Sustainable Food Systems: An Introduction

CONCEPT NOTE
INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ON SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS – AN INTRODUCTION
COURSE BACKGROUND

Food systems are at the heart of some of the world’s most pressing challenges—ranging from food insecurity and malnutrition to environmental degradation and climate change. As these challenges become more complex, they demand equally comprehensive and systemic solutions.

“Sustainable Food Systems – An Introduction” is the first course in a three-part series developed by ECAS Institute to build the knowledge and skills necessary to apply systems thinking to food system transformation. Rooted in interdisciplinary learning and real-world relevance, the course explores how the structure and dynamics of food systems can be better understood and redesigned for sustainability.

Through ECAS’s expertise in capacity building and sustainable development, this course offers learners the tools to analyze the interconnected elements of food systems, identify leverage points for intervention, and integrate sustainability principles into policy and project design.

COURSE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING

This course aims to:

  1. Introduce the structure, evolution, and complexity of food systems.
  2. Build foundational knowledge in systems thinking as applied to food systems.
  3. Equip participants with analytical frameworks to assess and improve the sustainability of food systems.
  4. Lay the groundwork for applying holistic and coordinated strategies in food systems development and policy-making.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Define and describe sustainable food systems and their key characteristics.
  • Explain the historical evolution and sustainability challenges of food systems.
  • Apply systems thinking to analyze food systems and identify sustainability trade-offs.
  • Use the Food System Wheel and Structure–Conduct–Performance (S-C-P) models as tools for system analysis.
  • Recognize leverage points and binding constraints within food systems.
  • Understand the four operational approaches to sustainable food systems development.
  • Apply the Collaborative Framework for Food Systems Transformation in policy-making.
DURATION AND PROGRAM
TARGET PARTICIPANTS

This course is intended for a broad audience involved in sustainable food systems, particularly:

  • Development practitioners working on food systems, agriculture, nutrition, or climate resilience
  • Policy-makers involved in agriculture, food, environment, or rural development
  • Farmer representatives engaged in food value chains and food sovereignty
  • Agribusiness professionals involved in food production, processing, or trade
  • Support service providers such as extension agents, advisors, or NGOs
  • Consumers and civil society organizations advocating for sustainable diets and systems
TRAINING MODULES
No Module Details
1. Definition and Evolution of Food Systems Learn how food systems are defined, how they have evolved over time, and how historical patterns have shaped today’s sustainability challenges.

Topics:

  • What is a food system?
  • Key stages in the evolution of global and local food systems
  • The influence of globalization, technology, and policy on food systems
  • Introduction to food systems complexity
2. A Sustainable Food Systems Approach Explore what makes a food system sustainable and how the concept of sustainability can be applied across food value chains.

Topics:

  • What is a sustainable food system?
  • Dimensions of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic
  • Trade-offs in achieving sustainability goals
  • Role of stakeholders and governance
3. Key Concepts in Sustainable Food Systems Gain deeper understanding of the structural and behavioral concepts that influence food systems.

Topics:

  • Interlinkages within food systems
  • Sustainability trade-offs and synergies
  • Value addition and circular economy principles
  • Stakeholder roles and power dynamics
4. An Analytical Framework Learn how to use established frameworks to map, analyze, and interpret food system dynamics.

Topics:

  • The Food System Wheel
  • Structure–Conduct–Performance (S-C-P) model
  • Identifying system boundaries and components
  • Analyzing feedback loops and systemic barriers
5.
 Systems Thinking in Sustainable Food Systems Development This lesson introduces systems thinking principles and how they can be used to inform more effective development strategies.

Topics:

  • What is systems thinking?
  • Leverage points and binding constraints
  • Holistic vs. siloed approaches in policy and programs
  • Systems thinking tools and mindsets
6. Operational Approaches to Sustainable Food Systems Development Discover the practical tools and strategies used to transform food systems toward sustainability.

Topics:

  • Four operational approaches to SFS development
  • The Collaborative Framework for Food Systems Transformation
  • Examples of integrated food system interventions
  • Policy coherence and cross-sectoral collaboration
TRAINING STYLE

The modules will be taught through PowerPoint presentations, and lectures and will include a case study/field visit, breakout sessions, case studies and other interactive discussion components.

The course will also include a few guest speakers, both in person and via Zoom and other online learning platforms for overseas speakers. This provides useful real-world insights alongside the more theoretical aspects of the course.

The conference faculty shall consist of experienced decision makers, as well as practitioners and representatives from established educational and research institutions active around climate change, engineering and international development. Throughout the course, theoretical presentation of concepts will be moderated and more group discussions and plenary engagements will be optimized. PowerPoint presentations will be made by facilitators and resource persons, to highlight key concepts before embarking on group work.

GENERAL NOTES
  • Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
  • Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.
  • We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs. Contact us to find out more: info@ecasiafrica.org.
  • Payment should be sent to our bank account before the start of training and proof of payment sent to: info@ecasiafrica.org.
ABOUT ECAS INSTITUTE

The ECAS Institute designs and delivers independent and targeted training, research, and consulting services. Our work focusses on climate change and resilience building, carbon markets, renewable energy, nature-based solution, biodiversity conservation, agriculture and food systems, We are located in Nairobi Kenya and work across the African region. We have implemented training and research assignments in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Congo, and South Africa. Globally, we have supported our partners from the UK, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Germany, and USA.

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