The 2025 food systems e-course: introducing new elements and formats

The Food Systems e-course, organised for the sixth time by Wageningen Social & Economic Research and the Netherlands Food Partnership (NFP), commenced on 24 February 2025 with 800 participants from over 40 countries. The 2025 edition introduces new contents and approaches aimed at accelerating efforts to transform food systems in diverse global contexts.

Participants represent a wide range of institutions, including government and non-governmental organisations, research institutes, private companies, and development agencies. Moreover, their primary work or projects are directly linked to improving food systems. The 800 participants are selected from over 2500 people who initially registered for the e-course.

The e-course provides theoretical knowledge, practical examples, insights, and tools to support sustainable food system transformations. Structured into four key modules, it explores the food systems approach, its analysis and processes, and governance mechanisms. Additionally, the platform fosters interactive and dynamic discussions among participants.

As Ms Wilma van Esch, Head of Food & Nutrition Security at the Department of Inclusive Green Growth of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted during her opening remarks at the first plenary session, the food Systems e-course has evolved over the past six years, continuously integrating new dimensions and formats.

What’s New in 2025?

1. The 2025 edition was open to both individuals and group participants. Building on lessons from last year’s pilot, registered groups that complete the digital course can attend four subsequent practical training sessions. These groups engage in case analysis and identify leverage points for potential food system transformation interventions. Eight groups are expected to join the practical sessions.

2. New contents are added to the e-course this year. These include video lectures and other resources on biodiversity and its linkages with food systems and a wider guideline on responsible use of AI tools.

3. A third novelty is the participation of emerging networks in Egypt, Ethiopia, and Kenya. These countries have been selected based on participation levels and activities from previous editions. Currently, Delphy in Egypt, Sun Business Network (SBN) in Ethiopia, and the AKVO Foundation in Kenya are facilitating these emerging food systems transformation networks.

Plenary Sessions

Weekly plenary sessions continue to provide inspiration for participants. Invited professionals and practitioners share valuable insights and real-life experiences related to the food systems approach.

Recorded videos of the four plenary sessions are available to all. To watch the presentations and discussions, simply select a topic from below.

Plenary #1: Why does a food systems approach matter?
Plenary #2: Making food systems analysis work
Plenary #3: The process of food systems transformations
Plenary #4: Governance of food system transformation