ADMFSD: Food Security and Development

Module code: ADMFSD

Module provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development

Credits: 20

Level: 7

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Alex Arnall , email: a.h.arnall@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2025/6

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 12 May 2025

Overview

Module aims and purpose

Explore the multidimensional relationships between food, nutrition and international development, and examine the global challenges of producing, accessing and utilising food in a sustainable and equitable manner. You will gain insights into how these challenges manifest in different regions and delve into the role of innovative production and technology-based solutions in addressing them. In addition to technological advancements, you will learn about the complex interplay of social, political and cultural factors that contribute to persistent food insecurity around the world.

This module is designed to foster a holistic view of food security and development, encouraging students to think critically, engage with diverse perspectives, and contribute to innovative solutions in this vital area of global concern.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to: 

1. Understand and articulate the scale, severity and diverse manifestations of food insecurity across different regions, identifying the factors that perpetuate food insecurity despite global efforts to address it; 
2. Analyse and critique a range of approaches to addressing food security challenges, including technological, institutional and grassroots strategies. Students will also explore the political, economic and ethical considerations that influence the implementation and success of these approaches;  
3. Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of food security, encompassing its nutritional, cultural and social dimensions. Students will learn to integrate these perspectives into the analysis and formulation of sustainable and context-sensitive solutions.

Module content

The module is structured into three main sections:

• Part 1 focuses on issues surrounding food production from both plant and animal sources, addressing the biological, environmental and logistical considerations in agriculture and livestock management.
• Part 2 introduces practical frameworks and methodologies for assessing and addressing food insecurity, with real-world tools for analysis.
• Part 3 provides in-depth country-level case studies of food security-related challenges and solutions to help contextualise the issues examined in previous classes.
• Part 4 highlights the contributions of scientific advancements to food security, including breakthroughs in crop improvement, biotechnology and sustainable agricultural practices.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module is delivered via lectures, group discussions, problem-solving and ‘brainstorming’ activities, and independent study. New concepts and ideas are supported by national and local-level case studies from developed and developing countries. Students will develop communication, writing and critical analysis skills through class participation and preparation of an essay and a practical writeup. 

Study hours

At least 44 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.