Master in Regional and Rural Development Planning (RRDP)

The RRDP focuses on rural poverty, improvement of the quality of life and social and economic development of rural areas. Practice oriented rural-regional planning is carried out regularly at district and sub-district levels following a participatory and integrated approach. Attention is paid to management of development institutions, infrastructure and physical resources. Sectoral and spatial planning is equally emphasized along with the management of rural development programs and local development projects to strengthen rural communities for sustainable development. Selected areas of concern are: poverty analysis; concepts and processes of rural and regional development; community development planning; agricultural development and planning; planning and management of rural development programs and projects; regional planning techniques; rural-urban relations; NGO management policy and development administration; sustainable development theories and practices; and decentralization and governance.
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Master in Agricultural Systems and Engineering (ASE)

In response to regional demand for professional training, two areas of specialization are offered: Agricultural Systems (AS) and Agricultural Engineering (AE). Students are trained to develop, adopt and disseminate knowledge and technologies that focus on the utilization and management of biological and agricultural systems and natural resources. Both AS and AE are in a productive alliance to complement each other within the wide spectrum of activities being undertaken at Agricultural Systems and Engineering (ASE). The ASE places its emphasis on sustainable agricultural development based on a holistic understanding of agronomic and biophysical production factors, from the perspective of producer and the effects of economic and social forces on agricultural enterprises. It highlights the application of biological sciences, engineering, socio-economic policies and programs, and support services to agriculture to increase the efficiency of agricultural production systems through availability and efficient use of inputs and management of natural resources.

Fieldwork and practical exercises have been inseparable from agricultural curricula at ASE. At ASE, we strive to comply with up-to-date methodologies and practices while making the best use of available resources. Through its professional linkages formal or informal, with private and public sectors, ASE has been efficiently handling quality research activities.
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Master in Pulp and Paper Technology (PPT)

Due to the impact of globalization and the significance of the technology expansion, it became imperative to prepare students in pulp and paper technology in the Southeast Asia (SEA) region. This is especially important because of the strong presence of pulp and paper industries within this region. The government of Finland generously met this need resulting in the establishment in 1996 of the Pulp and Paper Technology Program (PPT) at the Prestigious AIT. The PPT program offers academic and professional curricula with pulp, paper, bio drying and bio refining specializations for candidates with science and engineering backgrounds within the multidisciplinary research and education environment of AIT. The PPT program along with continuing development of course benefiting industry and in cooperation with North American and European research and educational centers aims to channel information about relevant worldwide academic achievements into SEA pulp and paper and allied industries. These industries thus gain innovative ways to compete successfully within the global marketplace.The PPT program of SERD provides students with comprehensive understanding of the pulp and paper industry, its unit processes, environmental aspects and the sustainability of the processes and products. PTT is offering two master's degree options and eight certificate programs with specific focus on core areas of pulp and paper technology.... [-]

Master in Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management (AARM)AARM is committed to improving regional institutional capacity in aquaculture and aquatic resources management and related fields through innovative approaches that integrate education, research and outreach.Asia contributes over 90% of global aquaculture production and plays a key role in the development of appropriate culture systems and technologies. Aquaculture production accounts for almost half of world fish supply and increases by 10%. It is expected to surpass capture fisheries production in the next 10 years. Further development of aquaculture is also expected to help us move away from dependence on overexploited capture fisheries resources and to enhance and conserve aquatic habitats and biodiversity; but this expansion should not exceed the carrying capacity of water resources.Wild aquatic resources are essential sources of nutrition for rural populations. Any degradation of these resources from over-fishing, use of illegal fishing gears, introduction of exotic fish, misuse of chemicals, agro-industrial waste discharge, deforestation, breeding ground degradation and dam construction that can lead to blocking of migratory pathways will have dramatic impacts on the nutritional and health status of rural people.Population growth, poverty, resource use conflicts, illegal activities, pollution, biodiversity conservation, policy and institutional gaps and conflicts are the major issues and problems in coastal management. A management approach that integrates sectors (government agencies, non-government organizations, community, etc.), disciplines (science, engineering and management), land- and sea-based activities (agriculture, livestock, aquaculture, fisheries, tourism, etc.) is important to address the various issues and problems in the coastal area.... [-]