Pacific Field School (AGRI20046)

This is largely a field-based subject, based in Fiji. The subject provides an international development agriculture experience to students in the Bachelor of Agriculture.  

Students will have an intensive exposure to different agricultural systems, cultures and island contexts.  Some of the key aspects include learning about different agricultural systems in the Pacific Islands, including high islands and atolls, cultural contexts of Indigenous communities and the climate change – agriculture – food security nexus and its impact on livelihood in communities in the Pacific Islands. 

Through this experience students will gain knowledge of key tools to assess vulnerabilities of agriculture and food systems and apply them in different contexts to build resilience.  They will also gain an understanding of the geopolitics of the area and governance of food production and food systems.  

Students should be aware that this course entails an additional cost associated with travel and accommodation; typically between $3000-$4000, there is the possibility of scholarships available to cover travel and accommodation costs. 

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of cultural knowledge of the Pacific and Fijian culture in a culturally sensitive manner
• apply observation skills to understand unfamiliar cultural and environmental circumstances and their linkages
• identify the complex social, economic, environmental and cultural challenges that confront an island nation, like Fiji
• evaluate vulnerabilities of agriculture and food systems within indigenous communities in Fiji and suggest solutions to build food system resilience
• effectively present and discuss ideas, and to listen, assess and respond constructively to ideas of others
• demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively with peers and other stakeholders to provide potential improvements to current challenges facing agriculture and food systems in an island nation

Generic skills

• the capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning and research;
• an ability to Illustrate an understanding many of the key issues facing small island Pacific nations
• highly developed written and oral communication skills to allow informed dialogue with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community
• an ability to participate effectively as part of a team
• an ability to plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects
• the capacity to undertake group field and research activities