Agriculture, Economics and Nature

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/agriculture-economics-nature

Introduction

### Course Review: Agriculture, Economics and Nature on Coursera #### Overview In a world where agriculture plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security and sustainable development, understanding the economic principles underpinning agricultural practices is essential. The **Agriculture, Economics, and Nature** course on Coursera brings learners into the nexus of agriculture and economics, offering a comprehensive understanding of how these fields intertwine. This course is particularly invaluable for farmers, policy makers, and anyone interested in the economics of agriculture. It provides insights that can lead to better decision-making, both on the farm and at the government policy level, ultimately aiming to enrich the community’s agricultural resilience. #### Course Syllabus Breakdown Each week is structured around specific topics that guide learners through the key concepts of agricultural economics: 1. **Agricultural Production and Prices**: The course opens with a historical overview of agricultural production and prices, delving into the factors that have influenced these over time. An in-depth discussion of the 2007 global food crisis sets the stage for understanding agriculture's dependence on natural resources. 2. **Resource and Environmental Challenges**: Week two tackles pressing agricultural issues such as water scarcity, climate change, and herbicide resistance. This week is crucial for grasping the environmental challenges that farmers face and how economic principles can be applied to navigate these hurdles. 3. **The Economics of Agricultural Inputs**: In the third week, learners explore the relationship between agricultural inputs and outputs. This week's content fosters an understanding of optimal input levels and the environmental implications of various agricultural practices. 4. **The Economics of Land Conservation**: Conservation is crucial in sustainable agriculture. Week four emphasizes evaluating conservation practices by weighing their benefits against costs, helping learners appreciate the non-economic factors influencing land conservation. 5. **The Economics of Agri-Environmental Projects**: Week five expands the discussion to include agri-environmental projects, highlighting their significance beyond individual farms. A practical case study on Gippsland Lakes provides a real-world example of benefit-cost analysis. 6. **Government Policies in Agriculture**: The course culminates in a discussion of government policies that affect agriculture. Understanding these policies is vital for anyone involved in agricultural decision-making, as they can significantly influence farmers' choices and community well-being. #### Pros and Cons **Pros:** - **Comprehensive Curriculum**: The course covers a wide range of topics, providing learners with a well-rounded understanding of agricultural economics. - **Real-World Applications**: The inclusion of case studies and examples offers practical insights into how these concepts manifest in the real world. - **Expert Instruction**: Delivered by knowledgeable instructors, the course benefits from their expertise in the field, ensuring that learners receive high-quality content. **Cons:** - **Level of Complexity**: Some may find the economic concepts challenging, particularly if they lack a background in economics or agriculture. - **Limited Hands-On Experience**: While theoretical knowledge is provided, the course may benefit from more interactive elements or practical exercises. #### Recommendation I highly recommend the **Agriculture, Economics, and Nature** course for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the economic factors affecting agriculture. Whether you are a farmer seeking to enhance your decision-making skills, a policymaker aiming to develop effective agricultural policies, or simply a student of economics or environmental science, this course will equip you with the necessary tools and insights. Overall, this course is a perfect blend of theory and practice, making it a must-take for anyone invested in the future of agriculture. Enroll today and start your journey toward better decision-making in agriculture!

Syllabus

Agricultural production and prices, and agriculture’s reliance on natural resources

Week 1 provides a history of agricultural production and prices, an examination into the reasons behind changes in production and prices, and discussions of the 2007 global food crisis and agriculture’s usage of resources.

Week 2 addresses the agricultural issues of water availability, peak phosphorus, herbicide resistance, and climate change.

Week 3 looks at the relationship between inputs and outputs, the optimal level of an input, the question of pollution from inputs, and flat payoff functions.

Week 4 focuses on evaluating land conservation practices, weighing benefits and costs correctly, non-economic factors, and provides an example in conservation agriculture.

Week 5 discusses the importance of extending economics beyond the farm gate, characteristics of agri-environmental projects, Benefit: Cost Analysis, and provides an example with Gippsland Lakes.

Week 6 ties up the course through discussion of government policies that support agriculture, policies that protect the rural environment, policies with problems, and justifications for agricultural policy.