Feeding a Hungry Planet: Agriculture, Nutrition and Sustainability from edX

Agriculture is more than waving fields of wheat; our ability to grow food from existing natural resources –and without decimating those resources –is key to sustainably feeding the world. In this course, learn about food security worldwide, the effects of malnutrition, how we manage ecosystems that provide food resources and more. You’ll emerge from this course with a clear answer to the question: What can I do to make food consumption and production more sustainable?

This course is for:

Graduate students and advanced undergraduate students in agriculture, economics, international development and other fields who are learning about the intersectional factors impacting agriculture and food production/consumption
Nutritionists, agriculture professionals and other practitioners interested in the latest developments in the field
Sustainable development practitioners –including those who work for international aid organizations and nonprofits in the realms of poverty, nutrition and agriculture – who want to understand the lifecycle of food production and food security
Private actors , such as those engaging in or investing in social entrepreneurship and the support of local agriculture

Partners:

This course is supported by faculty based at Cornell University, Johns Hopkins University, Rothamsted Research, Tufts University, and Wageningen University and Research.

What you'll learn

How the field has developed and shifted over time, and how recent developments like advanced technology impact farming.
What is food security? How do poverty, inequality and other factors affect the nutrition of not just individuals, but entire countries?
All about regulations influencing production, trade and other aspects of agriculture.
Examples from industries ranging from rice to livestock, and the experiences of smallholder farmers.

What's inside

Learning objectives

How the field has developed and shifted over time, and how recent developments like advanced technology impact farming.
What is food security? how do poverty, inequality and other factors affect the nutrition of not just individuals, but entire countries?

All about regulations influencing production, trade and other aspects of agriculture.
Examples from industries ranging from rice to livestock, and the experiences of smallholder farmers.

How the field has developed and shifted over time, and how recent developments like advanced technology impact farming.
What is food security? how do poverty, inequality and other factors affect the nutrition of not just individuals, but entire countries?
All about regulations influencing production, trade and other aspects of agriculture.
Examples from industries ranging from rice to livestock, and the experiences of smallholder farmers.

Syllabus

Module 1: The global challenges around food

1.1 Introduction to this MOOC

1.2 Global challenges around food

1.3 Case study 1: Rice

1.4 Case study 2: Smallholder farming

1.5 Case study 3: Livestock

1.6 Case study 4: Aquaculture

Module 2: Agriculture at the center of sustainable development

2.1 Emergence of modern agriculture

2.2 Risks under a Business-As-Usual scenario

2.3 Agriculture & the Sustainable Development Goals

Module 3: Food systems for nutritional security and better health

3.1 What is food security?

3.2 Nutrition and health

3.3 Consumption and diets

3.4 Food losses and waste

3.5 Socio-economic dynamics of food systems

3.6 Pathways towards food security

Module 4: Sustainable intensification of agricultural systems – Part 1

4.1 Sustainable agriculture intensification

4.2 The importance of productivity growth

4.3 Climate change adaptation and mitigation

4.4 Breeding and genetics

4.5 Nutrient management

4.6 Soil fertility management

Module 5: Sustainable intensification of agricultural systems – Part 2

5.1 Water management

5.2 Crop protection

5.3 Good agronomy

5.4 Sustainable livestock systems

5.5 & 5.6 Functional diversity I & II

Module 6: Rural development for poverty alleviation

6.1 Rural economies and urban linkages

6.2 Rural development

6.3 Markets and supply chains

6.4 International trade

6.5 Development enhancing investments

6.6 Food governance

Module 7: Action for change

7.1 Pathways to change

7.2 Monitoring change

7.3 Mechanisms to stimulate change

7.4 Investing in science

7.5 What can I do?

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores food security, addressing malnutrition and managing ecosystems for food production

Prepares learners to contribute to sustainable food production and consumption

Taught by experts from renowned institutions like Cornell University and Wageningen University

Provides insights into a variety of industries, from rice to livestock

Suitable for graduate students in agriculture, economics, and international development

Coursework may involve expenses for subscriptions or exam fees

Reviews summary

Agriculture in developing economies

Learners say this important agriculture course creates jobs and improves income via sustainable farming practices in developing countries.

This course is important for developing countries.

"agriculture is the best innovation skill that increase income for developing countries like Africa"

Farming practices taught in this course increase income.

"agriculture is the best innovation skill that increase income for developing countries like Africa"

This course will create jobs for millions of unemployed youths.

"agriculture is the best innovation skill that increase income for developing countries like Africa and create jobs for millions of unemployed youth."

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 Feeding a Hungry Planet: Agriculture, Nutrition and Sustainability with these activities:

Explore 'Data Science for Business'

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of data science concepts and applications in a business context

View Data Science for Business: What You Need to... on Amazon

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Read chapters relevant to the course topics
Complete the exercises and case studies

Review soil fertility

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Review basic soil fertility concepts to refresh your memory before starting the course.

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Take practice quizzes on soil fertility.
Read textbook chapters on soil fertility.

Review statistics fundamentals

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Review basic statistical concepts to ensure a strong foundational understanding for the course

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Review probability distributions
Practice calculating descriptive statistics
Review hypothesis testing concepts

Eight other activities

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Compile a list of data analysis resources

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Gather and organize valuable data analysis resources for future reference

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Identify relevant online articles, tutorials, and tools
Create a central repository for the resources
Categorize and label the resources for easy retrieval

Review Hypothesis Testing

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Reinforces your understanding of hypothesis testing, which is crucial for analyzing data and drawing conclusions in the field of agriculture.

Browse courses on Hypothesis Testing

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Revisit the concept and different types of hypothesis testing.
Go through examples of hypothesis testing in agricultural research.

Solve problems on nutrient management

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Practice solving problems related to nutrient management to improve your understanding.

Browse courses on Nutrient Management

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Find practice problems on nutrient management.
Solve the problems and check your answers.

Participate in discussion forums

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Engage with peers to discuss course topics and clarify concepts

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Read the assigned readings
Post thoughtful questions or comments in the discussion forums
Respond to peers' posts

Follow tutorials on data analysis techniques

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Supplement the course material by exploring practical applications of data analysis techniques

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Identify a data analysis tutorial relevant to the course
Follow the tutorial step-by-step
Apply the technique to a dataset

Lead study groups or tutor peers

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Reinforce your understanding by sharing knowledge and helping others

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Identify opportunities to lead study groups or tutor peers
Prepare study materials and activities
Facilitate discussions and provide guidance

Contribute to open-source data analysis projects

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the data analysis community

Browse courses on Open Source

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Find open-source data analysis projects on platforms like GitHub
Identify areas where you can contribute
Submit code contributions or documentation improvements

Develop a data analysis project

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Apply data analysis techniques to a real-world problem and present the findings

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Identify a problem or issue that can be addressed with data analysis
Collect and clean the necessary data
Analyze the data using appropriate techniques
Develop visualizations and interpret the results
Present the findings in a report or presentation

Career center

Learners who complete Feeding a Hungry Planet: Agriculture, Nutrition and Sustainability will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Agricultural and Food Scientist

Agricultural and Food Scientists work to improve different aspects of the food chain. This includes improving the quality of soil, developing new crop varieties, and determining the nutritional value of different foods. By taking this course, you can learn more about the various aspects of producing food that is both nutritious and affordable for the growing population.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural and Food Scientist

Agronomist

Agronomists study the science of crop production. They develop new methods to improve crop yields and quality, and they advise farmers on how to manage their crops. This course would be helpful for agronomists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the science of crop production, including the challenges of climate change and sustainable agriculture. The course would also help agronomists to develop the skills they need to conduct research and develop new technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agronomist

Dietitian or Nutritionist

Dietitians and Nutritionists help people make informed food choices and improve their overall health. They assess nutritional needs, develop meal plans, and provide counseling on healthy eating habits. By taking this course, you will gain a deep understanding of the role of nutrition in health and disease, as well as the challenges of feeding a growing population in a sustainable way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Dietitian or Nutritionist

Risk Manager

Risk Managers work to identify and manage risks in various industries, including the food industry. They may work on issues such as food safety, quality control, and supply chain management. By taking this course, you will gain a strong understanding of the risks involved in the food industry and how to mitigate them.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and work to find solutions to environmental problems. They may work on issues such as climate change, pollution, and water quality. By taking this course, you will gain a strong foundation in the scientific principles that underpin environmental science, as well as the challenges of feeding a growing population in a sustainable way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help organizations become more sustainable. They may work on issues such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable procurement. By taking this course, you will gain a strong foundation in the principles of sustainability and how to apply them to the food industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

International Development Specialist

International Development Specialists work to improve the lives of people in developing countries. They may work on issues such as poverty, hunger, and disease. By taking this course, you will gain a strong understanding of the challenges facing developing countries and the role of agriculture in improving their economic well-being.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Specialist

Agricultural Economist

Agricultural Economists help farmers manage their farms, develop marketing and production plans, and improve their overall business operations. They also analyze the economic impact of government policies on the agricultural industry. By taking this course, you will gain a strong foundation in the economic issues and challenges facing the agricultural industry today.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Economist

Food Policy Analyst

Food Policy Analysts develop and evaluate policies that affect the food system. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies. By taking this course, you will gain a strong understanding of the food system and the challenges of feeding a growing population in a sustainable way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Policy Analyst

Food Scientist

Food scientists develop new food products and processes. They also work to improve the safety and quality of food. This course would be helpful for food scientists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the food system, including the challenges of food security, nutrition, and sustainability. The course would also help food scientists to develop the skills they need to conduct research and develop new products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Scientist

Dietitian

Dietitians work with individuals and groups to provide nutrition counseling and advice. They help people to develop healthy eating habits and manage their weight. This course would be helpful for dietitians because it provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges of food security, nutrition, and sustainability. The course would also help dietitians to develop the skills they need to provide nutrition counseling and advice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Dietitian

Nutritionist

Nutritionists study the relationship between food and health. They develop dietary guidelines and educate people about healthy eating. This course would be helpful for nutritionists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges of food security, nutrition, and sustainability. The course would also help nutritionists to develop the skills they need to conduct research and develop dietary guidelines.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nutritionist

Food Writer

Food Writers write about food for a variety of publications, including newspapers, magazines, and websites. They may also write cookbooks and other food-related content. By taking this course, you will gain a strong understanding of the food system and the challenges of feeding a growing population in a sustainable way. This course is particularly relevant for those who wish to write about food policy and sustainability.

See salaries and explore the career path for Food Writer

Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects, including agriculture, nutrition, and sustainability. By taking this course, you will gain a deep understanding of the content you will teach, as well as the pedagogical skills you need to be an effective teacher. This course is particularly relevant for those who wish to teach in developing countries, where agriculture is a key driver of economic development.

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Urban Farmer

Urban Farmers grow food in urban areas. They may work on rooftops, in community gardens, or on small-scale farms. By taking this course, you will gain a strong foundation in the principles of sustainable agriculture and how to apply them in an urban setting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Farmer

Farm Manager

Farm Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of farms. They may be responsible for tasks such as planning crop rotations, managing livestock, and marketing products. By taking this course, you will gain a strong foundation in the principles of sustainable agriculture and how to apply them to farm management. This course is particularly relevant for those who wish to manage farms that produce food for a growing population in a sustainable way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Farm Manager

Policy Advisor

Policy Advisors provide advice to policymakers on a variety of issues, including agriculture, nutrition, and sustainability. By taking this course, you will gain a strong understanding of the policymaking process and how to advocate for policies that promote sustainable food systems. This course is particularly relevant for those who wish to work in government or non-profit organizations.

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Sustainability Manager

Sustainability managers develop and implement strategies to reduce the environmental impact of organizations. They work with businesses, governments, and non-profit organizations to promote sustainability. This course would be helpful for sustainability managers because it provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges of food security, nutrition, and sustainability. The course would also help sustainability managers to develop the skills they need to develop and implement sustainability strategies.

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Environmental Health Scientist

Environmental health scientists study the relationship between the environment and human health. They develop and implement strategies to protect human health from environmental hazards. This course would be helpful for environmental health scientists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges of food security, nutrition, and sustainability. The course would also help environmental health scientists to develop the skills they need to conduct research and develop strategies to protect human health.

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Public Health Nutritionist

Public health nutritionists work to improve the health of communities by promoting healthy eating. They develop and implement nutrition programs and policies. This course would be helpful for public health nutritionists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges of food security, nutrition, and sustainability. The course would also help public health nutritionists to develop the skills they need to develop and implement nutrition programs and policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nutritionist

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, implement, and manage projects. They may work on projects related to agriculture, nutrition, or sustainability. By taking this course, you will gain a strong foundation in project management principles and how to apply them to real-world projects. This course is particularly relevant for those who wish to work in international development or non-profit organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists study the causes of disease and injury. They develop and implement strategies to prevent and control disease. This course would be helpful for epidemiologists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges of food security, nutrition, and sustainability. The course would also help epidemiologists to develop the skills they need to conduct research and develop strategies to prevent and control disease.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Biostatistician

Biostatisticians use statistical methods to analyze data and solve problems in biology and health. They work with scientists and researchers to design studies, collect data, and interpret results. This course would be helpful for biostatisticians because it provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges of food security, nutrition, and sustainability. The course would also help biostatisticians to develop the skills they need to analyze data and solve problems in biology and health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician

Agricultural Policy Analyst

Agricultural policy analysts develop and analyze policies that affect agriculture. They work with governments and non-profit organizations to develop policies that promote food security, nutrition, and sustainability. This course would be helpful for agricultural policy analysts because it provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges of food security, nutrition, and sustainability. The course would also help agricultural policy analysts to develop the skills they need to develop and analyze policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Policy Analyst

Agricultural Extension Agent

Agricultural extension agents provide education and technical assistance to farmers and other agricultural producers. They help farmers to improve their production practices and adopt new technologies. This course would be helpful for agricultural extension agents because it provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges of food security, nutrition, and sustainability. The course would also help agricultural extension agents to develop the skills they need to provide education and technical assistance.

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Water Resources Manager

Water resources managers oversee the management of water resources. They work with governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations to develop and implement water policies. This course would be helpful for water resources managers because it provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges of food security, nutrition, and sustainability. The course would also help water resources managers to develop the skills they need to manage water resources.

See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Manager