Unravelling solutions for Future Food problems (Coursera)

Our society depends on the availability of, and access to, food. According to the United Nations nearly 800 million people are hungry, over 2 billion suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. On the other hand over 2 billion people are obese. These numbers show how paradoxical and complex the world’s food problem is. Many people in developing countries experience food shortage while, in industrialized countries, an increasing number of the population suffers the consequences of living in abundance.

ln this course, Food researchers from Utrecht University will address the main issues regarding two interrelated themes, Food shortage and Healthy Choices, from an interdisciplinary perspective. You will learn to identify the key ingredients of the world’s food challenges and to think about the solutions for enabling changes in the current food system.

We will look, amongst other things, at the possible sustainable solutions at hand for the demands of the growing human population, the role of nutrition for the prevention of Non Communicable Diseases (NCD), and the need to understand food choices in the changes necessary for a healthier diet and alternative foods.

We invite you to join us on an interdisciplinary journey through the world food problems. You will gain new knowledge and insights that help you form your own opinion on these subjects. Enjoy the course!

Syllabus

WEEK 1

Introduction Future Food & Food Shortage Part I

Graded: Food shortage and distribution: a problem?

WEEK 2

Food Shortage Part II: Sustainable solutions

WEEK 3

Healthy Choices Part I: Food & Health

WEEK 4

Healthy Choices Part II: Food-related behavior and interventions

Graded: Economic/environmental determinants of (un)healthy eating

Graded: Recap theme – Healthy choices

WEEK 5

An interdisciplinary approach to food

Graded: Apply your knowledge