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Connecting SDG 2: Zero Hunger with the Other SDGs—Teaching Food Security and the SDGs Interdependencies in Higher Education

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  • Ioana Mihaela Balan

    (University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Teodor Ioan Trasca

    (University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
    University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 011464 Bucharest, Romania
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Monica Ocnean

    (University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania)

  • Adina Horablaga

    (University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania)

  • Nicoleta Mateoc-Sirb

    (University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
    Research Center for Sustainable Rural Development of Romania, Timisoara Branch, Romanian Academy, 010071 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Cosmin Salasan

    (University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania
    Research Center for Sustainable Rural Development of Romania, Timisoara Branch, Romanian Academy, 010071 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Jeni Veronica Tiu

    (University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest, 011464 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Bogdan Petru Radoi

    (University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania)

  • Raul Adrian Lile

    (Institution Organizing Doctoral Studies, Doctoral School Biotechnical Systems Engineering (ISB), National Polytechnic University of Science and Technology, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
    “Aurel Vlaicu” University, 310032 Arad, Romania)

  • Gheorghe Adrian Firu Negoescu

    (University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timisoara, 300645 Timisoara, Romania)

Abstract

The slowdown in global progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) highlights the need to develop systems thinking, sustainability literacy, and ethical responsibility among higher-education students. The article presents an innovative educational approach, applicable in various university contexts, which involves the analysis of interdependencies between SDG 2: Zero Hunger and the other SDGs. The methodology included teamwork, brainstorming, a bidirectional analysis of the links between SDG 2 and the other SDGs, and the production of visual materials, and public presentations were followed by interactive debates and collective feedback. The case study presents an innovative educational approach and includes a component for assessing student perceptions through the application of an anonymous questionnaire. The results showed that this method significantly contributed to the development of critical thinking, the capacity for systemic analysis, and a deep awareness of global issues related to food security. The students’ perception was predominantly positive; they appreciated the practical usefulness and personal impact of the educational activity. The conclusions support the transferability of this educational method in various academic contexts, demonstrating that the analysis of interdependencies between SDGs represents a valuable tool for developing transversal skills and a sustainable ethic necessary for future professionals involved in addressing the complexity of global challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Ioana Mihaela Balan & Teodor Ioan Trasca & Monica Ocnean & Adina Horablaga & Nicoleta Mateoc-Sirb & Cosmin Salasan & Jeni Veronica Tiu & Bogdan Petru Radoi & Raul Adrian Lile & Gheorghe Adrian Firu Ne, 2025. "Connecting SDG 2: Zero Hunger with the Other SDGs—Teaching Food Security and the SDGs Interdependencies in Higher Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-22, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:16:p:7496-:d:1727836
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    References listed on IDEAS

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