Applications have reopened for the Trade, Food Security and Nutrition (TFSN) online training programme delivered by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization.

The course brings together professionals from Eastern and Southern Africa working across agriculture, trade, nutrition, and public policy to strengthen evidence-based decision-making and regional cooperation.

Programme Overview

This fully online capacity-building programme explores how trade policies influence agricultural transformation, food systems, and nutritional outcomes across Africa.

Participants will gain practical policy knowledge, exchange regional experiences, and develop skills to support sustainable food security strategies aligned with the African Union commitments under agricultural development frameworks.

Course Details

• Course Dates: 29 June – 5 August 2026
• Delivery Mode: Fully online (E-learning)
• Duration: Approximately 5 weeks
• Cost: Free of charge
• Language: English
• Certificate: Issued upon successful completion

Participation is competitive due to limited seats.

Learning Areas

Participants will explore:

• Trade and food security linkages
• Agricultural trade policy measures
• Governance and multilateral trade systems
• Trade agreements and development strategies
• Trade–nutrition policy coherence for healthy diets

The training combines self-paced lessons, expert webinars, case studies, discussion forums, and assessments guided by international specialists.

Priority participants include:

• Government officials working in agriculture, trade, finance, or food systems
• Policy advisors and programme implementers
• Agricultural and trade researchers
• Private-sector representatives and producer organizations
• Extension officers and technical trainers

Applicants should be actively engaged in agricultural policy, trade negotiations, or food security initiatives.

Course Structure

The programme is organized into thematic learning units:

1. Introduction to Trade & Food Security
2. Trade Policy Supporting Agricultural Development
3. Governance of Trade and Multilateral Frameworks
4. Trade, Nutrition & Policy Coherence

Participants follow a structured online learning pathway supported by mentoring and peer interaction.

Why This Course Matters

Expanding agricultural trade plays a growing role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly the global ambition to end hunger and malnutrition by 2030. The programme strengthens regional expertise needed to design policies that promote economic growth while safeguarding food security and nutrition outcomes.

Don't miss out on the  new application deadline which is 15 June 2026.