The global transition toward more sustainable food systems requires skilled professionals, informed policymakers, empowered communities, and knowledgeable young leaders. To support this transformation, the FAO eLearning Academy has launched an impressive collection of free online sustainability courses covering critical topics ranging from biodiversity and climate-smart agriculture to food loss reduction, nutrition, gender equality, agroforestry, and responsible investment.

These self-paced online courses have been designed by experts from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to strengthen knowledge, develop practical skills, and support sustainable development worldwide.

Whether you are a student, researcher, government official, development practitioner, nutritionist, farmer, environmental expert, or simply passionate about sustainable food systems, these learning opportunities provide valuable knowledge completely free of charge.

In addition to the online courses, FAO is also inviting young people to participate in its Global Youth Contest: From Learning to Impact, providing an exciting opportunity to showcase innovative ideas and contribute to sustainable development.

Why Enroll in FAO eLearning Academy Courses?

The FAO eLearning Academy has become one of the world’s leading platforms for capacity building in agriculture, food security, nutrition, climate resilience, and rural development.

Participants benefit from:

• Free access to world-class learning resources.
• Self-paced online study.
• Courses developed by international experts.
• Practical knowledge applicable to real-world challenges.
• Global perspectives on sustainable development.
• Learning materials aligned with international standards.
• Opportunities to strengthen professional skills.
• Enhanced career prospects in agriculture, nutrition, environmental management, and international development.

 

Complete List of Available FAO Sustainability Courses

1. Global Youth Contest: From Learning to Impact

The Global Youth Contest encourages young people to transform the knowledge gained through FAO learning into practical solutions that address global food security, sustainability, and environmental challenges.

Participants have the opportunity to showcase innovative ideas that can create positive impact in their communities and beyond.

Deadline: 31 July 2026

 

2. Multidimensional Solutions to Reduce Food Loss and Waste in Fish Value Chains

Food loss and waste remain major global challenges affecting food security and economic development.

This course explores:

• Causes of food loss in fisheries
• Sustainable fish value chains
• Waste reduction strategies
• Policy interventions
• Best practices across the fisheries sector

 

3. Costing and Monetizing Benefits for Nutrition

This course introduces participants to economic approaches used to evaluate nutrition investments.

Topics include:

• Cost-benefit analysis
• Economic valuation
• Nutrition investment planning
• Measuring returns on nutrition interventions
• Evidence-based policy development

 

4. Biodiversity and Agrifood Systems – Introduction

Biodiversity is essential for resilient food systems.

Participants learn about:

• Biodiversity conservation
• Ecosystem services
• Sustainable agriculture
• Food system resilience
• Environmental sustainability

 

5. Introduction to Documenting Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

Plant genetic resources are fundamental to global food security.

This course explains:

• Plant genetic diversity
• Documentation methods
• Conservation systems
• Germplasm management
• Agricultural biodiversity

 

6. Voluntary Guidelines on Gender Equality and Women’s and Girls’ Empowerment in the Context of Food Security and Nutrition

Gender equality plays a central role in achieving sustainable development.

The course covers:

• Women’s empowerment
• Food security
• Gender-responsive policies
• Inclusive agriculture
• Nutrition governance
• International voluntary guidelines

 

7. Agrifood Systems Solutions for Halting Deforestation

Agricultural expansion remains one of the leading causes of deforestation.

Participants explore:

• Sustainable land management
• Deforestation prevention
• Responsible supply chains
• Environmental governance
• Climate change mitigation

 

8. Trade and Nutrition: Policy Coherence for Healthy Diets

Trade policies directly influence food availability and nutrition outcomes.

Topics include:

• Nutrition-sensitive trade policies
• Healthy diets
• Policy coherence
• Food systems governance
• International trade frameworks

 

9. Farmers Markets: An Introduction

Farmers markets strengthen local food systems and rural economies.

This introductory course discusses:

• Local food markets
• Market organization
• Value chain development
• Farmer participation
• Consumer engagement
• Sustainable local economies

 

10. Empower Women to Engage in Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems

Women’s participation in agricultural investment is essential for inclusive growth.

Participants will learn about:

• Responsible agricultural investment
• Gender-inclusive finance
• Women’s economic empowerment
• Sustainable agribusiness
• Food systems development

 

11. Agroforestry for Sustainable Agrifood Transformation – Introduction

Agroforestry integrates trees into agricultural landscapes to improve productivity and sustainability.

The course examines:

• Agroforestry systems
• Climate resilience
• Soil conservation
• Biodiversity
• Sustainable farming
• Carbon sequestration

 

12. Enhancing Policy Coherence Through Public Expenditure Analysis for Forests

Effective forest governance depends on sound public investment.

Topics include:

• Forest financing
• Public expenditure analysis
• Policy coherence
• Sustainable forest management
• Governance tools
• Budget planning

 

Who Should Take These Courses?

These learning opportunities are highly relevant for:

• University students
• Graduate students
• Researchers
• Nutritionists
• Agricultural extension workers
• Forestry professionals
• Environmental scientists
• Government officials
• Policymakers
• NGO professionals
• International development practitioners
• Food systems experts
• Climate professionals
• Sustainable development advocates

 

Skills You Can Develop

Completing these courses can help participants strengthen knowledge in:

• Sustainable agriculture
• Food security
• Nutrition economics
• Biodiversity conservation
• Agroforestry
• Forestry governance
• Responsible investment
• Gender equality
• Climate resilience
• Food systems transformation
• Agricultural policy
• Public expenditure analysis
• Trade policy
• Fisheries management

 

Why These Courses Matter

The world is facing interconnected challenges including climate change, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, malnutrition, deforestation, and unsustainable agricultural practices. Building knowledge and professional capacity is essential for addressing these issues.

The FAO eLearning Academy equips learners with internationally recognized knowledge that supports the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Zero Hunger, Climate Action, Life on Land, Gender Equality, and Responsible Consumption and Production.

Whether your goal is career advancement, academic development, policy implementation, or community impact, these free courses offer valuable learning opportunities from one of the world’s leading organizations in agriculture and food security.

Deadline

Most of the online courses are available on a rolling basis.

However, the Global Youth Contest: From Learning to Impact has an application deadline of 31 July 2026.

Learn More

• More global short courses opportunities for youth, visit the OFY website: Click here