Sustainable Food Security: The value of systems thinking from edX

Systems thinking and environmental sustainability: solve the Rubik 's cube

Have you ever considered how many aspects of food production affect the natural environment? Every aspect needs to be considered in attaining the future goal to produce enough food for the growing population while at the same time preserving our planet. It's as difficult as solving a Rubik's cube; changing one aspect may affect the environment in a major way.

Systems theory, or systems thinking, is a way of understanding and working with the complexity of sustainable food production systems, which requires training in different disciplines and an approach that can address this complexity. This environmental studies course enables participants to apply the principles of a systems approach to food production with a focus on environmental sustainability.

The MOOC Sustainable Food Security: The value of systems thinking is part of the XSeries programme Food Security and Sustainability, which learns you more about how we can feed the world with its growing population and wealth in a sustainable way. The other MOOCs in this XSeries are Sustainable Food Security: Crop Production and Sustainable Food Security: Food Access.

The professors at Wageningen University

The University of Wageningen offers an excellent combination of conducting research worldwide and educating in the area of 'healthy food and living environment'. For each course, professors from specific fields of expertise are eager to teach and share the University's mission: "Explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life".

This is why you should sign up

Sign up as a student if you want to acquire knowledge about environmental sustainability and the way systems thinking helps in decision-making in the complexity of food production. After successful completion of both practice and graded assignments related to this course, you will:

Understand the complexity and diversity of food production systems
Understand the principles of system analysis and apply it to environmental issues in food production
Understand evaluation methods for the environmental impact of food production systems in different contexts and levels (e.g. farm, regional and global) Be able to evaluate strong and weak points of different food production systems regarding environmental sustainability
Be able to contribute to a discussion about environmental sustainability and food production and ask relevant questions

What's inside

Learning objectives

The concept of environmental sustainability and identify the main issues associated with food production
The basics of systems thinking and understand how the different aspects of a system influence one another and how a system itself is affected by its context
The relevance of crop and livestock productivity for environmental sustainability
The environmental indicators and how to measure the environmental impact of food production at farm, village or regional level

Decision-making and life cycle assessment
Helpful tools and their strong and weak points
In this course you will learn about:
We will analyze production systems at both ends of the spectrum: highly productive systems with relatively high inputs and emissions to the environment, and low productive systems with low input use and depletion of soil fertility. crop-livestock interaction is a focal point.

The concept of environmental sustainability and identify the main issues associated with food production
The basics of systems thinking and understand how the different aspects of a system influence one another and how a system itself is affected by its context
The relevance of crop and livestock productivity for environmental sustainability
The environmental indicators and how to measure the environmental impact of food production at farm, village or regional level
Decision-making and life cycle assessment
Helpful tools and their strong and weak points
In this course you will learn about:
We will analyze production systems at both ends of the spectrum: highly productive systems with relatively high inputs and emissions to the environment, and low productive systems with low input use and depletion of soil fertility. crop-livestock interaction is a focal point.

Syllabus

Module 1: Complexity of sustainable food production systems

Module 2: Introduction to systems thinking

Module 3: Productivity indicators of food production systems

Module 4: Environmental indicators of food production systems

Module 5: Trade-offs between sustainability indicators

Module 6: Integration module with two case studies

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces students to systems thinking in relation to environmental sustainability, providing the foundational knowledge required for understanding and working with the complexity of sustainable food production systems

Deepens students' understanding of the environmental impact of food production at different levels and scales, from farms to regions and the globe

Taught by renowned professors from Wageningen University, a leading institution in agricultural research and education

Part of the Food Security and Sustainability XSeries program, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and solutions in feeding a growing global population

Suitable for students with an interest in environmental sustainability and food production

Involves practice and graded assignments to reinforce understanding and demonstrate progress

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Sustainable Food Security: The value of systems thinking with these activities:

Recall Definitions: Mean, Median, Mode

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Recall definitions and properties of statistical descriptive measures.

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Define mean
Define median
Define mode

Review Matrix Operations

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Review basic matrix operations to ensure a strong algebraic foundation for this course.

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Review matrix addition and subtraction
Review matrix multiplication
Review matrix inverses

Solve matrix equations

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Practice solving matrix equations to develop computational proficiency.

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Isolate matrix variables
Apply matrix operations to solve for variables

Four other activities

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Discuss statistical analysis techniques

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Engage with peers to discuss and clarify statistical analysis techniques.

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Join a peer group or study session
Share knowledge and insights

Learn about advanced statistical modeling

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Extend knowledge of statistical modeling techniques beyond the course scope.

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Explore different regression models
Apply regression models to real-world data

Volunteer in a data analysis-related project

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Gain practical experience in data analysis while contributing to a meaningful cause.

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Find a volunteer opportunity in a data analysis-related project
Participate in data collection, analysis, or interpretation
Present findings and recommendations

Create a statistical model for a real-world problem

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Apply course concepts to create a statistical model that addresses a real-world problem and communicate findings effectively.

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Identify a real-world problem that can be addressed with statistical modeling
Collect and prepare data
Develop and fit a statistical model
Evaluate and interpret the model
Communicate findings and insights

Career center

Learners who complete Sustainable Food Security: The value of systems thinking will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Environmental Analyst

Environmental Analysts study environmental concerns such as climate change, pollution, and natural resource depletion. They analyze and interpret data and research to understand environmental issues and ensure that policies, programs, and projects comply with environmental regulations. Individuals who hold this role may also provide expert guidance and recommendations to businesses, governments, and organizations, which can be influenced by the topics explored in Sustainable Food Security: The Value of Systems Thinking, such as environmental sustainability, systems thinking, and the impact of food production on the environment.

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Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants collaborate with businesses and organizations to develop and implement environmental sustainability strategies. They perform assessments, conduct research, and provide guidance on best practices. A background in environmental sustainability is very helpful for Sustainability Consultants, and the topics studied in Sustainable Food Security: The Value of Systems Thinking would give learners a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in environmental sustainability, especially in food production systems. By taking this course, individuals may gain valuable insights and practical knowledge that can support their success as a Sustainability Consultant.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and provide scientific data to understand and solve environmental issues. They work in various sectors, from academia to government and industry. Knowledge in environmental sustainability, such as the concepts and principles taught in Sustainable Food Security: The Value of Systems Thinking, is beneficial for Environmental Scientists. This course offers a deeper understanding of the relationship between food production systems and the environment, as well as the tools and methods to assess and mitigate environmental impacts.

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Environmental Planner

Environmental Planners work with communities and organizations to plan and implement sustainable land use and resource management strategies. A background in environmental sustainability is commonly required for this role, and Sustainable Food Security: The Value of Systems Thinking provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles of systems thinking, environmental sustainability, and their application in the context of food production systems. By taking this course, individuals can strengthen their knowledge base and gain practical insights for success as an Environmental Planner.

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Climate Change Analyst

Climate Change Analysts specialize in assessing the risks and impacts of climate change. They gather and analyze data, develop models, and make recommendations for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Sustainable Food Security: The Value of Systems Thinking covers topics such as environmental sustainability and systems thinking, which provide valuable knowledge for Climate Change Analysts to understand the complex interactions between food production, climate change, and environmental systems.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers apply engineering principles to design and implement solutions for environmental problems. They work on projects related to air and water pollution control, waste management, and energy efficiency. Understanding environmental sustainability, as covered in Sustainable Food Security: The Value of Systems Thinking, is essential for Environmental Engineers to grasp the environmental impacts of engineering projects and develop sustainable solutions. This course provides insights into systems thinking and environmental assessment, valuable for success in this field.

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Natural Resources Manager

Natural Resources Managers oversee the conservation and management of natural resources such as forests, water, and wildlife. They develop and implement plans for the sustainable use of these resources. Knowledge of environmental sustainability is fundamental for individuals in this role, and Sustainable Food Security: The Value of Systems Thinking offers a comprehensive overview of sustainability principles, systems thinking, and their application in food production systems. By taking this course, learners can enhance their understanding of the complex interactions between human activities and natural resources.

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Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Managers are responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs that promote corporate social responsibility. They work with businesses to ensure that their operations are ethical, sustainable, and responsive to social and environmental issues. The principles and practices of environmental sustainability taught in Sustainable Food Security: The Value of Systems Thinking are highly relevant to Corporate Social Responsibility Managers as they navigate the complexities of balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations in business decision-making.

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Science Writer

Science Writers translate complex scientific and technical information into easy-to-understand language for various audiences. They may specialize in a particular scientific field, such as environmental sustainability. Taking Sustainable Food Security: The Value of Systems Thinking can provide Science Writers with a deeper understanding of environmental sustainability, systems thinking, and their implications for food production systems. This knowledge will enable them to effectively communicate these concepts to the public.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and evaluate public policies. They may specialize in a particular policy area, such as environmental sustainability. Sustainable Food Security: The Value of Systems Thinking provides valuable insights into the principles of environmental sustainability and their application in food production systems. By taking this course, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of policymaking in this domain and develop analytical skills to assess policy options effectively.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, organize, and execute projects. They work in various industries, including environmental sustainability. Taking Sustainable Food Security: The Value of Systems Thinking enhances Project Managers' understanding of sustainability principles and systems thinking. By applying these concepts, they can effectively manage projects related to food production systems, ensuring their environmental sustainability and alignment with broader sustainability goals.

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Sustainability Specialist

Sustainability Specialists develop and implement sustainability strategies for organizations. They work with businesses and organizations to improve their environmental, social, and economic performance. Understanding environmental sustainability is vital for Sustainability Specialists, and Sustainable Food Security: The Value of Systems Thinking provides a comprehensive overview of the concepts, principles, and applications of environmental sustainability in food production systems. By taking this course, individuals can gain valuable knowledge and practical insights to excel as Sustainability Specialists in this growing field.

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Environmental Educator

Environmental Educators teach people about the environment and environmental issues. They work in various settings, such as schools, museums, and nature centers. Sustainable Food Security: The Value of Systems Thinking provides Environmental Educators with a comprehensive understanding of environmental sustainability, systems thinking, and their application in food production systems. By taking this course, they can enhance their knowledge and skills in teaching about these important topics, empowering learners to make informed decisions and contribute to a more sustainable future.

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Environmental Lawyer

Environmental Lawyers specialize in environmental law and represent clients on environmental issues. They may work for government agencies, private law firms, or non-profit organizations. Sustainable Food Security: The Value of Systems Thinking offers Environmental Lawyers a deeper understanding of the principles of environmental sustainability and their application in food production systems. By taking this course, they can gain valuable insights into the legal frameworks and regulations surrounding environmental sustainability, enhancing their ability to provide informed legal counsel and advocate for environmental protection.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct scientific research to advance knowledge in various fields, including environmental sustainability. They may specialize in a particular area, such as food production systems. Sustainable Food Security: The Value of Systems Thinking provides Research Scientists with a comprehensive overview of the concepts, principles, and applications of environmental sustainability in food production systems. By taking this course, they can enhance their understanding of the complex interactions within these systems and develop innovative research approaches to address sustainability challenges.

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