ECONOMICS OF FOOD SECURITY
Learning outcomes of the course unit
The course aims to achieve the following objectives relatively to:
a. Knowledge and ability to understand. The course aims to provide the main interpretative determinants related to the topic of food security.
b. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. Students will develop skills in the analysis of the main factors that act on food security at the national, family and individual levels.
c. Autonomy of judgment. Pupils will develop a critical sense in judging the conditions of food security in developing countries
d. Communication skills. Development of relationship and communication skills in relations with stakeholders
e. Ability to learn. The method of study provided includes moments of lectures, group work, individual analysis, discussion of the topics addressed in the classroom
Prerequisites
- Mathematical methods for economics
- Statistics
- Micro Economics
- Agri food Economy
Course contents summary
The contents of the Course concern the topic of food security in developing and in developed countries with the aim of: i) providing students with practical theoretical elements aimed at understanding the issues underlying food security, ii) the main theories that feed the strategies for a correct food security and sustainable policies, iii) the tools to measure the level of food insecurity using the available statistical sources
Course contents
- Food security and food policies
- Food environments and food insecurity
- The value chain in developing Countries: theory and practice
- Farm household
- The FAO-SAFA approach to assess sustainability
Recommended readings
Readings prepared by the teacher using articles and chapters in Italian and English
Maria Sassi Understanding food Insecurity, (2018), Spinger international publishing
Teaching methods
- Lectures;
- Computer exercises;
- Working group;
- Study visits
Assessment methods and criteria
The topics covered in the course concern the following aspects:
- the concept of food security and vulnerability
- The theme of poor nutrition and nutrition
- Hausehold models
- Public policies in support of food security
- Statistical sources for the calculation of food insurances
- Indicators to monitor food security
- Analysis and reporting
Other informations
- Group practice test. Students will face a concrete case of food insecurity describing and processing the results and exposing them through the use of posters and an essay of 5 folders (evaluated 5 points). Sufficiency in the practical test gives access to the oral exam
- Oral exam. On the qualitative topics addressed in class
