Education and Learning
The World Food Academy offers free online science and technology seminars exploring sustainable food systems from agricultural production and natural resources to food science, nutrition, value chains and trade.
Learning Pathway
Through a series of engaging seminars featuring leading academics, policymakers, and practitioners, each learning pathway equips participants with a holistic understanding of food systems. By connecting diverse perspectives and disciplines, learners develop the skills and insights needed to contribute to sustainable and resilient food futures.
After each seminar, participants may complete a short quiz to earn an attendance badge. Participants who earn the badges for every seminar in a module will receive a United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) certificate of completion for that module.
Module 1 — Agriculture Sciences & Production
Agriculture as the starting point of the food value chain.
The first module explores the foundations of sustainable food production, from farms and soils to landscapes, water, crops, livestock and fisheries. Its seminars examine how scientific evidence and practical approaches can support resilient and sustainable agriculture.
Each live seminar lasts 60 minutes: a 45-minute expert presentation followed by 15 minutes of moderated questions and answers.
Seminars take place online and are free to attend. Register once for the seminar series. Registered participants receive the joining link for each seminar by email.
Seminar Schedule
Sustainable Food Systems Begin on the Farm
11 November 2026
Measuring Environmental Impact and Circularity in Agriculture
25 November 2026
Carbon in Soil: From Global Stocks to Field-Scale Management
9 December 2026
Soil Health: The Living Foundation of Agriculture
20 January 2027
Landscape Restoration with Example from India
3 February 2027
Agricultural Water Management for Resilient Farming
17 February 2027
Climate-Smart Agriculture: Biodiversity and Crop Adaptation
3 March 2027
Animal Husbandry
17 March 2027
Fisheries
24 March 2027
Earn a Badge after each Seminar
UNU-INWEH certificate upon completion of the module
Module 2 — Food Science, Technology & Nutrition
How food science and technology shape the transformation, quality, safety and nutritional value of food.
This module explores how science and technology contribute to the development of safe, nutritious and sustainable food products. Topics include food processing, biotechnology and fermentation, food formulation, nutrition, packaging and emerging digital technologies.
The module connects scientific advances with practical applications, examining how innovation can improve food quality, nutritional value, resource efficiency and sustainability.
Registration opens in 2027.
Module 3 — Food Systems Value Chains & Trade
How food moves through supply chains and markets, and how value chains and trade influence sustainable food systems.
This module follows food beyond production and processing, exploring the systems that connect producers, businesses, markets and consumers.
It introduces key aspects of food value chains, including logistics, distribution, trade and market access, and examines how these influence food availability, affordability and sustainability. The module also considers opportunities to strengthen value chains, reduce losses and support more resilient and inclusive food systems.
Registration opens in 2027.