GEG3FWE Minor Assessment Brief

Purpose

In the first suite of modules in this subject, we have investigated the complex and sometimes competing interests involved in food systems. As part of this, we have examined intersectional approaches to food security and food sovereignty.

Local food security has been interpreted to include not only access to food, but also access to appropriate, affordable, and healthy food within local communities. Many Australian and international cities and regions include areas where food access is poor, even within food-producing regions.

For your minor assessment, you will produce a submission that critically and ethically engages with your understanding of food systems in order to propose a solution to a key food security challenge.

Intended Learning Outcomes

This assessment corresponds to Subject Intended Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, and 4. By completing this assessment, you should be able to:

• Contextualise cultural and economic practices.

• Demonstrate and apply ethical and cultural awareness.

• Showcase your understanding of relationships between food production and consumption.

• Make a strong argument for how food security can be strengthened.

To achieve this, you will investigate capacities for local food systems management in a selected case study area.

Task

You have two options for this assessment. Please select one:

Option 1: Critical Reflective Essay

Write a critical reflective essay drawing on a case study taken from subject material or the approved case study list (available on the LMS in Week 1).

In this essay, you must:

• Consider cultural, economic, and/or spatial justice issues associated with food security, food access, and food vulnerability.

• Identify the primary challenge(s) to food security in the selected case study.

• Make an argument for the most appropriate and effective approach to addressing these challenges.

You are expected to critically apply theoretical approaches covered in lectures, tutorials, and readings, alongside other scholarly sources. You may also highlight limitations of particular methodologies, theories, or practical constraints (financial, cultural, or infrastructural).

Option 2: Policy Brief (Based on Hypothetical)

This option is based on a hypothetical case study (available on the LMS in Week 1). You will assume the role of a consultant advisor and write a policy brief.

Your policy brief must include the following components:

1. Problem Statement (~50 words)

   • Clearly state the primary barrier(s) to food security in the case study.

2. Background and Current Status (~300 words)

   • Provide demographic and/or historical context.

   • Explain current issues relevant to the problem.

   • Outline existing initiatives or pressing problems, supported by evidence.

3. Analysis of Evidence (~350 words)

   • Summarise and critically analyse key evidence related to the problem.

4. Key Considerations (~200 words)

   • Identify important factors that must be taken into account.

5. Options and Implications (~300 words)

   • Present up to three options for improving food security.

   • Briefly explain each option and outline implications of adopting them.

6. Recommendation (~100 words)

   • Make one clear recommendation based on your analysis.

   • Justify why this is the best course of action for addressing food security.

Submission

All submissions must be made via the LMS. A dedicated submission portal is available in the Assessment tab.

Due Date

Your assessment is due on:

Monday, 1 September 2025, by 11:59 PM