Food systems epitomize a multitude of agricultural concepts spanning from food production to consumption as linear, concept chains rather than complex systems. These comprise every input related to the production and consumption of foods, which on an industrial scale amplify the effects of climate change globally, with drastic events on every world region. Food access, costs, and unequitable distribution are additional themes that intertwine with consumptive behaviors and their effects to wide arrays of public health topics in food systems studies, including waste, pollution, and expansions of their ecological footprint. The purpose of this study consisted in evaluating selected curricula in food system studies from universities in the USA that have been offered for the last couple of decades. Data for this assessment study derived from a document analysis review of food studies programs (n = 12), interviews with professors or administrators of these curricula (n = 16), and case studies (n = 3). The multidisciplinary nature of food systems studies was unanimously embraced by the institutions selected for this evaluation, yet a climate change focus varied, among these curricula. Despite these differences however, all curricula remain distinctive and effective in preparing students to gauge climate change as indicated by leadership roles and career trajectories pursued by many of their graduates. An original curriculum model is proposed in the concluding section of this chapter, together with recommendations that may inspire more stakeholders in offering food studies curricula adaptive to planetary challenges caused by climate change.

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Contributions of Food Systems Curricula in Preparing Graduates to Fathom Climate Change Uncertainties and Challenges

  • Bruno Borsari,
  • Giovanni Borsari

摘要

Food systems epitomize a multitude of agricultural concepts spanning from food production to consumption as linear, concept chains rather than complex systems. These comprise every input related to the production and consumption of foods, which on an industrial scale amplify the effects of climate change globally, with drastic events on every world region. Food access, costs, and unequitable distribution are additional themes that intertwine with consumptive behaviors and their effects to wide arrays of public health topics in food systems studies, including waste, pollution, and expansions of their ecological footprint. The purpose of this study consisted in evaluating selected curricula in food system studies from universities in the USA that have been offered for the last couple of decades. Data for this assessment study derived from a document analysis review of food studies programs (n = 12), interviews with professors or administrators of these curricula (n = 16), and case studies (n = 3). The multidisciplinary nature of food systems studies was unanimously embraced by the institutions selected for this evaluation, yet a climate change focus varied, among these curricula. Despite these differences however, all curricula remain distinctive and effective in preparing students to gauge climate change as indicated by leadership roles and career trajectories pursued by many of their graduates. An original curriculum model is proposed in the concluding section of this chapter, together with recommendations that may inspire more stakeholders in offering food studies curricula adaptive to planetary challenges caused by climate change.