Food Security and Social Protection (30 Credits)

Scope

This module introduces key concepts related to food security and social protection, including the themes of poverty, vulnerability and the roles of different actors. Students will examine aspects of food (in)security structured around the internationally recognised pillars of food security; food availability, access and utilisation, and stability. Students will explore the different challenges of nutrition in various regions of the world. Students will analyse a variety of social protection programmes aimed at mitigating food insecurity, including school feeding and food voucher programmes as well as wider social protection such as cash transfers. Students are encouraged to reflect on the politics that influence where and why social protection programmes are established and how effective they are in reaching their objectives. The module engages in continuing debates on food security and social protection, including the value of rights-based approaches to food security and social protection and the notion of universal social protection.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

• critically assess the main conceptual frameworks and measurements used to analyse food security and nutrition
• compare major approaches and instruments used for social protection in low and middle income countries, including their (cost-) effectiveness in tackling poverty, food insecurity and malnutrition
• critically examine major design and implementation challenges in social protection programmes, including targeting methods and benefit setting, information systems and payment mechanisms
• explain how policy history, political actors and social and economic factors affect the scope, characteristics and support for social protection
• critically examine the main approaches that have been taken to promote the four main aspects of short- and long-term food security (availability, access, utilisation and stability), including the role of social protection interventions
• discuss future directions for social protection in low and middle income countries, including strategies for achieving greater coherence with policies for food security and nutrition.

Workload

Students are advised to dedicate 10 - 15 hours study time per week for this module.

Syllabus

Topics include (indicative): 

Determinants of Food Security 

Understanding the Food system 

Poverty, Vulnerability and Resilience Food Security and Social Protection Governance 

Nutrition Transition 

Policy approaches and social protection programmes 

Food Crises and Humanitarian Responses

School Feeding and Food Vouchers 

Understanding Evidence on Food Security and Social Protection 

The Political Economy of Social Protection 

Future Directions and Continuing Debates

Suggested reading

Grosh M, del Ninno C, Tesliuc E, Ouerghi A (2008) For Protection and Promotion: The Design and Implementation of Effective Safety Nets. Washington DC, The World Bank

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules