Objectives of Programme's Learning Outcomes

• Have highly specialised knowledge of the science of artisanal mariculture and villageVillage Farming.
• To be able to mobilise, articulate and make the most of the knowledge and skills acquired in order to contribute to the management and implementation of a large-scale development project linked to artisanal mariculture and village farming.
• Be capable of organising and carrying out research, development or innovation work to understand a new issue relating to small-scale mariculture and village farming.
• To be able to communicate clearly, in a structured and well-argued manner, orally and in writing, to an informed or uninformed public, the principles underlying Artisanal Mariculture and Village Farming.
• Be able to think critically about the impact of the discipline and the implications of the projects to which they will contribute.
• To be aware of the biological, agronomic, social and economic problems inherent in these maricultures and to be able to react if these problems arise in the countries/regions where the methods are transposed.

Learning Outcomes of UE

Understand social structures, land issues and their dynamics within coastal communities; Understand production systems, the social organization of work and household economic strategies to adapt approaches; Understand and master the concepts and mechanisms used for supervision and advice to village aquaculturists (company farming vs. contractual village farming, importance of contracts, incentive mechanisms, pilot farmers, advice to family farms, community mobilization and socio-organizational structuring ...); Anticipate and manage risks and conflicts linked to village aquaculture 

UE Content: description and pedagogical relevance

Theoretical courses can be viewed remotely. For this, video capsules are produced by the teachers for all theoretical courses and integrated into a flipped classroom system also offering spaces dedicated to exercises and tests. Students will thus have the opportunity to view these courses from Madagascar or abroad. Malagasy teachers and Belgian teachers traveling to Madagascar will be able to supplement these videos with face-to-face theoretical courses, especially in order to discuss what was covered remotely. Practical training will take place in hatcheries, nurseries, sea pens and in target villages for the study of village farming. All the necessary infrastructure is accessible and usable at the Belaza Marine Station, co-managed by UTuléar, ULiège and UMons, and in neighboring model villages. The acquisition of theoretical knowledge will be highlighted during practical work and field visits. During the practical work, the students will themselves produce the organisms of interest, being in certain cases (growing of sea cucumbers, production of algae and corals) in direct contact with the Malagasy mariculture villagers (see point 2. the learning outcomes and the targeted skills).

Prior Experience

The course will accept candidates with a Master's or Engineering degree. However, the Teaching Committee may select a few candidates who do not have the required diplomas but demonstrate significant experience in the field of artisanal mariculture and have a higher education diploma in science (bachelor's degree minimum).