This module is designed to provide participants with an understanding of the national and international context within which policies relevant to sustainable agriculture and rural development (SARD) are framed; to identify the key institutions and actors at various levels of governance that are relevant to the development and implementation of SARD‐related policies; to identify the main strategies used to enable SARD and critique these strategies in terms of delivering balanced and sustainable development in Irish, EU and developing country scenarios.

The course will enable students to:
‐ Understand the nature and importance of agriculture and rural area development in Ireland, the EU and in the Developing world
‐ Identify and analyse the key drivers of change affecting agriculture and rural development with particular emphasis on public policies and programmes
‐ Recognise the outcomes associated with change processes in rural areas including characteristics of poverty and deprivation.
‐ Understand the dimensions of rural livelihoods within the framework of sustainable development and in particular the institutional arrangements that govern agricultural and rural development at the local, national and international levels.
‐ Analyse the main strategies used in agricultural and rural development in Ireland/EU and in the Developing World‐ Understand the main ethical issues associated with agricultural and rural development interventions`

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Critically analyse key definitions, concepts, measures and indicators related to SARD
2. Map the identity and role of key actors and institutions (at various levels of governance) influencing the formulation and implementation of SARD
3. Critically assess the national and international context within which SARD related policies are devised
4. Critically assess the range of strategies applied in achieving the objectives of SARD in Irish, EU and developing country contexts

5. Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical considerations associated with development interventions for agriculture and rural areas
6. Contribute to the debate on sustainable agriculture and rural development as it relates to Ireland/EU and/or the developing
world.

Assessment:
Assignment work 30%
Terminal Exam 60%
Project work 10%