Course Description

Embark on an enlightening journey into the world of sustainable agri-food systems with this intermediate-level course offered by DoaneX. This comprehensive program delves deep into the intricate web of global food systems, exploring their pivotal role in achieving the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As you progress through the course, you'll gain a holistic understanding of how agri-food systems intersect with ethical, social, economic, political, environmental, and ecological issues, breaking down traditional silos to address these complex challenges.

What Students Will Learn

• The importance of cross-sector collaboration in managing agri-food systems
• The complexity of global food supply chains and their susceptibility to change
• The diverse interests and goals of various stakeholders in the food system
• The impact of external drivers on food systems, ecosystems, and biodiversity
• The importance of analyzing and valuing economically invisible impacts
• Techniques for assessing and measuring the sustainability of agriculture and food systems
• Strategies for addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges in the agri-food sector

Pre-requisites

To succeed in this course, students should have either:

• A Bachelor's degree, or
• 5 years of experience in a related field

Course Coverage

• The interconnection between agri-food systems and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals
• Holistic approaches to food sustainability assessments
• The complexity of global food supply chains and their management
• The impact of policy, technology, and market changes on food systems
• Collaboration strategies among different government ministries and across countries
• Analysis of economic, environmental, and social trade-offs in agri-food systems
• The influence of external factors such as lifestyle changes and health care policies on food systems
• Methods for measuring and valuing economically invisible impacts
• Strategies for policy and decision-makers to address sustainability challenges

Who This Course Is For

• Professionals working in agriculture, food production, or related industries
• Policy makers and government officials involved in food and agriculture sectors
• Environmental scientists and sustainability experts
• Business leaders and managers in the food and agriculture supply chain
• Students pursuing advanced degrees in agriculture, environmental science, or sustainable development
• Anyone passionate about creating more sustainable and equitable food systems

Real-World Applications

The knowledge and skills gained from this course can be applied in various real-world scenarios, such as:

• Developing sustainable agriculture policies at local, national, or international levels
• Improving supply chain management practices in food-related businesses
• Creating more environmentally friendly and socially responsible food production methods
• Advising organizations on sustainable practices in the agri-food sector
• Conducting research on innovative solutions to global food system challenges
• Implementing sustainability initiatives in agricultural communities
• Collaborating with diverse stakeholders to address complex food system issues

Syllabus Overview

1. Introduction to agri-food systems and their relation to SDGs
2. Holistic approaches to food sustainability assessments
3. Global food supply chains and their complexities
4. Stakeholder analysis in food systems
5. External drivers affecting food systems and biodiversity
6. Economic, social, and environmental impact analysis
7. Measuring and valuing sustainability in agriculture
8. Collaboration strategies for sustainable food systems
9. Policy and decision-making for agri-food sustainability
10. Future challenges and opportunities in sustainable agriculture

By enrolling in this course, you'll gain valuable insights and practical skills to contribute to the development of more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems, positioning yourself at the forefront of this critical global challenge.