Global Food Futures and Agri-food Systems Solutions from edX

"The challenge is to deliver nutritious, safe and affordable food to a global population of over 9 billion in the coming decades, using less land, fewer inputs, with less waste and a lower environmental impact. All this has to be done in ways that are socially and economically sustainable." -Prof. Sir John Beddington, Government Chief Scientific Adviser

Are you aware that your daily choices about the food that you consume frequently affect people and the environment across the globe? As a global society, throughout diverse geographies, the effect of these choices are compounded. The learner will review environmental dimensions of sustainability to encompass health outcomes, social and ecological justice in order to expand their view of sustainable agri-food system and take action toward a more resilient and equitable future of food.

A global reality is that one in seven of the population is undernourished and two in seven are overweight in developed and developing countries alike. Given the scale and urgency of the challengeto feed the world from finite resources, and the variety of implications the ‘food problem’ entails, the global society must co-develop alternative future food systems. Learners will consider how the production and consumption of food can be shaped to match the future needs of the global population.

The search for innovative solutions calls for multidisciplinary critical inquiry and utopian thinking. Learners will evaluate emerging technologies, social behaviors, scientific breakthroughs, business practices, and global governance. Innovative food futures will be instrumental in ensuring all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. The private sector, NGOs, researchers, and governments have created potential solutions that seek to address these challenges and to transform agri-food systems towards more socially just, resilient, and sustainable agricultural production, and distribution systems. Learners will critically evaluate these different strategies and proposed solutions for viability utilizing the available evidence to understand the environmental, social, and economic implications.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Analyze proposed solutions to global agri-food systems challenges
Compare existing distribution systems for sustainability

Survey innovations, scientific breakthroughs, and emerging technologies
Construct viable strategies and solutions for the environmental, social and economic challenges that face the global agri-food system

Analyze proposed solutions to global agri-food systems challenges
Compare existing distribution systems for sustainability
Survey innovations, scientific breakthroughs, and emerging technologies
Construct viable strategies and solutions for the environmental, social and economic challenges that face the global agri-food system

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores emerging technologies within agriculture, which is of high relevance to food system innovation

Examines social, environmental, and economic sustainability, providing a holistic view of the challenges facing agri-food systems

Taught by experts in their respective fields, bolstering the course's credibility

Requires learners to critically evaluate solutions to global agri-food systems challenges, fostering analytical thinking

Reviews the implications of food choices on a global scale, highlighting personal responsibility

Emphasizes innovation and future-thinking approaches to solving agri-food system issues

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 Global Food Futures and Agri-food Systems Solutions with these activities:

Create a personal food system

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Build a miniature functioning food system to reinforce sustainability principles and establish food system awareness.

Browse courses on Sustainable Agriculture

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Research and identify key components of food systems
Design and build a small-scale food production system, such as a vertical garden or aquaponics system
Monitor and maintain the system
Reflect on the challenges and benefits of your system

Analyze food labeling

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Practice reading and interpreting food labels to develop critical thinking and empower informed food choices.

Browse courses on Food Labeling

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Collect a variety of food products with different labels
Identify and define key information on the labels, such as serving size, calories, and ingredients
Compare and contrast different labels
Use the information on the labels to make healthier food choices

Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete Global Food Futures and Agri-food Systems Solutions will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Sustainability Analyst

Your course, Global Food Futures and Agri-food Systems Solutions, focuses on the global challenges and solutions of the agri-food system. This system tackles the challenge of providing safe and affordable food to a growing population while preserving our environment and promoting social equity. A Sustainability Analyst plays a similar role. They help organizations understand their environmental and social impacts, and develop strategies to reduce their negative impacts and enhance their positive impacts. Taking this course can help you enter or advance in Sustainability Analysis and similar roles. The course helps you understand the environmental, social, and economic challenges facing global food systems today. This is useful for aspiring Sustainability Analysts who will need a comprehensive understanding of these interconnected challenges.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Analyst

Food Policy Analyst

As a Food Policy Analyst, you will be responsible for developing and evaluating policies to improve the food system. This may include working on policies related to food safety, nutrition, and sustainability. Your course, Global Food Futures and Agri-food Systems Solutions, will provide you with a strong foundation in the challenges and opportunities facing the global food system. The course will also help you develop the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary to develop and evaluate food policies.

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Food Systems Consultant

Food Systems Consultants work with organizations to improve the sustainability and resilience of their food systems. This may include working with farmers, food processors, retailers, and consumers. Your course, Global Food Futures and Agri-food Systems Solutions, will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the global food system. The course will also help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to work with a variety of stakeholders to improve food systems.

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Agricultural Economist

Agricultural Economists apply economic principles to the agricultural sector. They may work on issues such as food security, agricultural development, and environmental sustainability. A course on Global Food Futures and Agri-food Systems Solutions can be helpful for aspiring Agricultural Economists. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the global food system, including the challenges and opportunities facing the system. This knowledge can be useful for Agricultural Economists who need to understand the broader context of their work.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and work to solve environmental problems. They may work on issues such as climate change, pollution, and natural resource management. A course on Global Food Futures and Agri-food Systems Solutions can be helpful for aspiring Environmental Scientists. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the environmental challenges facing the global food system. This knowledge can be useful for Environmental Scientists who need to understand the impacts of food production and consumption on the environment.

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Food Safety Inspector

Food Safety Inspectors ensure that food is safe to eat. They inspect food production facilities, restaurants, and retail stores to make sure that food is being produced, stored, and handled safely. A course on Global Food Futures and Agri-food Systems Solutions can be helpful for aspiring Food Safety Inspectors. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the global food system, including the challenges and opportunities facing the system. This knowledge can be useful for Food Safety Inspectors who need to understand the broader context of their work.

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Food Technologist

Food Technologists develop new food products and processes. They may work on issues such as food safety, nutrition, and sustainability. A course on Global Food Futures and Agri-food Systems Solutions can be helpful for aspiring Food Technologists. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the global food system, including the challenges and opportunities facing the system. This knowledge can be useful for Food Technologists who need to understand the broader context of their work.

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Dietitian

Dietitians provide nutrition counseling and advice. They may work in hospitals, clinics, schools, or private practice. A course on Global Food Futures and Agri-food Systems Solutions can be helpful for aspiring Dietitians. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the global food system, including the challenges and opportunities facing the system. This knowledge can be useful for Dietitians who need to understand the broader context of their work.

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Nutritionist

Nutritionists study the relationship between food and health. They may work on issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. A course on Global Food Futures and Agri-food Systems Solutions can be helpful for aspiring Nutritionists. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the global food system, including the challenges and opportunities facing the system. This knowledge can be useful for Nutritionists who need to understand the broader context of their work.

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Food Marketing Manager

Food Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns for food products and services. They may work for food manufacturers, retailers, or restaurants. A course on Global Food Futures and Agri-food Systems Solutions can be helpful for aspiring Food Marketing Managers. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the global food system, including the challenges and opportunities facing the system. This knowledge can be useful for Food Marketing Managers who need to understand the broader context of their work.

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Food Product Developer

Food Product Developers create new food products and improve existing products. They may work for food manufacturers, retailers, or restaurants. A course on Global Food Futures and Agri-food Systems Solutions can be helpful for aspiring Food Product Developers. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the global food system, including the challenges and opportunities facing the system. This knowledge can be useful for Food Product Developers who need to understand the broader context of their work.

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Organic Farmer

Organic Farmers grow crops and raise animals without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. They may sell their products directly to consumers or to food processors and retailers. A course on Global Food Futures and Agri-food Systems Solutions can be helpful for aspiring Organic Farmers. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the global food system, including the challenges and opportunities facing the system. This knowledge can be useful for Organic Farmers who need to understand the broader context of their work.

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Sustainable Agriculture Manager

Sustainable Agriculture Managers develop and implement sustainable farming practices. They may work for farms, agricultural businesses, or government agencies. A course on Global Food Futures and Agri-food Systems Solutions can be helpful for aspiring Sustainable Agriculture Managers. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the global food system, including the challenges and opportunities facing the system. This knowledge can be useful for Sustainable Agriculture Managers who need to understand the broader context of their work.

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Agronomist

Agronomists study soil, crops, and the environment to improve agricultural productivity. They may work for farms, agricultural businesses, or government agencies. A course on Global Food Futures and Agri-food Systems Solutions can be helpful for aspiring Agronomists. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the global food system, including the challenges and opportunities facing the system. This knowledge can be useful for Agronomists who need to understand the broader context of their work.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. They may work on issues such as air pollution, water pollution, and climate change. A course on Global Food Futures and Agri-food Systems Solutions can be helpful for aspiring Environmental Engineers. The course provides a comprehensive overview of the global food system, including the challenges and opportunities facing the system. This knowledge can be useful for Environmental Engineers who need to understand the impacts of food production and consumption on the environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer