The agroforestry center for sustainable development, Chapingo, Mexico: strategy and programs

Abstract

The Agroforestry Center for Sustainable Development was established by the Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Mexico, in 1991 with the expectation of developing itself into a Center of Excellence in Agroforestry education, training, and research in Mexico and other parts of Latin America. The Center's program for the initial five-year period includes development of a graduate program at Masters level, establishment of a field research station, and setting up a library and documentation unit with a well-stocked library of agroforestry literature. Environmental protection, sustainability issues, social equity, participatory research (involving resource-poor farmers), and interdisciplinary emphasis are some of the key guiding principles of all Center-sponsored activities. Active collaboration will be sought between the Center and various national and international agencies that have programmatic emphasis in the region. The proposed graduate (MS) program will consist of one-year of course-work followed by a second year of thesis research. Structure and curriculum of several supporting courses have been drafted.