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Urban Food Systems

5.0 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star
Based on 2 ratings
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Lisa-Marie Hemerijckx, Julian May, Shuaib Lwasa, Anton Van Rompaey, Michelle Eichinger, and Rubia Korstanje

Food is crucial to life. However, due to extreme climate change and rapidly rising populations, secure food access is not always guaranteed.

This course will teach you about food systems and their core concepts, in relation to urban growth and land-use patterns.

Key topics include spatial, social and economic accessibility, food choice and foodsheds. Additionally, these concepts are linked to city governance dynamics to help you understand stakeholder involvement and urban food policy making.

Read more

Food is crucial to life. However, due to extreme climate change and rapidly rising populations, secure food access is not always guaranteed.

This course will teach you about food systems and their core concepts, in relation to urban growth and land-use patterns.

Key topics include spatial, social and economic accessibility, food choice and foodsheds. Additionally, these concepts are linked to city governance dynamics to help you understand stakeholder involvement and urban food policy making.

Putting theory to practice, these concepts will be connected to African city case studies, giving you a deep understanding of what shapes food systems in African cities.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand the core concepts of a food system in the context of urban growth and land-use configurations and apply them to other contexts
  • Understand urban food value chains and create your own food value chain chart
  • Define the vulnerabilities and opportunities of urban food value chains
  • Explain the three dimensions of food access: spatial, social and economic accessibility
  • Evaluate the vulnerability and sustainability of the food system through the concept of foodsheds
  • Understand dietary choices, the double burden of malnutrition and obesity
  • Define and distinguish food security and dietary diversity, and identify target foods
  • Understand and analyse urban food governance and develop a stakeholder map for an urban food system, inclusive of key governance activities
  • Understand and analyse the governance dynamics regarding (peri)urban agriculture, food retail, food safety and infrastructure

Syllabus

Week 1: Basic Urban Food System Concepts Introduction to basic urban food system concepts, and the context of urban growth and land-configurations.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops understanding of the core concepts of a food system in the context of urban growth. Relates these concepts to land-use configurations
Provides insights into urban food value chains, enabling learners to create their own food value chain chart
Explores the vulnerabilities and opportunities of urban food value chains
Examines the three dimensions of food access: spatial, social and economic accessibility
Evaluates the vulnerability and sustainability of the food system through the concept of foodsheds
Investigates dietary choices in relation to the double burden of malnutrition, food security and dietary diversity

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive urban food systems overview

Based on its detailed curriculum, the Urban Food Systems course provides a comprehensive foundation in understanding the complex interplay of food, urban growth, and policy. It aims to equip learners with essential knowledge of core food system concepts, including food value chains, various dimensions of food accessibility, and factors influencing dietary choices. A key strength is its focus on urban food governance and policy, enhanced by practical insights from African city case studies. This structured approach prepares students to analyze vulnerabilities and opportunities within global urban food systems.
Progresses logically from basic concepts to advanced analysis.
"The weekly structure made it easy to follow, building knowledge step-by-step from foundational ideas to complex governance."
"I found the progression from farm-to-fork value chains to detailed governance dynamics very logical and effective."
"The course syllabus outlined a clear learning path, allowing me to track my understanding of the various modules."
Addresses multiple critical dimensions of food systems.
"I was impressed by the breadth of topics covered, from food accessibility to dietary diversity and the double burden of malnutrition."
"The course covered all key dimensions of food systems that I was hoping to learn about, providing a holistic view."
"It provided a holistic view, linking economic, social, and spatial aspects of food access in urban environments."
Deep dives into policy-making and stakeholder dynamics.
"The detailed section on urban food governance gave me great insight into policy dynamics and how decisions are made."
"Learning about stakeholder mapping and key governance activities was extremely relevant to my professional and academic interests."
"I now have a clearer understanding of how urban food policy is shaped and implemented, which is very useful for my work."
Connects theoretical knowledge to real-world African contexts.
"The African city case studies were invaluable for seeing how theoretical concepts apply in diverse, real-world situations."
"I appreciated the practical examples from African cities, making the learning highly relevant and grounded."
"Understanding specific challenges and dynamics within African urban food systems broadened my global perspective considerably."
Establishes a robust foundation in urban food system basics.
"I found the initial weeks incredibly helpful for grasping the basic urban food system concepts and their contexts."
"The foundational understanding of urban food systems in relation to urban growth was very clearly presented."
"This course helped me truly understand how land-use and urban development impact food supply and access."
"It provided a solid introduction to concepts like foodsheds, essential for further study."

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 Urban Food Systems with these activities:
Review Urban Planning Concepts
Review the basic concepts of urban planning to strengthen your foundational knowledge for this course.
Browse courses on Urban Planning
Show steps
  • Read articles or books on urban planning fundamentals.
  • Review your notes or materials from previous courses on urban planning.
  • Attend a webinar or workshop on urban planning.
Explore online resources on urban food systems
Familiarizing yourself with the topic through online resources will provide a foundation for the course content.
Browse courses on Food Systems
Show steps
  • Search for reputable websites, articles, or videos on urban food systems.
  • Take notes on key concepts and examples.
  • Engage in online discussions or forums to connect with others interested in the topic.
Attend Urban Food Systems Conference
Engage with experts and practitioners at an urban food systems conference to broaden your perspectives and network with professionals in the field.
Show steps
  • Research upcoming urban food systems conferences.
  • Register for the conference and attend sessions relevant to your interests.
  • Take notes and connect with other attendees.
13 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 16 activities
Review essential mathematics concepts
Brushing up on your mathematical skills will help you grasp the quantitative concepts in the food system.
Browse courses on Mathematics
Show steps
  • Go through your notes or textbooks from previous math courses.
  • Take practice tests or quizzes to assess your understanding.
  • Seek help from a tutor or online resources if needed.
Understand dietary choices and the double burden of malnutrition and obesity
Explore the complex interplay between dietary choices and the double burden of malnutrition and obesity, which are prevalent issues in both developed and developing countries.
Show steps
  • Read the lecture material on dietary choices and the double burden of malnutrition and obesity.
  • Complete the online quiz on dietary choices and the double burden of malnutrition and obesity.
Explore Urban Food Value Chains
Enhance your understanding of urban food value chains through guided tutorials to gain a comprehensive perspective.
Browse courses on Food Supply Chains
Show steps
  • Follow online tutorials on urban food value chains.
  • Watch documentaries or videos on food systems.
  • Participate in virtual workshops or seminars on food value chains.
Understand urban food governance and develop a stakeholder map for an urban food system
Gain an understanding of the key concepts and actors involved in urban food governance, enabling students to critically analyze and engage with food system policies and initiatives.
Show steps
  • Read the provided materials on urban food governance.
  • Watch the online lecture on urban food governance.
  • Complete the online quiz on urban food governance.
Define and distinguish Food Security and Dietary Diversity
Practice defining and distinguishing the concepts of Food Security and Dietary Diversity, which are important in understanding urban food system dynamics.
Show steps
  • Read the lecture material on Food Security and Dietary Diversity.
  • Complete the online quiz on Food Security and Dietary Diversity.
Consider spatial, social and economic accessibility of food
Analyze the different dimensions of food accessibility to better understand how various factors can affect access to nutritious food for different populations.
Show steps
  • Read the lecture material on food accessibility.
  • Complete the online quiz on food accessibility.
Develop a stakeholder map for an urban food system
Identify and map out the key stakeholders involved in an urban food system, allowing for a deeper understanding of their roles, relationships, and potential areas of collaboration.
Show steps
  • Identify the different types of stakeholders involved in the urban food system, such as producers, distributors, retailers, consumers, and policymakers.
  • Research each stakeholder group to understand their interests, goals, and relationships with other stakeholders.
  • Create a visual representation of the stakeholder map, showing the connections and interactions between different stakeholders.
Analyze the governance dynamics regarding (peri)urban agriculture, food retail, food safety and infrastructure
Examine the complex relationships between urban food governance and specific aspects of the food system, such as agriculture, retail, safety, and infrastructure, to gain a nuanced understanding of how these factors interact and shape food system outcomes.
Show steps
  • Read the provided materials on urban food governance.
  • Watch the online lecture on urban food governance.
  • Complete the online quiz on urban food governance.
Create a food value chain chart
Illustrate the interconnectedness of food system actors and processes by creating a comprehensive food value chain chart, which can enhance understanding of the flow of food from production to consumption.
Browse courses on Food Systems
Show steps
  • Select a specific food item or food group to focus on.
  • Identify and map out all the key stages in the food value chain, from production to consumption.
  • Describe the role of different actors involved in each stage of the food value chain.
  • Analyze the food value chain to identify any potential inefficiencies or areas for improvement.
Develop a Food Accessibility Assessment Plan
Apply your knowledge by creating a plan to assess food accessibility in your community, fostering a deeper understanding of the topic.
Show steps
  • Research and select appropriate data sources.
  • Identify the target population and geographic area for your assessment.
  • Develop a methodology for data collection and analysis.
  • Create a report summarizing your findings and recommendations.
Evaluate the vulnerability and sustainability of a food system through the concept of foodsheds
Evaluate the vulnerability and sustainability of a food system by mapping out and analyzing its foodsheds, which can help identify potential risks and opportunities.
Show steps
  • Select a specific urban area to focus on.
  • Gather data on food production, distribution, and consumption patterns in the area.
  • Map out the foodsheds for major food items consumed in the area.
  • Analyze the foodsheds to identify any vulnerabilities or sustainability concerns.
Analyze Urban Food Policy Case Studies
Solidify your understanding of urban food policy by analyzing real-world case studies, enhancing your critical thinking skills.
Show steps
  • Read case studies on urban food policies from different cities.
  • Identify the key challenges and successes of each policy.
  • Compare and contrast different approaches to urban food governance.
Design a Sustainable Urban Food System
Challenge yourself to design a sustainable urban food system, applying the principles covered in this course to create a positive impact.
Browse courses on Sustainable Food Systems
Show steps
  • Research different sustainable food system models.
  • Identify challenges and opportunities in your local context.
  • Develop a comprehensive design proposal.

Career center

Learners who complete Urban Food Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Food Systems Analyst
Food Systems Analysts are responsible for planning, developing, and evaluating food systems. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including farmers, processors, distributors, retailers, and consumers, to ensure that food systems are efficient, equitable, and sustainable. This course will help you build a foundation in the core concepts of food systems, including food value chains, food accessibility, and food governance. You will also learn about the challenges and opportunities associated with urban food systems, and how to develop and implement policies and programs to improve food security and nutrition in urban areas.
See salaries and explore the career path for Food Systems Analyst
Food Policy Analyst
Food Policy Analysts develop and evaluate policies and programs related to food and nutrition. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses, to develop policies that promote food security, improve nutrition, and reduce food-related health disparities. This course will help you build a foundation in the core concepts of food systems and food policy. You will also learn about the challenges and opportunities associated with urban food systems, and how to develop and implement policies and programs to improve food security and nutrition in urban areas.
See salaries and explore the career path for Food Policy Analyst
Urban Planner
Urban Planners develop and implement plans for the development and use of land in urban areas. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses, to develop plans that promote economic development, improve quality of life, and protect the environment. This course will help you build a foundation in the core concepts of urban food systems and land-use planning. You will also learn about the challenges and opportunities associated with urban food systems, and how to develop and implement plans to improve food security and nutrition in urban areas.
See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants help organizations to develop and implement sustainability strategies. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations, to develop strategies that reduce environmental impact, improve social equity, and promote economic development. This course will help you build a foundation in the core concepts of sustainability and urban food systems. You will also learn about the challenges and opportunities associated with urban food systems, and how to develop and implement strategies to improve food security and nutrition in urban areas.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant
Food Security Specialist
Food Security Specialists develop and implement programs to improve food security and nutrition. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses, to develop programs that provide access to food, improve nutrition, and reduce food-related health disparities. This course will help you build a foundation in the core concepts of food security and urban food systems. You will also learn about the challenges and opportunities associated with urban food systems, and how to develop and implement programs to improve food security and nutrition in urban areas.
See salaries and explore the career path for Food Security Specialist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with human activities. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses, to develop and implement policies and programs that protect the environment and promote sustainability. This course will help you build a foundation in the core concepts of environmental science and urban food systems. You will also learn about the challenges and opportunities associated with urban food systems, and how to develop and implement policies and programs to improve food security and nutrition in urban areas.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist
Public Health Nutritionist
Public Health Nutritionists develop and implement programs to improve the nutritional status of populations. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses, to develop programs that promote healthy eating, reduce obesity, and prevent chronic diseases. This course will help you build a foundation in the core concepts of public health nutrition and urban food systems. You will also learn about the challenges and opportunities associated with urban food systems, and how to develop and implement programs to improve food security and nutrition in urban areas.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nutritionist
Social Worker
Social Workers provide a variety of services to individuals, families, and communities. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses, to develop and implement programs that address social problems and improve quality of life. This course will help you build a foundation in the core concepts of social work and urban food systems. You will also learn about the challenges and opportunities associated with urban food systems, and how to develop and implement programs to improve food security and nutrition in urban areas.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker
Community Organizer
Community Organizers mobilize people and resources to address social problems and improve quality of life. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses, to develop and implement programs that address the needs of communities. This course will help you build a foundation in the core concepts of community organizing and urban food systems. You will also learn about the challenges and opportunities associated with urban food systems, and how to develop and implement programs to improve food security and nutrition in urban areas.
See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer
Dietitian
Dietitians provide nutrition counseling and education to individuals and groups. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and businesses, to develop and implement programs that promote healthy eating and improve nutrition. This course may be useful for Dietitians who want to learn more about urban food systems and how to develop and implement programs to improve food security and nutrition in urban areas.
See salaries and explore the career path for Dietitian
Extension Agent
Extension Agents provide education and technical assistance to farmers and other agricultural producers. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses, to develop and implement programs that improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. This course may be useful for Extension Agents who want to learn more about urban food systems and how to develop and implement programs to improve food security and nutrition in urban areas.
See salaries and explore the career path for Extension Agent
Farmer
Farmers grow and produce food for consumption by humans and animals. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses, to develop and implement programs that improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. This course may be useful for Farmers who want to learn more about urban food systems and how to develop and implement programs to improve food security and nutrition in urban areas.
See salaries and explore the career path for Farmer
Food Processor
Food Processors transform raw agricultural products into food products that are ready for consumption by humans and animals. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses, to develop and implement programs that improve food safety and quality. This course may be useful for Food Processors who want to learn more about urban food systems and how to develop and implement programs to improve food security and nutrition in urban areas.
See salaries and explore the career path for Food Processor
Food Retailer
Food Retailers sell food products to consumers. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses, to develop and implement programs that improve food safety and quality. This course may be useful for Food Retailers who want to learn more about urban food systems and how to develop and implement programs to improve food security and nutrition in urban areas.
See salaries and explore the career path for Food Retailer
Food Distributor
Food Distributors transport food products from producers to retailers. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses, to develop and implement programs that improve food safety and quality. This course may be useful for Food Distributors who want to learn more about urban food systems and how to develop and implement programs to improve food security and nutrition in urban areas.
See salaries and explore the career path for Food Distributor

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Urban Food Systems.
Cover image
Hungry City
Save
Examines the economic and political aspects of food systems, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for achieving sustainability.
Hungry City: How Food Shapes Our Lives
Paperback
$$
Hungry City: How Food Shapes Our Lives
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Treatments for Anxiety
Save
Offers an accessible introduction to the concept of food systems, covering key components, challenges, and opportunities.
Treatments for Anxiety: Fact versus Fiction
Hardcover
$$$
Treatments for Anxiety: Fact versus Fiction
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Krause and Mahan’s Food and the Nutrition Care...
Save
Explores the factors that influence food choice, including cultural, social, economic, and environmental considerations.
Krause and Mahan’s Food and the Nutrition Care...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Krause and Mahan’s Food and the Nutrition Care...
Printed Access Code
$$$$
Cover image
Textbook of Global Health
Save
Examines the challenges facing global food security, arguing for a radical transformation of food systems.
Textbook of Global Health
Paperback
Check
Textbook of Global Health
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Food Systems Profile – Liberia
Save
This report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations provides a comprehensive assessment of the state of food security and nutrition around the world.
Food Systems Profile – Liberia
Paperback
Check
Food Systems Profile – Liberia
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the...
Save
This report from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations provides a regional assessment of the state of urban food systems in Africa.
The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the...
Paperback
Check
The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Eating Tomorrow
Save
Provides an introduction to food policy, covering a wide range of topics from food security to food safety.
Eating Tomorrow: Agribusiness, Family Farmers, and...
Hardcover
$$
Eating Tomorrow: Agribusiness, Family Farmers, and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Small-scale fisheries governance
Save
This guide from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations provides guidance on how to monitor and implement the right to food.
Small-scale fisheries governance
Paperback
Check
Small-scale fisheries governance
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Lived Experience of Climate Change
Save
This field guide provides practical guidance on how to implement urban agriculture projects.
The Lived Experience of Climate Change: Knowledge,...
Paperback
$$$
The Lived Experience of Climate Change: Knowledge,...
Kindle Edition
$$$

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Course image
Rating
5.0 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star
Effort
5 to 6 hours per week for 5 weeks
Level
Intermediate
Via
edX
Institution
KU Leuven
Instructors
Lisa-Marie Hemerijckx
Julian May
Shuaib Lwasa
Anton Van Rompaey
Michelle Eichinger
Rubia Korstanje
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops understanding of the core concepts of a food system in the context of urban growth. Relates these concepts to land-use configurations
Provides insights into urban food value chains, enabling learners to create their own food value chain chart
Explores the vulnerabilities and opportunities of urban food value chains
Examines the three dimensions of food access: spatial, social and economic accessibility
Evaluates the vulnerability and sustainability of the food system through the concept of foodsheds
Investigates dietary choices in relation to the double burden of malnutrition, food security and dietary diversity
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