainable development lectures and discussions cover various topics: concepts of sustainability and development; aspects of sustainability; sustainable ways of alleviating food and poverty; role of civil society and the government. Sustainable development case studies will be reviewed and discussed
3. Field trips will take place on Wednesday of each week

Topics for interactive Lectures

Laboratory tests/field experiment

Field trips

Week one

- Organic agriculture and sustainability
- Principles of organic agriculture
- Development of organic agriculture
- The organic quality control system
- Group A: Arabic course or Group B: Sustainable development lecture series

- Basic tools to use in farming

- Soil quality evaluation

Field trip to an organic farm: Domaine Douiat

Week two

- Soil fertility
- Organic matter
- Soil cultivation and tillage
- Soil erosion and remedial
- Group A: Arabic course or Group B: Sustainable development lecture series

- Soil tilt and tillage

Field trip to a conventional farm: Domaine Zniber

Week three

- Water conservation
- Irrigation
- Plant nutrition
- Group A: Arabic course or Group B: Sustainable development lecture series

- Making and applying compost

Field trip to a nearby organic farm (Ait Lahcen/domaine Aghbal)

Week four

- Balanced nutrition
- Association crops and crop rotation
- Manures
- Composting
- Group A: Arabic course or Group B: Sustainable development lecture series

- Crop seeding

- Weed control

Field trip/excursion to a natural site: Zaouiat Oued Ifrane

Week Five

- Pest and Weed management

- Economic performance of organic production projects

- Participants’ projects presentation & Final Concluding session

- Course evaluation & closure