GCC 3017/5017

a woman working on a farm

World Food Problems: Agronomics, Economics, and Hunger

Throughout the semester students will be exposed to issues related to world food problems through the lenses of two instructors from different disciplinary backgrounds, a plant geneticist (Morrell) and an economist (Runge). The core issues of malnutrition and food production will be approached simultaneously from a production perspective as well as an economic and policy perspective throughout the semester.

Presentations and discussions will cover sometimes conflicting views from multiple perspectives on population growth, use of technology, as well as the ethical and cultural values of people in various parts of the world. The global challenges of poverty, inequality, gender, the legacy of colonialism, and racial and ethnic prejudice will be considered. As the class progresses, students will consider the role of governments, international assistance agencies, international research and extension centers, as well as the private sector in solving the complex problems associated with malnutrition, undernutrition, obesity and sustainable food production.