Singapore University of Social Sciences

Food Security Practices in Asia Pacific

Food Security Practices in Asia Pacific (OEL338)

Synopsis

The objective of OEL338 Food Security Practices in Asia Pacific is to provide students with the conceptual tools and learning experiences to develop a deeper understanding of food security practices vis-à-vis sustainability strategies, with a focus on countries in the Asia Pacific region such as Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Australia. This objective will be achieved through a combination of experiential learning, e-learning, classroom activities, Asia Pacific case studies, and participation in an overseas trip to the selected country. Pre-trip local learning journeys will expose students to Singapore’s food security strategies, which will prepare them to analyse and make comparisons between Singapore and the host country, and consider the applicability of new food technology, practical policy options, and best practices in both countries. Students will learn about the challenges and strategies adopted by the host country in meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 of “Zero Hunger”, which is to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Through an in-depth study of SDG 2, students will recognise the interlinkages among the need to support sustainable agriculture, empower small farmers, promote gender equality, end rural poverty, ensure healthy lifestyles, and tackle climate change, in the pursuit of food security. Through interactive sessions with individuals from the private sector, government bodies, and non-governmental organisations, students will gain insights to the social, political, cultural, and economic dimensions that influence the host country’s food security policies and programmes. They will uncover the considerations of the host country in decision-making about food security and sustainability policies. These experiences will strengthen students’ ability to reflect on the importance of food security for sustainable development and to recognise the interconnectedness of local, regional, and global food security networks.

Level: 3
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every July

Topics

  • Sustainable Food Systems
  • Inequalities in Food Security & Nutrition
  • Social & Cultural Dimensions of Food Security
  • Technology in Food Production Systems
  • Food Policies and Programmes
  • Building Food System Resilience
  • Shocks to Food Systems (eg. Pandemic, Natural Disasters, Climate Change, Geopolitical changes)
  • Urban Food Security
  • Food Waste and Consumption Patterns
  • Collaborative Processes for Food Security
  • Working with Community
  • Sustainable Landscape Management

Learning Outcome

  • Demonstrate understanding of food security and sustainability challenges and strategies adopted by the host countries
  • Discuss the role of the private sector, government bodies, and non-governmental organisations (tri-sector collaboration) in ensuring food security and sustainability in the host country
  • Compare differences in food security and sustainability strategies
  • Analyse cultural, social, political, and economic dimensions to food security and sustainability
  • Examine the interconnectedness of local, regional, and global food security networks
  • Construct strategies and ways to form partnership in mitigating risk to food security and sustainability
  • Appraise the applicability of new food technology in different contexts
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