Food and Nutrition Security in Urbanising Landscapes from edX

Food and nutrition insecurity in an urban izing world Our landscapes are changing. As towns and megacities expand, they increasingly place claim on limited natural resources, such as water and land. In turn, this competition for resources places rural areas under pressure, further aggravated by climate change and rural-urban migration. Yet, these areas are essential for producing food for a growing population. These changes in the landscape have a serious impact on food and nutrition.

Overnutrition is on the rise in one part of the landscape, resulting in lifestyle related diseases, such as obesity, type II diabetes and heart disease. At the same time undernutrition persist in other areas, causing a.o. increased mortality and poor childhood development. While some consumers are stuck in food deserts, with limited to no access to fresh produce, producers may have difficulty finding profitable markets. City governments and urban planners can play a key role in addressing these issues by putting food on the urban agenda, yet many cities lack a food agenda.

Strengthen rural-urban linkages in your landscape Although urban, peri-urban and rural parts of the landscape are inextricably linked, urban development and rural development often occur in isolation of one another. In this course, co-produced with the Global Landscapes Forum and the UN Environment Program, you will learn to look beyond the boundaries of your personal expertise and geographic location. Taking on an integrated spatial and food systems perspective opens up possibilities to bring about structural change.

You will become acquainted with a variety of tools to analyze food and nutrition issues and their relation to your rural-urban landscape, which can help you to:

Raise awareness on the importance of a systems approach to FNS in your landscape
Think of ways to strengthen or create structural collaboration between rural and urban stakeholders
Jointly work towards FNS

You will bring your learnings together in a compelling story to mobilize key stakeholders in your rural-urban landscape. You will also explore your role to contribute to breaking the rural-urban divide.

For whom? So, whether you are a researcher, an advisor working for an international NGO or multilateral agency (f.e. Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO)), a nutrition officer or an urban planner, a member of a farmer’s association or a policy maker, join this course – created in collaboration between GLF, WUR and UNEP – and start addressing food and nutrition insecurity in your urbanizing landscape.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Key concepts and issues around food and nutrition in urbanizing landscapes
The role of rural-urban dynamics and how they manifest in the landscape
A variety of tools for a basic analysis of a city region food system
Inspiration for advanced tools for city region food system analysis
Guiding principles for good landscape governance and the role of food policy within

The importance rural-urban collaboration to achieve food and nutrition secure landscapes
Identify leverage entry points for sustainable change
How to mobilize key stakeholders towards a common vision
What your role as landscape professional can be to contribute to food and nutrition security in your urbanizing landscape

Key concepts and issues around food and nutrition in urbanizing landscapes
The role of rural-urban dynamics and how they manifest in the landscape
A variety of tools for a basic analysis of a city region food system
Inspiration for advanced tools for city region food system analysis
Guiding principles for good landscape governance and the role of food policy within
The importance rural-urban collaboration to achieve food and nutrition secure landscapes
Identify leverage entry points for sustainable change
How to mobilize key stakeholders towards a common vision
What your role as landscape professional can be to contribute to food and nutrition security in your urbanizing landscape

Syllabus

1. Setting the Scene

In this module you will learn how our urbanizing landscapes are impacting food and nutrition security for those in the landscape. You will get acquainted with the key concepts of this course, work with different tools to kick-start your own landscape case, and meet other professionals who are taking the course.

2. Your City Region Food System

In this module you will start looking at your landscape and the main food and nutrition security issues from a systems perspective. Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and take on different perspectives to enrich your understanding of your own rural-urban landscape and what factors underpin food insecurity. You will do a treasure hunt to collect all information you need in this journey.

3. Mobilizing others

In this module you will learn more about governance of a city region food system, what this means and who to engage. You will see how different stakeholders can work towards food and nutrition security in their landscape and the role of policy. You will identify champions in your own landscape, and look for windows of opportunity for change.

4. Planting a Seed of Change

In this last module, you will bring your learnings together in a compelling story – a manifesto – to mobilize stakeholders in your landscape and to connect the rural and the urban. You will also reflect on your own role as landscape professional and what actions you can take within your own sphere of influence.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Delves into food and nutrition security across urban and rural areas

Emphasizes collaboration and systems thinking for addressing food insecurity in complex landscapes

Provides tools for analyzing city region food systems

Recognized instructors from Global Landscapes Forum, Wageningen University & Research, and UN Environment Program

Course encourages students to mobilize stakeholders in their own landscapes

Suitable for different levels of experience, as it offers a broad understanding of food and nutrition issues in urbanizing landscapes

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 Food and Nutrition Security in Urbanising Landscapes with these activities:

Attend a study group

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Meet regularly with a group of classmates to discuss course readings, assignments and projects

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Form a study group with 2-4 classmates
Set regular meeting times and locations
Divide responsibilities for summarizing readings
Meet to discuss readings, share notes, and work on projects

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Career center

Learners who complete Food and Nutrition Security in Urbanising Landscapes will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Agriculture and Food Policy Analyst

Agriculture and Food Policy Analysts propose or develop policies and regulations concerning agricultural production; quotas; marketing; pricing; and conservation of natural resources. The Food and Nutrition Security in Urbanising Landscapes course introduces you to food and nutrition security issues that urbanisation causes. Through the course, you will learn how to leverage entry points for change and to mobilise key stakeholders towards a common vision. These are skills that are necessary for developing coherent political action and being an effective Agriculture and Food Policy Analyst.

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Public Health Nutritionist

Public Health Nutritionists apply nutritional science to improve the health of communities and populations. The Food and Nutrition Security in Urbanising Landscapes course will help Public Health Nutritionists develop the skills and knowledge needed to address the complex challenges of food and nutrition insecurity in urban areas. The course will provide an understanding of the role of rural-urban dynamics, the importance of collaboration, and the tools needed to analyse and address food and nutrition insecurity in different regions.

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Food Systems Analyst

Food Systems Analysts design and implement programs to improve food security and nutrition for local communities. The Food and Nutrition Security in Urbanising Landscapes course will help Food Systems Analysts develop the skills and knowledge needed to address the complex challenges of food and nutrition insecurity in urban areas. The course will provide an understanding of the role of rural-urban dynamics, the importance of collaboration, and the tools needed to analyse and address food and nutrition insecurity in different regions.

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Food Security Analyst

Food Security Analysts collect and analyse data on food production, distribution, and consumption to identify trends and predict future food needs. The Food and Nutrition Security in Urbanising Landscapes course can help Food Security Analysts develop the skills and knowledge needed to understand the complex challenges of food and nutrition insecurity in urban areas. The course will also provide tools and strategies for analysing food system data and developing evidence-based policy recommendations.

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Food Safety and Quality Manager

Food Safety and Quality Managers design and implement food safety and quality assurance programs and policies. Upon finishing the Food and Nutrition Security in Urbanising Landscapes course, you will have a strong understanding of the various tools used to analyse food and nutrition issues. You will also learn how to collaborate with governmental agencies, industry groups, and consumers to develop and implement food safety and quality programs and policies.

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International Development Specialist

International Development Specialists work with governments, non-governmental organisations, and other stakeholders to improve the lives of people in developing countries. The Food and Nutrition Security in Urbanising Landscapes course can help International Development Specialists develop the skills and knowledge needed to address the complex challenges of food and nutrition insecurity in urban areas. The course will also provide tools and strategies for working with local communities and stakeholders to develop and implement sustainable food systems.

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Landscape Architect

Landscape Architects design and plan outdoor spaces such as parks, gardens, and urban plazas. The Food and Nutrition Security in Urbanising Landscapes course can help Landscape Architects understand the importance of incorporating food production and nutrition into their designs. The course will also provide tools and strategies for creating sustainable and resilient landscapes that support food and nutrition security.

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Food and Beverage Manager

Food and Beverage Managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities in restaurants, cafeterias, and other food service establishments. The Food and Nutrition Security in Urbanising Landscapes course can provide Food and Beverage Managers with the knowledge and skills needed to develop sustainable food systems and promote healthy eating in their establishments.

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Nutritionist

Nutritionists provide nutritional counseling and guidance to individuals and groups to help them improve their health and well-being. The Food and Nutrition Security in Urbanising Landscapes course can be useful for Nutritionists as it can help them build a foundation in food system analysis and the factors that drive food and nutrition insecurity in different regions.

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Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop plans and policies for the development and use of land and buildings in urban areas. The Food and Nutrition Security in Urbanising Landscapes course can be useful for Urban Planners as it will help them understand the complex relationship between urban development and food and nutrition security. The course will also provide tools and strategies for integrating food system planning into urban development plans and policies.

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Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help organisations improve their environmental and social performance. The Food and Nutrition Security in Urbanising Landscapes course can help Sustainability Consultants develop the skills and knowledge needed to address the complex challenges of food and nutrition insecurity in urban areas. The course will also provide tools and strategies for working with organisations to develop and implement sustainable food systems.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and patterns of diseases and other health conditions in populations. The Food and Nutrition Security in Urbanising Landscapes course may be useful for Epidemiologists as it provides an understanding of the complex relationship between food and nutrition and health outcomes. The course will also explore the role of food systems in promoting healthy diets and preventing chronic diseases.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study environmental issues such as pollution, climate change, and natural resource conservation. The Food and Nutrition Security in Urbanising Landscapes course may be useful for Environmental Scientists as it explores how urbanisation affects food and nutrition security and provides tools for analysing these issues.

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Sustainable Agriculture Specialist

Sustainable Agriculture Specialists develop and implement sustainable agricultural practices to protect the environment and ensure food security. The Food and Nutrition Security in Urbanising Landscapes course may be useful for Sustainable Agriculture Specialists as it provides an understanding of the complex challenges of food and nutrition insecurity in urban areas. The course will also explore the role of urban agriculture and other sustainable food systems in addressing these challenges.

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Climate Change Adaptation Specialist

Climate Change Adaptation Specialists help communities and organisations adapt to the impacts of climate change. The Food and Nutrition Security in Urbanising Landscapes course may be useful for Climate Change Adaptation Specialists as it provides an understanding of the complex challenges of food and nutrition insecurity in the context of climate change. The course will also explore the role of sustainable food systems in building resilience to climate change.

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