SOCA6690
10 units
6000 level
Course handbook
Description
In the rural areas of developing countries, food security is frequently a problem despite proximity to agricultural land. This course investigates this problem and considers useful solutions for community development in the social contexts of different parts of the developing world. Governments can operate to relieve food security by enacting policies at a national level, with impacts on urban and rural food security. What are the options and the advantages and disadvantages? Sustainable solutions through interventions in agriculture are also proposed and can be enacted at a local level by government agencies or initiated by local or international NGOs. What kinds of nutritional deficit are typical and what are the agricultural strategies that can address these in the context of rural poverty? How can we design an agricultural strategy for a particular situation? How does the local context of land ownership and culture impact on what can work in community development? A commonly proposed solution is to move farmers away from dependence on subsistence and into a greater involvement in the market. What are the pitfalls of this strategy and how can we decide when the local context makes it appropriate?
Availability
Not currently offered.
This Course was last offered in Semester 2 - 2017.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of options for national policy on food security
2. Demonstrate an understanding of agricultural strategies used in food security interventions for sustainable rural development
3. Demonstrate the ability to design and present an effective intervention for a local context that takes into account agricultural options and their social context
Content
- National policies for food security in developing countries
- Legume plants in food security strategies
- Water harvesting options
- The social context of composting and sanitation strategies
- Diverse nutritional needs and integrated strategies for mixed farming
- Issues with animal husbandry and the supply of protein - the social context
- Land ownership and employment as the context for subsistence and commercial interventions
Assumed knowledge
An undergraduate degree with a major in social science or other related discipline.
Assessment items
Participation: Group/Tutorial Participation & Contribution
Case Study / Problem Based Learning: Case scenario
Written Assignment: 3 topics
Written Assignment: 2 topics
Course outline
Course outline not yet available.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.