Description
This course explores the core principles of permaculture, a design philosophy aimed at creating sustainable, self-sufficient ecosystems. You’ll learn how to integrate natural systems into agriculture, including water conservation, soil regeneration, and biodiversity support. The course covers permaculture techniques such as companion planting, food forests, and sustainable landscaping, along with strategies to create resilient, closed-loop systems that mimic natural ecosystems. With practical examples and case studies, you’ll gain a deep understanding of how to design and implement permaculture practices on your land, making it ideal for gardeners, farmers, and sustainability advocates looking to create thriving, regenerative spaces.
What you'll learn
What You Will Learn:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Understand the ethics and principles of permaculture and how they guide sustainable land management and ecological design.
- Apply permaculture design principles to create resilient, self-sustaining systems that integrate food production, water management, energy systems, and waste recycling.
- Design a permaculture system: Analyze sites, select appropriate plants and animals, and implement effective management strategies.
- Implement practical permaculture techniques in areas such as soil building, water harvesting, agroforestry, and companion planting.
- Understand and apply sustainable agricultural practices, including organic farming, agroecology, and polyculture.
- Create a regenerative system that works with nature to restore and enhance soil fertility, water quality, and biodiversity.
- Develop a personal or community permaculture project that is sustainable, productive, and adapted to local conditions.
Syllabus
Course Syllabus:
Week 1: Introduction to Permaculture
- What is Permaculture?: Definition and history of permaculture; its origins and evolution as a design philosophy.
- Ethics of Permaculture: The three core ethics: Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share.
- Principles of Permaculture: Overview of the 12 key permaculture principles as outlined by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren.
- The Permaculture Design Process: How to approach designing a permaculture system, including observation, mapping, and planning.
- Case Studies: Examples of successful permaculture systems in diverse environments.
Week 2: Observing and Assessing the Land
- Site Analysis: How to assess land for permaculture design, including factors like climate, topography, soil, water, and existing ecosystems.
- Mapping the Site: Techniques for drawing site maps, including zones, sectors, and elements like wind, sun, and water flow.
- Microclimates: Understanding and identifying microclimates and how to design around them.
- Designing for Energy Flows: Working with natural systems to optimize energy use and reduce waste.
- Observation Exercises: Spend time observing a specific site (either in person or virtually) to assess its natural features.
Week 3: Permaculture Design Principles
- Principle 1: Observe and Interact: The importance of observation in design.
- Principle 2: Catch and Store Energy: Methods for capturing solar, wind, and water energy for long-term use.
- Principle 3: Obtain a Yield: Designing systems that provide for human needs while supporting ecological health.
- Principle 4: Apply Self-Regulation and Accept Feedback: Creating systems that are self-sustaining and adaptable.
- Principle 5: Use and Value Renewable Resources: Building systems that rely on renewable and local resources.
- Principles 6-12: Detailed discussion of principles like integrating animals, using small and slow solutions, valuing diversity, etc.
- Design Exercise: Apply the principles to design a small garden or community space.
Week 4: Soil Health and Planting Systems
- Soil Health and Fertility: Understanding soil types, structure, and how to build healthy, living soils through composting, mulching, and organic matter.
- Building Soil: Techniques for improving soil health using permaculture practices, including composting, biochar, and vermiculture.
- Polyculture and Companion Planting: Designing plant communities that enhance biodiversity and support mutual growth (e.g., the “Three Sisters” in permaculture).
- Agroforestry and Food Forests: Integrating trees and shrubs with annual crops in a permaculture garden.
- Plant Selection: Choosing plants that are suited to local conditions and ecological needs.
- Practical Exercises: Designing a planting system using companion planting techniques.
Week 5: Water Management and Conservation
- Water in Permaculture: The role of water in sustainable agriculture and land design.
- Rainwater Harvesting: Techniques for capturing and storing rainwater for irrigation, drinking, and sanitation.
- Swales and Contour Plowing: Using land contours and natural water flows to reduce erosion and conserve water.
- Greywater Systems: Designing systems for reusing household water safely in the garden.
- Wetlands and Ponds: Building small ponds and wetland systems for water management and biodiversity.
- Practical Exercise: Design a simple rainwater harvesting or greywater system for a small home or garden.
Week 6: Animals in Permaculture
- Integrating Animals into Permaculture: How animals (chickens, goats, bees, etc.) can benefit a permaculture system through waste management, pest control, and food production.
- Designing for Animals: Creating integrated animal systems (chicken tractors, rotational grazing, etc.).
- Beekeeping: Introduction to the role of bees in permaculture and how to design a bee-friendly garden or farm.
- Chickens and Poultry Systems: Setting up chicken coops, managing poultry waste, and integrating them into crop rotation.
- Aquaculture and Fish Systems: Integrating fish ponds into permaculture designs for sustainable protein production.
- Case Studies: Real-world examples of permaculture animal systems in action.
Week 7: Urban Permaculture and Community Design
- Permaculture in Cities: Adapting permaculture principles to urban environments, including container gardening, rooftop gardens, and community urban farms.
- Small-Space Solutions: How to maximize food production in limited spaces using vertical gardening, hydroponics, and aquaponics.
- Community-Based Permaculture: How permaculture principles can be applied to build resilient and sustainable communities.
- Permaculture Networks: Connecting with local permaculture groups and organizations for education, support, and resource sharing.
- Designing Community Projects: How to design permaculture systems that benefit local communities and address issues like food insecurity and sustainability.
Week 8: Moving Toward a Sustainable Future
- Regenerative Design: Understanding the difference between sustainable and regenerative practices, and how permaculture aims to restore ecosystems.
- The Role of Permaculture in Climate Change Mitigation: How permaculture can be used to address global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
- Future Trends in Permaculture: Innovations in technology, energy, and urban permaculture that are shaping the future of sustainable living.
- Final Design Project: Complete a permaculture design project for a home, farm, or community space, applying the principles learned throughout the course.
- Course Wrap-Up and Reflection: Reflecting on how permaculture can transform personal and global systems for sustainability.
Mamuda –
“Permaculture Principles and Practices” has been an exceptional online course that has significantly enhanced my understanding of sustainable land management. The well-structured and comprehensive content covered a wide range of topics related to permaculture design, including soil management, water conservation, and ecological landscaping. The knowledgeable instructors provided invaluable insights and practical tips that I can immediately apply to my own gardening and land stewardship practices. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in learning about permaculture and creating resilient and nature-centric landscapes.”
Aniekan –
“This ‘Permaculture Principles and Practices’ online course was an enriching and transformative experience. The comprehensive curriculum provided a thorough understanding of permaculture ethics, design principles, and practical applications. The expert instructors shared their vast knowledge and real-world case studies, inspiring me to adopt sustainable practices in my own life. I highly recommend this course to anyone seeking to learn about permaculture and its potential to create resilient and harmonious landscapes.”
Garuba –
“I highly recommend the “Permaculture Principles and Practices” online course. It provides a comprehensive and well-structured exploration of permaculture principles and their practical applications. The interactive format and engaging lessons make learning enjoyable and accessible. The course materials are well-researched and practical, empowering me with valuable knowledge and skills to create sustainable and resilient systems. The instructor’s expert guidance and support throughout the course made it an invaluable learning experience.”
Hamidu –
“I highly recommend the ‘Permaculture Principles and Practices’ online course. It was an insightful and practical journey that transformed my understanding of sustainable living. The instructors were knowledgeable and engaging, providing clear guidance and hands-on exercises. Through hands-on projects, I gained valuable skills in organic gardening, water conservation, and holistic land stewardship. The course empowered me to create a more sustainable and resilient lifestyle, inspiring me to implement eco-friendly practices in my own backyard and beyond.”
Tolulope –
“This online course exceeded my expectations. The expert instructors presented a comprehensive overview of permaculture principles and practices, with clear explanations and practical examples. The interactive assignments allowed me to apply my learnings and connect with fellow students. I gained invaluable knowledge and tools that have empowered me to design and implement sustainable systems in my own backyard. Highly recommended!”