96204 - Policies for the Agri-Environmental Systems Sustainability

Learning outcomes

Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of agricultural, agri-environmental and environmental policies and rural and bioenergy policies both at global and local level, on their impacts on the economic activities, and on the management of natural resources. At the end of the course students will be able to understand and analize sustainability policies in agricultural and environmental systems in the framework of the main European and international strategies.

Course contents

Face-to-face lectures (36 ore) and Exercises (24 ore), 6 ECTS

Module 1

1. Environmental Economics (8 h):

• welfare economics: efficiency and equity, market failures;
• environmental economics and the commons.

2. Environmental Policies (10 h):

• environmental policies: principles, criteria and aims;
• environmental policies: administrative, economic and voluntary measures;
• comparative analysis of environmental policies;
• sustainable development: concepts and prospects.

3. Agricultural and Agri-environmental Policies (12 h):

• agricultural policies reasons and purposes: problems, values and opportunities in agriculture;
• agricultural policy measures;
• agri-environmental policy measures.

Module 2

1. Rural development and bioenergy (12 h):

• rural development: definition and role of the agricultural sector;
• rural development policy: objectives and tools;
• city-region food systems, short food supply chains, food sovereignty: definitions, theories, approaches.

2. Analysing sustainability (13 h):

• life cycle assessment (elements);
• life cycle costing;
• social life cycle assessment;
• tools to measure environmental, economic and social impacts;

3. Case studies (5 h):

• analysing food system sustainability: food losses and waste;
• analysing food system sustainability: application of life cycle analysis
  
• analysing rural and agricultural & food policies

Readings/Bibliography

Attending students are encouraged to consult the following references for further insights, while these readings are mandatory for non-attending students.

Module I.:

- Musu I., Introduzione all’economia dell’ambiente, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2003 (capp. 1, 2 e 5);

- Turner K., Pearce D., Bateman I., Economia ambientale, Il Mulino, Bologna 2003 (capp. 1, 2, 5, 8 e 10);

- Panella G., Economia e politiche dell’ambiente, Carocci, Roma 2002 (capp. 1, 2, 5, 6, 8 e 11);

Sotte F., Brunori G., European Agricultural Policy, Springer, Firenze 2025, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-83313-7

Module II.:

- Eugene Bardach (2012), A Practical Guide to Policy Analysis: The Eightfold Path to More Effective Problem Solving, Chatham House Publishers, Seven Bridges Press.

- Mark Shucksmith, David L. Brown. Routledge International Handbook of Rural Studies, Routledge, 2016 (capp. 15, 16, 19, 43, 54, 55)

Slides, articles and other material provided during classes.

Learning material available on: https://virtuale.unibo.it [https://virtuale.unibo.it/]

Teaching methods

Prerequisites: Students enrolling in this course are expected to have a solid background in economic principles. A good command of the English language is recommended, as part of the course materials are provided in English.

With the aim of deepening the discussion on the topics addressed and of fostering the development of oral and written presentation skills, both modules are based on face to face lectures, assignments and group discussions. Specific case studies will be presented and discussed during the classes in order to enhance participation. A similar approach will be utilized also to evaluate and discuss papers, reports, strategies and policy briefs. Simulations and exercises will be eventually utilized.

Assessment methods

There is a joint exam for the two modules therefore it will take place at the end of the classes of both modules.

The 45 minute oral examination will cover all the units of the two modules and will be based on four questions.

In addition to the knowledge acquired, students will be assessed on their analytical skills, use of subject-specific terminology, and ability to logically connect topics.

Assessment for Attending Students:
Students who regularly attend classes have the opportunity to begin the final assessment with an oral presentation based on a review of scientific articles focused on one of the topics covered in either of the two course modules.

The review, approximately 3,000 words in length, must address a specific topic agreed upon with the instructor. Guidelines and expectations for conducting the review will be explained during in-class activities.

The written version of the review must be submitted to the instructors at least two days prior to the exam session in which the presentation will take place.

Teaching tools

Laptop, beamer, flipchart, others.

Office hours

See the website of Marco Setti

See the website of