Food Sovereignty and Global Food Politics Training Course

Food Sovereignty and Global Food Politics Training Course

Introduction 

Food Sovereignty and Global Food Politics Training Course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of food sovereignty as a critical framework for global food systems. Participants will explore the intricate political, economic, and ecological dynamics that shape food production, distribution, and consumption. We'll delve into the core principles of food sovereignty including the right to culturally appropriate food, local control over food systems, and the empowerment of food producers and contrast it with the dominant, corporate-led model of food security. This training will equip you with the knowledge to navigate complex debates and advocate for more equitable, sustainable, and resilient food systems worldwide.

The training will focus on the geopolitics of food, examining how power structures, international trade agreements, and climate change policies impact food access and nutritional outcomes, particularly in marginalized communities. We will analyze the roles of key actors, from multinational corporations and international financial institutions to grassroots movements and indigenous communities. By the end of this course, you will be prepared to critically evaluate contemporary food crises and contribute to the global food justice movement through informed policy advocacy and community-led action.

Course Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

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

1. Define Food Sovereignty and differentiate it from food security.
2. Analyze the geopolitics of food and its impact on global economies.
3. Understand the historical context of the global food regime.
4. Evaluate the role of agribusiness and corporate power in food systems.
5. Examine the relationship between climate change and food production.
6. Explore the principles of agroecology and sustainable agriculture.
7. Assess the impact of international trade agreements on local food systems.
8. Identify the key actors in the global food governance landscape.
9. Investigate the challenges and opportunities of urban agriculture.
10. Recognize the importance of indigenous foodways and traditional knowledge.
11. Develop strategies for community-led food systems and resilience.
12. Engage in effective policy advocacy for food justice.
13. Analyze case studies of successful food movements and local initiatives.

Target Audience

• Policy Makers and government officials
• NGOs and non-profit leaders development.
• Community organizers and grassroots activists
• Agricultural professionals and farmers interested in sustainable and equitable practices.
• Academics and researchers in geography, political science, sociology, and environmental studies.
• Students pursuing careers in public policy, international relations, and sustainable development.
• Journalists and media professionals covering food, climate, and social issues.
• Development workers and humanitarian aid professionals.

Course Outline

Module 1: Foundations of Food Sovereignty

• Defining the concept: Historical origins and evolution.
• The six pillars: A deep dive into the core principles.
• Distinguishing from food security: Why the difference matters.
• Global Food Regimes: A historical perspective on industrial agriculture.
• Case Study: The La V├¡a Campesina movement and its role in shaping the food sovereignty framework.

Module 2: The Geopolitics of Food

• Global trade agreements: Analyzing the WTO, NAFTA, and their effects.
• Multinational corporations: The power of agribusiness in controlling global food supply chains.
• Land grabbing and resource privatization: The modern enclosure of commons.
• Food as a geopolitical tool: Sanctions, aid, and political leverage.
• Case Study: The WTO's Agreement on Agriculture and its impact on smallholder farmers in developing countries.

Module 3: Food Justice and Social Movements

• Food deserts and food apartheid: Unpacking systemic inequities in food access.
• Grassroots activism: The role of community-led resistance.
• Food workers' rights: Examining labor conditions in the food system.
• Urban food justice: The rise of community gardens and food cooperatives.
• Case Study: Detroit's urban farming movement as a response to economic collapse and food insecurity.

Module 4: Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems

• Principles of Agroecology: Science, practice, and social movement.
• Ecological farming methods: Moving beyond conventional agriculture.
• Biodiversity and seed saving: Protecting agricultural heritage.
• Climate change adaptation: Building resilient food systems for a changing planet.
• Case Study: The Cuban agricultural revolution following the collapse of the Soviet Union, demonstrating a national shift to agroecology.

Module 5: Indigenous Food Sovereignty

• Traditional knowledge: The wisdom of indigenous foodways.
• Colonization and food system disruption: The historical context of loss.
• Reclamation and revitalization: Efforts to restore indigenous food cultures.
• Sovereignty over land and water: The foundation of indigenous food systems.
• Case Study: The Wabanaki Maple project, a collaborative effort to restore traditional food practices and community health.

Module 6: Policy and Governance

• Food governance: Actors and institutions from local to global levels.
• Advocacy strategies: How to influence policy for food justice.
• Rights-based approaches: The Human Right to Food in law and practice.
• Public policy and subsidies: Analyzing government support for food systems.
• Case Study: The Brazilian Zero Hunger program and its policy innovations in linking food security and family farming.

Module 7: Building Resilient Communities

• Community-supported agriculture (CSA) and direct-to-consumer models.
• Food hubs and local markets: Rebuilding regional food economies.
• Food literacy and education: Empowering consumers with knowledge.
• Disaster preparedness: Ensuring food access during crises.
• Case Study: The Growing Power initiative in Milwaukee, a model for urban agriculture and community development.

Module 8: The Future of Food Sovereignty

• Future trends: Technology, artificial intelligence, and food systems.
• Youth movements: The role of the next generation in shaping food futures.
• Global solidarity: Building a united front for food justice.
• Personal action: How individuals can contribute to a sovereign food system.
• Case Study: The UN Food Systems Summit debates and the ongoing tension between corporate and sovereignty-based approaches.

Training Methodology

Our training employs an interactive and participatory methodology to ensure deep learning and skill development. We will use a blended approach that includes:

• Expert-led lectures and presentations.
• Interactive workshops and group discussions.
• Case study analysis and problem-solving exercises.
• Guest speaker sessions with practitioners and community leaders.
• Q&A forums and collaborative learning environments.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.