A visiting Fulbright scholar is helping Ithaca College students explore how agriculture, ecology, and social justice intersect as part of a growing academic focus on sustainable food systems.
Dr. Georgina Catacora-Vargas, a Bolivian researcher and international leader in agroecology, is serving as a Scholar-in-Residence this academic year, introducing students to a framework that connects environmental science with human rights and community resilience.
Agroecology, while an emerging term in many academic settings, draws on longstanding agricultural traditions — particularly Indigenous and smallholder practices — and emphasizes sustainable ecosystems, equitable food access, and community-driven solutions. At Ithaca College, Catacora-Vargas is teaching courses that examine these connections through both scientific and social lenses.
Faculty and students say the approach reflects a growing need to rethink food systems as global challenges intensify, including climate change, soil degradation, and inequality in access to resources. The coursework blends ecology, sociology, economics, and environmental justice, attracting students from a wide range of academic backgrounds.
Beyond the classroom, the program ties into real-world applications, including community gardening initiatives that promote food access, shared resources, and local sustainability. Researchers say these models demonstrate how agroecological practices can strengthen both environmental resilience and social cohesion.
Catacora-Vargas said agroecology is about more than farming techniques — it is a systems-based approach aimed at improving livelihoods, empowering communities, and creating long-term sustainability in food production.
College officials say the program also advances broader goals of expanding global perspectives on campus, building interdisciplinary learning opportunities, and connecting students with emerging fields shaping the future of environmental policy and practice.
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