WageningenX: Sustainable Food Security: Food Access

by Wageningen University & Research

Food Access: Learn about Food Supply and Food Security

Course Description

This fascinating course is an eye-opening exploration of the complex systems and decisions that influence what ends up on your plate. Offered by Wageningen University, a world-renowned institution specializing in food and living environment research, this course delves into the intricate web of actors and factors that determine food access at household, local, national, and international levels.

What You'll Learn

Understanding the evolution of food manufacturing over the past century
Grasping the fundamental principles of food access
Analyzing how various actors' choices impact food access
Identifying dilemmas at different levels of food access (household to international)
Unraveling the interconnections between different levels and actors in food access

Prerequisites

The course is designed for an introductory level, with prerequisites being secondary school education or first/second year BSc. No specific prior knowledge is required, making it accessible to a wide range of learners.

Course Content

Introduction to food access as a pillar of global food security
Social and economic determinants of household food access and allocation
Food distribution and trading at the local level
National food policies and their impact on food access
International trade rules and their implications for food access
Integration of various levels and actors in the food access system

Who This Course Is For

Students interested in environmental studies, food security, and sustainability
Food and nutrition policymakers
Development practitioners
Trainers working at international, national, household, and individual levels
Anyone curious about the complexities of food access and security

Real-World Applications

Informing policy decisions related to food security and access
Developing strategies for improving food distribution in local communities
Understanding and addressing household-level food access challenges
Analyzing international trade agreements and their impact on food accessibility
Designing more effective food security programs and initiatives
Enhancing personal decision-making regarding food choices and their global impact

Syllabus

Week 1: Setting the scene - Introduction to food access as one of the pillars of global food security

Week 2: Households accessing and allocating food - Introduction to social and economic determinants shaping access to food between and within households

Week 3: Traders arranging food access in local markets - Introduction to distribution and trading food at the local level

Week 4: National policy makers governing food access - Introduction to food policy and how political choices at the national level affect access to food

Week 5: Negotiators setting international trade rules for food access - Introducing the role of international trade for food access and its economic, social and cultural implications

Week 6: Connecting the ingredients - Integration of levels and actors

This course is part of the XSeries programme Food Security and Sustainability, offering a comprehensive understanding of sustainable food systems. By enrolling in this course, you'll be learning from experienced professors who combine academic expertise with real-world project experience, ensuring a rich and practical learning experience.

Similar Courses