Certificate Program in Urban Agriculture

Posted on August 31, 2021 by Taylor in Education, Farming, Farming Practices, Food Systems, Local Food, Urban Farming and Gardening // 0 Comments

Certificate Program in Urban Agriculture from Ryerson University

Are you seeking a deeper understanding of urban agriculture and the greening of cities? This fall, the Certificate Program in Urban Agriculture at RUniversity* is offering two online courses, including a new elective course on Green/Natural Infrastructure.

Join Instructors Joe Nasr and Rhonda Teitel-Payne in the foundation course, CVFN410 – Understanding Urban Agriculture, where you’ll explore the practice of urban agriculture in its many forms across the world and see how it enhances and contributes to urban food security, health, community building, sustainable livelihoods and environmental management. This course expands understanding of the main types and dimensions of urban agriculture, including potential impacts, constraints, and opportunities. You’ll also learn about relevant stakeholders, historical contexts and local, regional and international development trends.

In the NEW elective course taught by Sheila Boudreau, CVFN420 – Green/Natural Infrastructure, you’ll explore practices such as street tree planting, green roofs, rainwater harvesting, bioswales, and bioretention plantings. Reference will be made to how greening and urban agriculture can intersect to improve the urban environment. Topics to be covered include: ecosystem services (including social and economic); triple-bottom-line cost benefit-analysis and natural assets infrastructure valuation; the evolution of urban stormwater management leading to nature-based solutions; and Indigenous engagement and conservation efforts.

For more information on how to register for the four-course Urban Agriculture Certificate Program and its courses, contact Reg Noble (Academic Coordinator) at food@ryerson.ca. The fall session starts September 13, 2021 and registration is open until September 17, 2021.

*In response to concerns from Indigenous community members and other faculty and students, RUniversity’s Board of Directors has voted to accept 22 recommendations from the Standing Strong (Mash Koh Wee Kah Pooh Win) Task Force, including renaming the university.