Courses

The rapidly growing world population and changing consumption patterns are placing increasing pressure on agricultural and forestry production systems. However, the classic intensification approach to increase the yield of food and biomass by genetic standardization, mechanization and application of agrochemicals has led to ambivalent results. In many places, negative environmental and social consequences have been observed such as soil degradation, eutrophication, decline in fresh water resources, loss of biodiversity, land-use conflicts, loss of employment, and rural-urban migration. Against this background, Integrated Land Use Systems (ILUS), which combine different types of land uses and integrate several management goals, are gaining attention. It is assumed that ILUS, compared to classic production systems, provide a higher level of ecosystem goods and services, are less vulnerable to the risks of global change and market volatilities, and are better suited to the livelihood strategies of rural populations. However, despite these promises, ILUS still play an only minor role in most agricultural landscapes. Our Summer School intends to reflect about the social, environmental, and economic features of important ILUS and possibilities for broader diffusion