Sustainable Agriculture
永續農業 [中文版]

 

Notice: In light of the latest development of the Novel Coronavirus outbreak, the course timetable is subject to change.

**Please take note of the enhanced Covid-19 control measures at HKU campus.**
**Starting from Monday 17 January 2022, HKU will introduce enhanced Covid-19 control measures. From this date, anyone wishing to enter the campus will need either to be fully vaccinated or to take weekly self-tests.**

 

 

 CEF Reimbursable Course (CEF Course Code: 44Z114591)

Course Title: Sustainable Agriculture	Course Code: CSCM03-202202
Mode of Study: Part-Time	Contact Hours and Study Period: 1-2 sessions per week, a total of 36 contact hours in three months’ time
Teaching Medium: English, supplemented with Cantonese	Commencement Date: Feb 5, 2022 (Saturday)
Tuition Fee: HKD7,980 (site visit expenses not included)	Application Deadline: Jan 13, 2022 (Thursday)
Application Method: Download and fill in Course Application Form (proof of academic qualification is required) and return to Academy for Sustainable Communities by application deadline	Enquiry: Monday-Friday 9:00am-6:00pm　Tel: 3917-4767　Email: ruralsd@hku.hk
Class Venue: The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong (Weekday evenings) Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Tai Po, New Territories & Lai Ci Wo (Weekends)	Tutor: Mr YIP Tsz Lam
Quota: 25 students (First-come-first-serve) (The class is now full.)

Course Description:
This course focuses on introducing the basic concept and understanding of sustainable agriculture which includes a range of knowledge and practices for pursuing economically viable, environmentally sound and socially responsible agriculture. Applications of these practices will be illustrated through local case studies and farm visits. Students will further build up their basic skills through a farming practicum.

Assessment and Recognition:
Students, who have attained an attendance rate of not less than 70% and have the course assessment passed, will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement by the Policy for Sustainability Lab. This course is one of the four modules of the "Certificate in Sustainable Communities" programme (QF Level: 3; QR Registration No.: 18/000784/L3; QR Registration Validity Period: From 11 Sep 2018 - on-going). Students who have obtained a Certificate of Achievement in all four modules are eligible for the "Certificate in Sustainable Communities" awarded by the HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education.

Entry Requirements:
(a) have gained in the HKDSE Examination Level 2 in five subjects including Chinese Language and English Language; or
(b) have passed five subjects in HKCEE, including Chinese Language and English Language; or
(c) hold equivalent academic qualifications, taking into consideration individual merit

Course Contents and Timetable (Updated on August 30, 2021):

Date	Contents
Feb 5, 2022 (Saturday) 10:00am-1:00pm, 2:00pm-5:00pm	AM Lecture: Basic knowledge of sustainable agriculture - Background and principles - Food crisis and food system - Agricultural conditions in Southern China - Overview of international and local agriculture development   - Marketing and sale of agricultural produces PM Lecture: Management of sustainable agriculture - Theory of sustainable farm - Farm design - Arrangement and management of farming
Feb 12, 2022 (Saturday) 9:30am-4:30pm	AM Lecture: Mode of agriculture practice and marketing - Typology of crops - Nature and typology of local farms - Pest and fertilization control PM Field study: Demonstration of a variety of agricultural practices
Feb 13, 2022 (Sunday) 9:30am-4:30pm	AM Lecture: Agriculture and the environment - Soil and water management and conservation - Resource recycling and utilization - Habitat interaction Inspection: Understanding soil, cultivated soil, agricultural supplies and composting PM Field practice: Seedling, cutting, farmland preparation
Feb 26, 2022 (Saturday) 9:30am-4:30pm	Full day farm visit (Zen Organic Farm, Au Law Organic Farm, Tsiu Keng and CCG)
Mar 6, 2022 (Sunday) 9:30am-4:30pm	AM Lecture: Development of agriculture in Hong Kong - Farmers, rural villagers, agriculture - Hong Kong agricultural history - Urban agriculture PM Site visit: Central Farm Market, Tsuen Wan City Farm
Mar 13, 2022 (Sunday) 9:30am-4:30pm	Lecture: Agricultural development and policy - Challenges and opportunities - Local agricultural policy: background, impact and limitations - Farmland and composting demonstration Field exercise and group examination
Mar 20, 2022 (Sunday) 9:30am-4:30pm	Contingency
Apr 7, 2022 (Thursday) 7:00pm-8:00pm	Examination

Please note:

This course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund. The mother course (Certificate in Sustainable Communities) of this module is recognised under the Qualifications Framework (QF Level 3).

Students' Feedbacks:

"The Best teacher! With great effort / experience / critical mind and skills. Good selection of fieldtrips and farm visits."

"For someone not from the field, the course was very informative and I was able to build a knowledge database from the very knowledgeable and enthusiastic teacher."

Sustainable Communities Fellowship Scheme: 

Graduates of the course will be invited to join the Academy’s Fellowship Scheme as Fellows. The Scheme aims to form a network of committed individuals which provide not only continuous support for the members but also a platform for experience sharing in pursuit of community-based sustainability across different disciplines and sectors. Fellows are also eligible to participate in the Sustainability Hackathons and the Rural in Action Start-up Scheme.

Supporting organisations: