From Assam to Switzerland: An Exchange and Learning Visit
The World Food System Center welcomed twenty students from Assam Agricultural University for an Exchange and Learning Visit in June. The focus of the 10-day program was to learn about the food system landscape in Switzerland, with topics including organic production, smart farming, and policy implementation.
Over ten days in June 2019, the WFSC hosted twenty bachelor students from Assam Agricultural University in Assam, India for an Exchange and Learning Visit. During the exchange, the students explored challenges in the food system, specifically focusing on differences between the Indian and Swiss agricultural systems.
The model of the learning exchange was grounded in developing a cross-disciplinary knowledge of society and the environment, core skills, and a value base that empowers and orients the students towards creating appropriate solutions to global challenges. Various didactic methods used included lectures, facilitated discussions, field trips, case studies, and group work.
Classroom sessions featured topics such as complex systems and policy perspectives, while field visits allowed deeper learning of organic farming systems, smart farming technologies, and aquaponics. Contributor presentations introduced innovative ideas from start-ups, industry and research.
We thank all the contributors for their presentations and open discussions with the students.They found their time in Switzerland truly inspiring, with many commenting on their better understanding of challenges, solutions, and trade-offs in complex systems; gaining new ideas for their future; learning about the potential of organic agriculture; and growing in personal confidence.
“The exchange & learning program with WFSC can be helpful to provide a platform to understand the global drivers of food systems & challenges. It's a wonderful exposure program!“ -Nainika
We wish all the twenty students the best in their continuing journey to create change in the food system, in Assam and beyond.
A visit to Rheinau provided insights into organic farm production (Image: WFSC)
Prof. Achim Walter discusses smart farming at the ETH-Plant Science Research Station (Image: WFSC) Visiting the high-tech animal barn at AgroVet-Strickhof (Image: WFSC) A final visit to enjoy Swiss chocolate before saying goodbye to this great group of change makers (Image: WFSC)
