Topic outline

This course maps key features of governance and offers concrete methods for recognizing and managing governance issues related to agrifood systems, as well as for improving the effectiveness of FAO’s technical and policy assistance. The course follows the logic of the four phases of governance analysis developed by FAO and tested in several countries.

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This course is designed primarily for FAO staff, field-level practitioners and decision-makers to enable them to significantly improve the effectiveness of policy and technical support. The course is also designed for academics and others interested in teaching and promoting a flexible approach to conducting governance analysis related to food and agriculture in different contexts.

  • The concept of governance and the governance aspects of technical problems in the context of food and agriculture and sustainable agrifood systems.
  • The four phased-approach of the FAO framework for governance analysis.
  • The identification of governance problems related to agrifood system transformation, and the related institutional and political economy issues.
  • Concrete cases and lessons learned that show how addressing governance problems can increase the impact of policy and technical support on countries wishing to achieve agrifood system transformation.

This course consists of five lessons of approximately 30-50 minutes duration each:

  • Lesson 1: Concepts, elements and different approaches to governance
  • Lesson 2: Phase 1 of governance analysis: Problem framing
  • Lesson 3: Phase 2 of governance analysis: Institutional analysis
  • Lesson 4: Phase 3 of governance analysis: Political economy analysis
  • Lesson 5: Phase 4 of governance analysis: Priorities for action

The online version of this course runs on the latest versions of the major browsers, such as Chrome, Safari, Edge and Firefox.

The downloadable version only runs on Windows PC’s and no additional software is needed.

Digital certification

This course offers certification. You will get your digital badge upon passing a final exam after completing the course and achieving a grade of at least 75%. Please click on the button below to complete the exam, or refer to our Certification section to learn more.

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