Overview

• Introduction to food security and food systems: Definitions and evolution of the concept of food security; conventional and alternative food systems and their interconnections • Cropping systems: Intensive, subsistence and alternative systems • Drivers affecting the food system: Population and increased demand; Governance; Energy and other costs; Competition for resources
• Impact of future climate change; Impacts of rising prices • Sustainably balancing future supply and demand; improving productivity using existing knowledge and emerging technologies; sustainable intensification • Reducing waste; improving governance; reducing / managing demand • Linking food systems with environmental policy; improving biodiversity and ecosystem services while increasing food production

Assessment Strategy

-threshold (Pass) -Be able to demonstrate, with few factual errors, knowledge of a range of food systems and how they have developed. Show an understanding of the external factors affecting food supply and how they can be manipulated. -good -(Merit) In addition to the above, demonstrate an ability think critically about the interactions between various components of the global food system, and be able to suggest strategies for adapting food systems to changed circumstances in order to sustainably increase food security. Show evidence of additional background reading around the topic. -excellent -(Distinction) In addition to the above, be able to present well-reasoned arguments for and against the implementation of specific management practices to sustainably increase food security and improve food systems, including trade-offs between them, and demonstrating evidence of wide reading around the subject and an ability to analyse and synthesise arguments and information.

Learning Outcomes

• Be able to critically discuss food systems and how they have evolved.

• Be able to describe the failures in food systems that lead to food insecurity and be able to critically evaluate alternative remedies.

• Be able to develop a critical understanding of the drivers of change affecting food systems at different scales.

• Be able to identify the components of food security and the mechanisms that support equitable and sustainable access to food.