Agriculture and the Environment in Colombia
Cali, Palmira, and Salento, Colombia
- Dates – August 2–30, 2026
- Max Enrollment – 30
- Taught In – English
- Prerequisites – Yes
- Academic Areas – Plant Sciences
Program Overview
Come explore how agriculture can address urgent global challenges such as climate change, food security and sustainability through this immersive program based at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT in Cali and Palmira, Colombia—one of the world’s leading agricultural research hubs. Students engage directly with scientists to study key crops including cassava, beans, sugarcane, coffee and rice, while gaining hands-on experience in soil health, carbon sequestration and climate-smart plant breeding. A specialized visit to Cenicafé, the research center of the Federación Nacional de Cafeteros de Colombia, offers insight into sustainable coffee innovation. The program also travels to Salento in Colombia’s coffee region, where students hike through biodiverse Andean landscapes and explore the connections between agroforestry, conservation and rural livelihoods. Together, research engagement and field-based learning equip students with practical skills and a global perspective for careers in agriculture, environmental science and global development.
Program Contacts
- Program Coordinator – Brooke Paynter
- Instructor – Xiaofei Zhang
Program Highlights
- Work side by side with international scientists and local farmers on real-world agricultural challenges, getting hands-on experience with soil health, plant breeding, and sustainable farming practices.
- Explore real-world solutions to improve farming and food systems in tropical and global settings.
- Hike through rivers and waterfalls, dance and learn about Afro-Colombian and Pacific Indigenous culture at the Petronio Álvarez Pacific Music Festival and enjoy traditional coffee tastings.
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