# Learning in agroecology: the experience of ISSAE

Stephane Bellon, Laurent Hazard, Jean-Louis Hemptinne, Daniele Magda, Christine de Sainte Marie, Pierre Stassart

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Stephane Bellon, Laurent Hazard, Jean-Louis Hemptinne, Daniele Magda, Christine de Sainte Marie, et al.. Learning in agroecology: the experience of ISSAE. Symposium international sur l'Agroécologie pour la Sécurité Alimentaire et la Nutrition (FAO), Sep 2014, Rome, Italy., 426 p., 2014, Proceedings of the FAO International Symposium: Agroecology for Food Security And Nutrition. hal-01606384

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Submitted on 3 Jun 2020

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# Learning in agroecology:
the experience of ISSAE

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S. BELLON (INRA, Avignon), L. HAZARD (INRA, Toulouse) J.-L. HEMPTINNE (Univ. de Toulouse - ENFA),
D. MAGDA (INRA, Toulouse), C. DE SAINTE-MARIE (INRA, AgroParisTech), P. STASSART (Univ. de Liège)

Rationale, achievements and perspectives of the International Summer School of Agroecology (ISSAE)

## 1/ Main objectives (of the ISSAE)

To share with participants our vision of agroecology:
connecting practices, sciences and public policies.

<figure><img src="image_3.png" /></figure>

*The triangle of agroecology:*
(Bell & Bellon, 2013; adapted from Wezel et al., 2009)

To stimulate scientific debates on agroecological research and action agendas.

To promote an international learning network.

## 2/ Target groups

Students MSc & PhD levels, interested in transdisciplinary approaches in agroecology.

Professionals involved in the development of agroecology or sustainable agriculture (< 25% of the 30 attendees/year).

## 3/ Focus

Alternatives to the dominant models of agriculture, innovation and food systems.
Systemic thinking and practice. Problem Based Learning (PBL).

<figure><img src="image_4.png" /></figure>

## 4/ Organisation

One-week session in English, mid-July, Toulouse (Fr)

Combination of: field visits, conferences, & case studies

<figure><img src="image_5.png" /><figcaption>A farmer explains its
cheese making process</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_6.png" /><figcaption>Visit on an agroforestry
and organic farm</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_7.png" /><figcaption>Conference on agroecology &
agroecology (O. Schmidt, FIBI)</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_8.png" /><figcaption>A group of attendees
present their case study</figcaption></figure>

Practical case studies (3 to 4) are the cornerstone of the learning process, based on problem finding and collaborative work among participants.

## 5/ Achievements

An educational method that favours learning of complex issues, places learners at the
centre of the stage and considers their needs and objectives

Immersion into transdisciplinary approaches.

Case studies open to various farming situations and ways of envisioning transitions to
agroecology

Attendees become part of a network of academics, researchers, and practitioners. This is an opportunity to develop their professional projects

So far, 150 participants from 10 countries attended 5 editions of ISSAE

Connections with other masters from Europe and Americas

<figure><img src="image_9.png" /><figcaption>ISSAE 2010 (Lavoir la Nouvelle)
Conservation agriculture: practice and theory</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_10.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_11.png" /><figcaption>ISSAE 2014 (Toulouse)
"Embedded objects"</figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="image_12.png" /><figcaption>Contribution to a workshop on b
PhD in agroecology (Malin, 2013)</figcaption></figure>

## 6/ Perspectives

Extending the network of participant countries and institutions, with a library of case
studies.

Creating a community of professional agroecologists, with specific degree and
organisation.

Enabling ISSAE pluri-annual funding through a project supported by agencies.

Website http://issae.enfa.fr/