Food Systems in Transition
Climate change, soil degradation, resource scarcity, obesity and lifestyle-related diseases: our food system is facing multiple challenges. Although different players – from government to corporate – have recognized these challenges, and increased their efforts to design a fitting response, business as usual is still the norm. This calls for an entirely different approach: an approach directed to food system transformation, that taps into the root causes of the challenges we face and designs new ways of thinking, acting and organizing.
But how do you analyze what the challenges are in your area of interest? How do you identify opportunities and transition pathways? And how do you convert this analysis into a product, business, strategy or advice that truly contributes to a sustainable and just society? The minor Food Systems in Transition provides you with theories and tools to grow your expertise for transformative changemaking.
Leerdoelen
What will you learn?
In this minor, you will get introduced into systems and transition thinking and apply theories and models to different food system challenges. You will learn about food systems transitions in the past, food policy development at various governance levels, food production alternatives in and around cities and the interactions between food environments and consumer behavior. You will learn to recognize the connection between food systems and other systems - economic, environmental, educational and so forth - and learn to envision desirable future food systems. You will dive into drivers and pathways for these future food systems, and work on a case assignment that challenges you to look at a real life case from a transition lens.
Ingangseisen
This minor is open for everyone with a strong interest in food. We welcome students with various backgrounds.
Literatuur
Materials will be provided by the lecturers.
Rooster
Teachers: Henk Renting, Joris Lohman (Food Hub), guest lecturers
Period: semester 1, on Monday
Schedule: TBD
Toetsing
Code: AFST01
Name: Food systems in transition
EC: 5
Mode of exam: Written exam
Period: 1
Code: AFST06
Name: Feeding the city
EC: 5
Mode of exam: Written exam
Period: 2
Code: AFST07
Name: Case study analysis food systems in transition
EC: 5
Mode of exam: Assignment
Period: 1 & 2
Aanvullende informatie
Apply now!
So, what do you think? Can you see yourself playing your part in the food system transition? Apply now, and explore its complex dynamics and exciting opportunities together with an international group of students from various disciplines. This minor will be offered in semester 1. Throughout the minor a number of field visits will be organized to local farms and food initiatives. We also hope to attend a relevant research conference or stakeholder event together. We may ask the students for a small contribution to cover the costs for these excursions.