International (Truro)

SPEC2001 Special Topics: International Development & Food Security in Kenya

Next offering August 2026 - stay tuned for more information!


Course Information:

This 3-credit hour course is an opportunity for 12 students with a second year standing to study introductory topics in international development, with a focus on agriculture and rural development. The course will include a two-week study abroad trip in Kenya in collaboration with Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST).  

This special topics 2001 course in International Development is entitled Student Internationalization & the Global Food System: Food Security Connections between Canada and Kenya. Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Agriculture is committed to dedicating its strategic focus (2020-2025) to addressing the significant challenges to local and global sustainability, food security and health and well-being in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Achieving global food security while reducing negative environmental impacts is one of the most formidable challenges facing agriculture and rural communities. The Faculty of Agriculture seeks to work towards improving food security locally and globally through its teaching, research, and international partnerships. Key here is student international mobility, a top priority for the Faculty of Agriculture.

When: TBA

Where: Tigania West Constituency Meru, Kenya

Instructor(s): TBA

Important Dates for the Program (Note these are subject to change)

Application & payment deadlines TBA - stay tunded!

 

Course Syllabus

Course  Details:
Instructor: Dr. Greg Cameron
Office: Humanities House, top floor
Office Phone: 902-893-6228
Office Hours: Monday & Wednesday 1-3 pm; or by appointment
Email: Gregory.cameron@dal.ca

Class Times:
Pre-Departure Sessions: March – April Dates TBA
One Week Orientation Monday 6 May – Friday 10 May 2024
Two Week Travel Component Saturday 11 May – Sunday 26 May 2024
Learning Outcomes and Objectives

The objective of this course is to deepen the understanding of food security issues in the East African country of Kenya and link these to wider debates on agriculture and global sustainability, all while gaining applied development experience working with colleagues on the ground in Kenya.

The intended learning outcomes are that by the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. Understand the work and mission of MUST in extension, program, curriculum development, and student training and employment;
  2. Be exposed to modern and innovate farm management and food production models in rural Kenya;
  3. Appreciate the complex characteristics of rural communities including gender, class, indigenous knowledge, local leadership, and institution building;
  4. Achieve a deeper appreciation on topics related to wildlife conservation and tourism;
  5. Connect key food security issues between Canada and Kenya and link to UN’s global sustainability goals framework.

Textbooks and Additional Materials:

Please note that there is a required text book:

Paul A. Haslam et.al. (eds.) Introduction to International Development. Approaches, Actors, Issues, and Practice. Oxford University Press, 4th Edition, OUP: 2021.

The hard copy is available in the university book stores for $117.84. There is also a code e-book which is a 180 day access code for $56.96.

There will be additional required readings posted on the Brightspace site. 

Course Requirements and Grading:

  1. Test on the material of the orientation week including cross cultural issues and lecture content, end of Week 1 – 20%;
  2. Journal charting student thoughts on their personal and academic experiences, integrated with content from Week 1 and the visits in and around MUST, due at the end of the trip, 30%;
  3. Group presentation on food security issues in Canada by Canadian students at MUST campus, halfway through 2 week visit 20%;
  4. General participation in activities and discussions in Kenya 5%. Upon return to Truro campus, Nova Scotia students will also be asked to share pictures and experiences and may be asked to participate in campus presentations or video reflections of their experience, 5%;
  5. Essay of 2,000 words on some aspect of food security which includes peer reviewed academic literature, due 31 May 2024, 20%

A missed test or essay deadline will not be accepted. Late submission of the journal or non-participation in group work will be penalized by a 15% reduction of the final grade.

The test and essay will be submitted on Bright Space.

The completed group presentation and journal work will be handed directly to the instructor.

Sample Course Itinerary

(planning is still in progress, itinerary TBA)

  • technical and social lectures by faculty on climate change and food security,
  • visits to MUST to demonstrate projects,
  • 2 visits to rural community projects/villages with different demographic profiles (e.g. cultivators, pastoralists communities),
  • students will also present their own thinking on food security in Canada in some form of presentation at MUST to the undergraduate Kenyan students.


Student Cost (Estimated):

$6500 CAD
Included:  airfare, accommodations, meals, local transportation.
Excluded: course & tuition fees, insurance, required vaccinations and physician consults, personal purchases (souvenirs, alcoholic beverages).

Funding Assistance

Information about funding assistance and payment schedule will be posted as information is confirmed. Watch for updates on our social media and website.

Study/Work International Fund (SWIF)  
This course may be eligible to submit an application to the Study/Work International Fund (SWIF). SWIF was established by Dalhousie University as part of the Student Assistance Program, SWIF provides financial assistance to Dalhousie and King's students who want to take part in an international placement. There is a maximum award of $2,000 CAD per applicant. SWIF supports study, work, or practicum placements for which Dalhousie University will give a degree credit.

For more information on funding and eligiblity:
Contact Dalhousie AC International at intdalac@dal.ca.

Visit Dalhousie's International Learning Experiences Funding page for further details and eligibility information on SWIF and other funding opportunities.