Universitary model of capacitation to urban crop production

Abstract

One of the strategies of universities whose purpose is the sustainable growth and food security in a social setting, should consider developing educational models that promote the training of students, teachers and the general public. Therefore, in the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosi, the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Habitat and the Division of Student Services, began in February 2013 the Unihuerto project, which includes the theoretical and practical training for the implementation of urban gardens. Due to its growth and impact, the project required further integration of other faculties and campuses, just as the model of education and production with the participation of other disciplines supplemented. This model consists of two modules: the first workshop called basic agriculture wherein is included an analysis of food and agribusiness issues, concepts of agriculture, urban garden design, plant phenology and seed treatment ; in a second module called urban agriculture workshop advanced with topics such as plant nutrition, soil, integrated pest management and postharvest ; in addition offered workshops specialized on greenhouse management, development of natural pesticides and bio-fertilizers. Recently this initiative includes the project Unitecho alive, where students and audience are trained in general for generating roof gardens in urban areas with high densification. During the two years of operation Unihuerto have trained over 1,500 people and through short workshops during the National Week of Science and Technology has spread to more than 2,000 children also have driven five urban gardens in different parts of the university campus.