After an insightful first day of discussions and field visits, day two with the Schools for International Training (SIT) and International Honors Program (IHP) students was all about hands-on learning and innovative solutions. These students, coming from different universities across the USA, are on a mission to understand food systems worldwide. Today, they engaged deeply with practical solutions our farm provides to tackle food-related challenges in the face of climate change, poverty, malnutrition, and resource depletion.
Learning Through Action: Practical Solutions on the Farm
Our farm serves as a living laboratory, offering real-world solutions to complex agricultural problems. The students explored various sustainable farming techniques, including:
Permaculture Design – Understanding how ecosystems can be designed to work harmoniously, ensuring long-term productivity and resilience.
Water Conservation Techniques – Learning about rainwater harvesting, irrigation innovations, and drought-resistant crops.
Regenerative Agriculture – Exploring ways to restore soil health, increase biodiversity, and improve yields naturally.
Food Security & Nutrition – Discussing how locally grown foods can combat malnutrition and dietary deficiencies.
Through these hands-on experiences, students saw firsthand how farming practices can be adapted to mitigate climate change impacts and improve food sovereignty.
Design Science: Solving Food System Challenges
Beyond learning about farming methods, students were introduced to Design Science—an approach that empowers communities to create solutions tailored to their environment and needs. They engaged in interactive workshops to brainstorm and prototype ideas for:
Reducing food waste at both production and consumption levels.
Improving access to nutritious food for vulnerable communities.
Enhancing sustainable farming practices through local innovation.
Building resilient food systems that can withstand environmental and economic shocks.
By applying systems thinking and problem-solving strategies, students realized that we can design our way out of predicaments rather than merely reacting to crises.
Reflections and Looking Forward
As the day wrapped up, the students reflected on their experiences and insights. Many expressed how the combination of theory, practical engagement, and solution-driven thinking reshaped their perspective on global food systems. They left inspired to integrate these lessons into their research and future careers.
This is just the beginning of their transformative journey in understanding and reimagining food systems for a better future. Stay tuned for more updates as they continue their exploration!
