Building capacity in sustainable irrigation
Alumnus, College of Agriculture and Bioresources sessional lecturer, and Micro-credential Developer Dr. Joel Ens (BSc, PhD ‘12) says we are at a pivotal moment with regards to water security in Saskatchewan
By Darla Read, USask Communications Officer“Irrigation expansion, drought and climate change as well as a combination of global factors are outpacing the necessary speed of knowledge transfer that would be possible with a traditional degree program.”
That’s where the Sustainable Irrigation program comes in. Ens, who is the program lead, says the micro credentials are best suited for those in the irrigation industry looking to upgrade their skills.
These micro-credentials serve the agricultural community in our province by building skills related to sustainable practice. Learners are introduced to the conditions required for sustainable irrigation. Topics included water management and farm management, regulations, technical design, and protection of the environment. The program focuses on developing the foundational knowledge and skills required for sound decision making in irrigated agriculture, with some elements completed online at a learner’s own pace.
Ens says sound management practices must be implemented early on for long-term success of irrigation with other water users.
"Though our Sustainable Irrigation micro-credentials, we are able to extend learning in this area across a broad audience, to those already involved with, as well as those entering the irrigation industry, in a timely, accessible and targeted approach. This, I think, is the strength of micro-credentials.”
Click here for more information about the Sustainable Irrigation micro-credential program.