Urban Food Systems in the Global South: Sustainable Planning and Policy

Rapid urbanization in the Global South presents unique challenges for ensuring food security, sustainability, and social inclusion. Understanding how food moves from rural farms to urban markets is essential for building resilient, equitable cities. In this course, you will explore the foundational concepts of urban food provisioning and policy design. You will learn to analyze local supply chains, integrate modern circular economy principles, and address systemic inequalities in food distribution using the real-world context of Cartagena, Colombia as a practical guide. Through structured readings and written exercises, you will: Understand the core principles of urban food security and social inclusion in developing regions; Analyze the structure of informal food markets and urban distribution networks; Identify key challenges in food access, waste management, and supply chain vulnerabilities; Explore policy interventions that support marginalized populations and local vendors; Apply circular food economy frameworks to improve city-wide climate resilience; Examine the Cartagena case study to evaluate localized urban planning strategies. The course begins with essential terminology and foundational food system concepts before moving into policy analysis and practical urban planning frameworks. This beginner-friendly program is designed for aspiring urban planners, development advocates, and public policy students, requiring no prior background in the field. Start exploring sustainable urban planning today and learn how to shape the future of food security in growing cities.