Areas of Research

The Graduate Program in Agroecology has its area of concentration and three areas of research:

1. MANAGEMENT OF TROPICAL AGROECOSYSTEMS. (MAT)

This area of research aims to expand scientific knowledge and develop research and technologies for biological and ecological methods and processes involved in the management of agroecosystems, with the objective to subsidize and propose sustainable production processes. Research objectives include: wild and domestic animal nutrition in  low environmental impact systems, animal management in family farming, agroforestry systems, green manure, quality and management of soil, and organic fertilization of vegetable, annual and perennial crops.

2. AGRI-FOOD SYSTEMS OF FAMILY FARMERS. (SAA)

This area of research It aims to study the relationships between food production, consumption, sovereignty and food and nutritional security of families. The object of study is the nutritional situation of farmers; the quality and quantity of nutrients in the diet; cultural aspects related to food, production and self-consumption that value the human right to adequate and healthy food, local biodiversity and the conditions of the production environment and the relationship between local production and its inclusion in government programs; the socioeconomic relations of gender, race and generation present in agroecology; short marketing circuits and participatory guarantee systems.

3. PHYSICAL PROCESS, BIOGEOCHERMICALS AND RESSOURCER DYNAMICS IN AGROECOSYSTEMS. (PRA)

This area of research aims to study the biotic and abiotic components of agroecosystems and their relationships with natural systems. Sub-areas of research are: the study of fauna and connecting the biogeochemical nutrient cycles with species diversity and human interventions, as well as the impact of management practices of agroecosystems on local and regional natural resources. Research project subjects include animal behavior, nutrient flows, organic material and trophic chains in agroecosystems, identifying the role of intra and inter species diversity in the stability and resilience of agroecosystems, and the production of environmental goods and services.