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865-0010-02L 2 Credits NDS D-GESS
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Food Security and Agriculture

Lecturers & Examiners: Shruti Patel
MAS ETH in Development and Cooperation students have priority for admission. Interested students can apply to be placed on the waiting list and will be informed about a possible admission by the program coordinators within the first week after the start of lectures.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:02:12

Abstract

Food security has been on top of the policy agenda for decades, but still a considerable proportion of the population in developing countries remains hungry and malnourished. This lecture series will explore how we produce and distribute food; analyse the concept of food security and discuss ways and means for increasing the availability and accessibility of food in developing countries.

Objective

The student will be able to - describe the most important milestones in the history of food and agriculture - understand the concept of food security and discuss causes and impact of food insecurity - compare different approaches to promote and increase crop- and livestock production in a sustainable manner - reflect on some of the main economic challenges of the world food system and understand some of the tradeoffs between smallholders' decisions of labor, consumption, and production of food - give insights in how international organizations work with farmers and governments in developing countries to ensure availability and equal access to food

General Information

Language
English
Levels
NDS
Frequency
Every two years

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Registration & Places

Priority: Registration for the course unit is only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Food Security and Agriculture
  • Tue 14:15-16:00 (CLD A 1)
24 h semesterly

Offered In

  • MAS in Development and Cooperation (The compulsory courses of NADEL are accessible only for students of the MAS in Development and Cooperation and for qualified employees with at least two years experience in development cooperation and a Master's level or equivalent level of education as recognized by ETH. PhD students doing empirical research in development cooperation may be admitted "sur Dossier". The elective courses are open to master students of the ETH with registration/ waiting list. MAS students do have priority.)