The material that is applicable for doing the optional courses

The fact that up to 80% of the active population are still employed in agriculture in some countries makes the study of agrarian societies a key feature in development economics. This master's course explores the intricate web of rural societies, land dynamics, cooperative mechanisms, and sustainable development strategies. Topics encompass land tenure systems, cooperative models, microcredit, technological change, and market access. The course includes the problems associated with agricultural, and land policies, particularly land and tenancy reforms allowing a better understanding of the problems facing policy makers today. Additionally, the examination of gender bias, particularly regarding property rights in developing countries, the management of Natural Resources and the vulnerability of agricultural systems to the adverse effects of climate change are explored

Program: Introduction to Rural Societies and Development Land Tenure Systems in Rural Areas Land Redistribution and Agrarian Reform Agricultural Productivity and Technological Change. Food Security in Rural Communities Market Access and Value Chains in Developing Countries Cooperatives and Rural Development Rural Finance and Microcredit Gender in Rural Societies Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resource Management.

Theoretical knowledge will be acquired by: - Lectures that will provide the major theoretical and practical concepts that students are expected to acquire. - Complementary bibliography and readings will be available to students to further their knowledge of those subjects where they have greatest interest. - Discussion of articles, exercises and problems given by the teacher, and encouraging the active participation of students to solve them, either individually or in groups. Acquisition of abilities and skills through:- - Writing a short essay on the literature concerning one of the course topics - Class presentations by the student of their work, and a class discussion with other students.