Introduction to Food Systems Thinking
A practical, structured introduction to food systems analysis โ covering supply chains, agricultural policy, nutrition security, and systems thinking frameworks for real-world impact.
๐ Full audio narration tracks
๐ Downloadable PDF workbook
โ Practical assessments
๐ Verified certificate
โพ Lifetime access + updates
Video Lessons
Total Content
Skill Level
Language
Included
What You Will Learn
Ready to Start Learning?
Join 680+ learners worldwide building real-world food systems expertise.
Enroll Now ยท $79Course Curriculum
Module 1: Introduction to Food Systems ยท 5 lessons
- What is a food system?
- Actors, flows, and functions in food systems
- Historical overview of food systems
- Global vs. local food systems
- Workbook and assessment
Module 2: Systems Thinking Frameworks ยท 5 lessons
- Introduction to systems thinking
- Causal loop diagrams and feedback loops
- Identifying leverage points
- Case study: cassava value chain in Nigeria
- Workbook and assessment
Module 3: Supply Chains & Value Chains ยท 4 lessons
- Supply chain structures from farm to consumer
- Post-harvest losses and food waste
- Smallholder inclusion in modern value chains
- Workbook and assessment
Module 4: Food Policy & Governance ยท 5 lessons
- National food policy frameworks
- International trade and food security
- The role of FAO, WFP, and IFAD
- Writing a food policy brief
- Workbook and assessment
Module 5: Nutrition Security & Food Access ยท 5 lessons
- Food security and the four pillars
- Hidden hunger and nutritional deficiency
- Urban food deserts and rural food access
- School feeding programmes in Ghana
- Workbook and assessment
Module 6: Food Systems & the FEW Nexus ยท 4 lessons
- How food systems connect to energy and water
- Agrivoltaics: food and energy on the same land
- Designing FEW-Nexus interventions
- Final workbook, capstone, and certificate
Meet Gabriel Sunday Ayayia
PhD Researcher ยท Food/Water/Energy Nexus ยท Oregon State University
Gabriel Sunday Ayayia is the founder of LIFEWS Academy and an interdisciplinary researcher focused on food systems, water systems, energy systems, agrivoltaics, sustainability, and practical systems transformation.
What Learners Are Saying
Changed how I approach my work.
The systems thinking framework made food systems clearer and more practical.
The workbook is excellent.
I use the worksheets for research, proposals, and project planning.
Very practical and clear.
The FEW Nexus module helped me connect food, water, and energy issues.
Highly recommended.
A strong course for students, NGOs, and sustainability professionals.
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$89
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$79
Introduction to Food Systems Thinking
A practical, structured introduction to food systems analysis โ covering supply chains, agricultural policy, nutrition security, and systems thinking frameworks used by FAO, CGIAR, and leading NGOs worldwide.
๐ Full audio narration tracks
๐ Downloadable PDF workbook
โ Practical assessments
๐ Verified certificate
โพ Lifetime access + updates
Video Lessons
Total Content
Skill Level
Language
On Completion
What You Will Learn
Requirements
Course Curriculum
Module 1: Introduction to Food Systems
5 lessons ยท 2h 10min
- What is a food system?
- Actors, flows, and functions in food systems
- Historical overview of food systems
- Global vs. local food systems
- Workbook and assessment
Module 2: Systems Thinking Frameworks
5 lessons ยท 1h 58min
- Introduction to systems thinking
- Causal loop diagrams and feedback loops
- Identifying leverage points
- Case study: cassava value chain in Nigeria
- Workbook and assessment
Module 3: Supply Chains & Value Chains
4 lessons ยท 1h 44min
- Supply chain structures from farm to consumer
- Post-harvest losses and food waste
- Smallholder inclusion in modern value chains
- Workbook and assessment
Module 4: Food Policy & Governance
5 lessons ยท 2h 05min
- National food policy frameworks
- International trade and food security
- The role of FAO, WFP, and IFAD
- Writing a food policy brief
- Workbook and assessment
Module 5: Nutrition Security & Food Access
5 lessons ยท 1h 52min
- Food security and the four pillars
- Hidden hunger and nutritional deficiency
- Urban food deserts and rural food access
- School feeding programmes in Ghana
- Workbook and assessment
Module 6: Food Systems & the FEW Nexus
4 lessons ยท 1h 11min
- How food systems connect to energy and water
- Agrivoltaics: food and energy on the same land
- Designing FEW-Nexus interventions
- Final workbook, capstone, and certificate
Meet Gabriel Sunday Ayayia
PhD Researcher ยท Food/Water/Energy Nexus ยท Oregon State University
Gabriel Sunday Ayayia is the founder of LIFEWS Academy and an interdisciplinary PhD researcher at Oregon State University. Originally from Nigeria, he combines African field experience with rigorous systems research.
What Learners Are Saying
Changed how I approach my work entirely.
The systems thinking framework changed how I approach agricultural development.
The PDF workbooks alone are worth it.
I reference the workbooks constantly in my research and proposal writing.
Best online course I have taken this year.
The FEW Nexus module opened up a new way of thinking.
Gabriel teaches with genuine passion.
The policy brief workshop was exactly what I needed.
You Might Also Like
$89
$69
$99
Ready to Start Learning?
Join 680+ learners worldwide building real-world food systems expertise.
Enroll Now ยท $79Introduction to Food Systems Thinking
A practical, structured introduction to food systems analysis โ covering supply chains, agricultural policy, nutrition security, and systems thinking frameworks.
โ โ โ โ โ 4.9 Rating โข 680+ Students โข English โข Updated 2025