Course Description
Exploration of the fundamental challenges facing developed and developing nations to become food secure, and the connections among current food production systems around the world, environmental degradation and public health, and economics. Field studies in Georgia and abroad will examine commercial agriculture, food policy, and sustainable agriculture.
Athena Title
GLOBAL FOOD SEC
Non-Traditional Format
Students will tour agricultural systems in both Georgia and in developing countries.
Pre or Corequisite
BIOL1107 or BIOL1103
Semester Course Offered
Offered summer semester every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. Define the concepts of food security and describe how food systems relate to public health. 2. Describe how diet, food production, the environment, equity, population and resources inter-relate to impact each other and ultimately human health. 3. Describe factors that have helped shape the current food system. 4. Build awareness of the critical importance of food and nutrition security. Comprehend the general concepts and issues related to large and small scale food security programs. 5. Address topics in natural resource management, control of animal and pest diseases, trade. 6. Understand efforts to help small farmers become more efficient and find new markets for their produce; and 7. Examine the promotion of food infrastructure and market information. 8. Introduces the principles and concept of the human right to adequate food and its practical application. 9. Understand issues of Environmental Justice and its effect on food security. 10. Address food security topics from the perspective of two demographic worlds.
Topical Outline
Lectures: 1. Overview: Understanding Food Security 2. History of Food Security 3. Green Revolution 4. Recognizing and Controlling Pests 5. Microorganisms that Affect Food Security 6. Storage and Transfer Practices 7. Livestock: Production 8. Livestock: Processing 9. Geopolitics of Food 10. Environmental Justice 11. Solutions: Seasonal Nutrition, Sustainable Agriculture, Food Hubs