Agroforestry Management

The Agroforestry Programme trains students about how trees, people and agriculture can be combined in sustainably managed farms, forests and landscapes. There is a long tradition of agroforestry practice in many parts of Cameroon, but recently it has become a major focus in international development and is now at the forefront of innovation in natural resource management.

Academic objectives

• To provide an integrated education in natural resource management, combining ecological and social dimensions of agricultural and forest sciences, focused on application to real world systems where trees interact with agriculture.
• Train agroforesters dedicated to educate technical assistance providers, landowners, and stakeholders about the benefits of agroforestry, resulting in increased adoption.
• Provide trainees with research orientated skills and appropriate technologies, documentation, and tools to incorporate agroforestry into conservation and production systems for farms, ranches, and communities.

Pedagogy

The unique instruction methods of ERuDeF Institute offer tutorial-style of teaching and discussion environment within smaller groups based on a suite of contemporary research themes. The teaching aim is to foster discussion and debate between instructors and trainees to identify and explore theories, methods and practices in an academic space that encourage a critical dialogue.

An independent and original dissertation is an integral component of the program. In order to equip trainees with the necessary skills to undertake high quality research, course modules in research design and research methods; teach skills and competences in a suite of common and emerging research practices and methods employed in biodiversity science, policy and management research.

Scientific objective

Link theories, hypothesis, methods, data and field work so as to identify and develop advanced research questions and design.

Entrepreneurial objectives

Graduates from this program gain employment in public sector organizations, NGOs and academic institutions. The program also produces graduates prepared to enter post-graduate research and produce high caliber research in the fields of tree biology and agroforestry science.

Our trainees are either already employed when they start the program or have a strong track record in finding employment within the sector. Trainees and instructors are active collaborators with local and international organizations.