PUBLICATIONS
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Poultry husbandry, WASH practices and child anthropometry in rural Burkina Faso
Gelli, Aulo; Headey, Derek D.; Becquey, Elodie; Ganaba, Rasmane; Huybregts, Lieven; Pedehombga, Abdoulaye; Santacroce, Marco; Verhoef, Hans. Article in press
Gelli, Aulo; Headey, Derek D.; Becquey, Elodie; Ganaba, Rasmane; Huybregts, Lieven; Pedehombga, Abdoulaye; Santacroce, Marco; Verhoef, Hans. Article in press
How do fruit and vegetable markets operate in rural India? A qualitative study of the impact of supply and demand on nutrition security
Kehoe, Sarah H.; Dhurde, Varsha; Bhaise, Shilpa; Kale, Rashmi; Kumaran, Kalyanaraman; Gelli, Aulo. Article in press
Kehoe, Sarah H.; Dhurde, Varsha; Bhaise, Shilpa; Kale, Rashmi; Kumaran, Kalyanaraman; Gelli, Aulo. Article in press
The cost of improving nutritional outcomes through food‐assisted maternal and child health and nutrition programs in Burundi and Guatemala
Heckert, Jessica; Leroy, Jef L.; Olney, Deanna K.; Ritcher, Susan; Iruhiriye, Elyse; Ruel, Marie T.. Article in press
Heckert, Jessica; Leroy, Jef L.; Olney, Deanna K.; Ritcher, Susan; Iruhiriye, Elyse; Ruel, Marie T.. Article in press
A multisectoral food-assisted maternal and child health and nutrition program targeted to women and children in the first 1000 days increases attainment of language and motor milestones among young Burundian children
Olney, Deanna K.; Leroy, Jef L.; Bliznashka, Lilia; Ruel, Marie T.. Article in press
Olney, Deanna K.; Leroy, Jef L.; Bliznashka, Lilia; Ruel, Marie T.. Article in press
Changes in socio-economic patterns of energy consumption and insufficient energy intake across India from 1993–94 to 2011–12
Perkins, Jessica M.; Chakrabarti, Suman; Joe, William; Lee, Hwa-Young; Heo, Jongho
. Article in press
Perkins, Jessica M.; Chakrabarti, Suman; Joe, William; Lee, Hwa-Young; Heo, Jongho
. Article in press
Cognitive interviewing to improve women's empowerment questions in surveys: Application to the health and nutrition and intrahousehold relationships modules for the project‐level Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index
Hannan, Anika; Heckert, Jessica; James-Hawkins, Laurie; Yount, Kathryn M.. Article in press
Hannan, Anika; Heckert, Jessica; James-Hawkins, Laurie; Yount, Kathryn M.. Article in press
Using structural equation modelling to understand the contributors to anemia among young Burkinabe children
Bliznashka, Lilia; Arsenault, Joanne E.; Becquey, Elodie; Ruel, Marie T.; Olney, Deanna K.. Article in press
Bliznashka, Lilia; Arsenault, Joanne E.; Becquey, Elodie; Ruel, Marie T.; Olney, Deanna K.. Article in press
Program impact pathway analysis reveals implementation challenges that limited the incentive value of conditional cash transfers aimed at improving maternal and child health care use in Mali
Le Port, Agnès; Zongrone, Amanda; Sessou, Eric; Diatta, Ampa Dogui; Koulidiati, Jean-Louis; Ruel, Marie T.. Article in press
Le Port, Agnès; Zongrone, Amanda; Sessou, Eric; Diatta, Ampa Dogui; Koulidiati, Jean-Louis; Ruel, Marie T.. Article in press
Abstract | View
The program “Santé Nutritionnelle à Assise Communautaire à Kayes” (SNACK) in Mali aimed to improve child linear growth through a set of interventions targeted to mothers and children during pregnancy and up to the child's second birthday. Distributions of cash to mothers and/or lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) to children 6–23 months of age were added to SNACK to increase attendance at community health centers (CHCs).
PROCOMIDA, a food-assisted maternal and child health and nutrition program, contributes to postpartum weight retention in Guatemala: A cluster-randomized controlled intervention trial
Leroy, Jef L.; Olney, Deanna K.; Ruel, Marie T.. Article in press
Leroy, Jef L.; Olney, Deanna K.; Ruel, Marie T.. Article in press
Abstract | View
Food-assisted maternal and child health and nutrition (FA-MCHN) programs are widely used to reduce household food insecurity and maternal and child undernutrition in low- and middle-income countries. These programs, however, may unintentionally lead to excessive energy intake and unhealthy weight gain, especially in food-secure populations.
Information diffusion and social norms are associated with infant and young child feeding practices in Bangladesh
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Frongillo, Edward A.; Kim, Sunny S.; Zongrone, Amanda; Jilani, Amir Hamza; Tran, Lan Mai; Sanghvi, Tina; Menon, Purnima. Article in press
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Frongillo, Edward A.; Kim, Sunny S.; Zongrone, Amanda; Jilani, Amir Hamza; Tran, Lan Mai; Sanghvi, Tina; Menon, Purnima. Article in press
Can women's self‐help groups improve access to information, decision‐making, and agricultural practices? The Indian case
Raghunathan, Kalyani; Kannan, Samyuktha; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. Article in press
Raghunathan, Kalyani; Kannan, Samyuktha; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. Article in press
Abstract | View
Effective agricultural extension is key to improving productivity, increasing farmers’ access to information, and promoting more diverse sets of crops and improved methods of cultivation. In India, however, the coverage of agricultural extension workers and the relevance of extension advice is poor. We investigate whether a women's self‐help group (SHG) platform could be an effective way of improving access to information, women's empowerment in agriculture, agricultural practices, and production diversity. We use cross‐sectional data on close to 1,000 women from five states in India and employ nearest‐neighbor matching models to match SHG and non‐SHG women along a range of observed characteristics. We find that participation in an SHG increases women's access to information and their participation in some agricultural decisions, but has limited impact on agricultural practices or outcomes, possibly due to financial constraints, social norms, and women's domestic responsibilities. SHGs need to go beyond provision of information to changing the dynamics around women's participation in agriculture to effectively translate knowledge into practice.
Vitamin A intakes remain higher among Intervention participants three years after a biofortification intervention in Mozambique
de Brauw, Alan; Moursi, Mourad; Munhaua, Bernardino. Article in press
de Brauw, Alan; Moursi, Mourad; Munhaua, Bernardino. Article in press
Gender effects of agricultural cropping work and nutrition status in Tanzania
Komatsu, Hitomi; Malapit, Hazel J.; Balagamwala, Mysbah. Article in press
Komatsu, Hitomi; Malapit, Hazel J.; Balagamwala, Mysbah. Article in press
Abstract | View
Although agriculture is an important source of food and income for food expenditures, women’s involvement in the agricultural cropping production process could increase their work load and reduce their BMI. Using three waves of the Tanzania National Panel Survey, we investigate the extent to which time spent in agricultural crop production affects women and men’s nutritional status among non-overweight individuals (age 20–65). We also test whether the impact of agricultural cropping work on nutritional status is modified by access to agricultural equipment, and whether gender differences exist. The study finds that time spent in agricultural cropping work is negatively associated with BMI for non-overweight individuals, albeit of small magnitude, and this finding is consistent across different crop production processes. This suggests that agricultural interventions should not ignore the implications of increasing work intensities on nutrition. While increased agricultural production could improve nutritional status by increasing agricultural income and food, the gains in nutritional status could be offset by an increase in work effort of doing agricultural work. Our results suggest that it is possible that access to equipment reduced effort for one production activity, but increased work for other activities in the production process, such as in harvesting. Furthermore, we find that the BMI of women in households with a hand powered sprayer is positively related to time spent in weeding, fertilizing, and non-harvest activities, while it is negatively correlated for men. It is possible that access to a hand powered sprayer may have helped reduce women’s work, for example, in weeding, while this was not the case for men’s work such as in ridging and fertilizing. Further disaggregation of agricultural activities in the dataset would have been helpful to provide more insights on the gender roles.
Different cooking styles enhance antioxidant properties and carotenoids of biofortified pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch) genotypes
Moreira, Lara de Azevedo Sarmet; Carvalho, Lucia Maria Jaeger de; Cardoso, Flávio da Silva e Souza Neves; Ortiz, Gisela Maria Dellamora; Finco, Fernanda Dias Bartolomeu Abadio; Carvalho, José Luiz Viana de . Article in press
Moreira, Lara de Azevedo Sarmet; Carvalho, Lucia Maria Jaeger de; Cardoso, Flávio da Silva e Souza Neves; Ortiz, Gisela Maria Dellamora; Finco, Fernanda Dias Bartolomeu Abadio; Carvalho, José Luiz Viana de . Article in press
Abstract | View
Biofortification is an important technique where the nutritional quality of food crops is enriched through the increase of nutrient content. Provitamin A deficiency is still a public health concern mainly in developing countries. Since beta-carotene is a vitamin A precursor, the increase of this compound in foods through biofortification is a manner to reach people under hidden hunger condition. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of different cooking styles on carotenoids content and antioxidant activity of two different genotypes of biofortified Cucurbita moschata. In the present study, biofortified pumpkins submitted to different cooking conditions were assessed for antioxidant activity by ABTS, DPPH, β-carotene/linoleic acid systems and have polyphenols and carotenoids content compared. The cooking style affected the antioxidant activity. Pumpkins from genotype 1 showed high levels of carotenoids, α-carotene and all-E-β-carotene compared to samples from genotype 2. There was an increase of all carotenoids in both cooked pumpkins, and steam cooking showed the highest retention percentages. Steam cooking presented a higher percentage of carotenoid retention. Pumpkin consumption in developing countries, especially in the Northeast Brazil may be promoted to combat vitamin A deficiency.
Willingness to pay of Nigerian poultry producers and feed millers for aflatoxin‐safe maize
Johnson, Andrew M.; Abdoulaye, Tahirou; Ayedun, Bamikole; Fulton, Joan R.; Widmar, Nicole J. Olynk; Adebowale, Akande; Bandyopadhyay, Ranajit; Bandyopadhyay, Ranajit. Article in press
Johnson, Andrew M.; Abdoulaye, Tahirou; Ayedun, Bamikole; Fulton, Joan R.; Widmar, Nicole J. Olynk; Adebowale, Akande; Bandyopadhyay, Ranajit; Bandyopadhyay, Ranajit. Article in press
Abstract | View
Dietary aflatoxin exposure is a widespread problem in the developing world and causes severe negative health consequences to humans and livestock animals. A new biological control product, called Aflasafe, has been introduced in Nigeria to mitigate aflatoxin contamination of maize in the field and in storage. No known prior work has estimated how much African agribusinesses using maize for animal feed will pay for aflatoxin‐safe maize. This study measured the levels of Aflasafe awareness, surveyed current aflatoxin management practices, and estimated, using choice experiments, willingness to pay (WTP) for aflatoxin‐safe maize by Nigerian poultry producers and feed millers. Data was gathered from 272 orally administered surveys, which included discrete choice experiments examining maize purchasing decisions. Results suggest that the proportion of enterprises that were aware of aflatoxin was found to vary across states. Two latent classes of Nigerian poultry producers and feed millers were identified that were willing to pay average premiums of 4.9% and 30.9%, respectively for maize with 10 parts per billion (ppb) aflatoxin concentration relative to maize with 20 ppb aflatoxin concentration. Both latent classes were, on average, willing to pay larger premiums for maize with 4 ppb aflatoxin concentration. There was evidence that latent class membership, and hence WTP, varied based on awareness of aflatoxin and across geographies.
The relative caloric prices of healthy and unhealthy foods differ systematically across income levels and continents
Headey, Derek D.; Alderman, Harold. Article in Press
Headey, Derek D.; Alderman, Harold. Article in Press
Women’s empowerment in agriculture: Lessons from qualitative research
Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Rubin, Deborah; Elias, Marlène; Mulema, Annet Abenakyo; Myers, Emily. Washington, DC 2019
Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Rubin, Deborah; Elias, Marlène; Mulema, Annet Abenakyo; Myers, Emily. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
There is growing recognition of the importance of women’s empowerment in its own right and for a range of development outcomes, but less understanding of what empowerment means to rural women and men. The challenge of measuring empowerment, particularly across cultures and contexts, is also garnering attention. This paper synthesizes qualitative research conducted conjointly with quantitative surveys, working with eight agricultural development projects in eight countries, to develop a project-level Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (pro-WEAI). The qualitative research sought to identify emic meanings of “empowerment,” validate the domains and indicators of the quantitative index, provide greater understanding of the context of each project and of strategies for facilitating empowerment, and test a methodology for integrating emic perspectives of empowerment with standardized etic measures that allow for comparability across contexts.
Development of the project-level Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (pro-WEAI)
Malapit, Hazel J.; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Seymour, Gregory; Martinez, Elena M.; Heckert, Jessica; Rubin, Deborah; Vaz, Ana; Yount, Kathryn M.. Washington, DC 2019
Malapit, Hazel J.; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Seymour, Gregory; Martinez, Elena M.; Heckert, Jessica; Rubin, Deborah; Vaz, Ana; Yount, Kathryn M.. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
In this paper, the authors describe the adaptation and validation of a project-level WEAI (or pro-WEAI) that agricultural development projects can use to identify key areas of women’s (and men’s) disempowerment, design appropriate strategies to address identified deficiencies, and monitor project outcomes related to women’s empowerment. The 12 pro-WEAI indicators are mapped to three domains: intrinsic agency (power within), instrumental agency (power to), and collective agency (power with). A gender parity index compares the empowerment scores of men and women in the same household. The authors describe the development of pro-WEAI, including: (1) pro-WEAI’s distinctiveness from other versions of the WEAI; (2) the process of piloting pro-WEAI in 13 agricultural development projects during the Gender, Agriculture, and Assets Project, phase 2 (GAAP2); (3) analysis of quantitative data from the GAAP2 projects, including intrahousehold patterns of empowerment; and (4) a summary of the findings from the qualitative work exploring concepts of women’s empowerment in the project sites. The paper concludes with a discussion of lessons learned from pro-WEAI and possibilities for further development of empowerment metrics.
Accelerating the end of hunger and malnutrition: A global event: Synopsis
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2019
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
The world faces a fast-approaching due date: 2030 is the year by which 193 countries have committed themselves to ending hunger and malnutrition as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This commitment is supported by the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition (2016–2025), designed to promote the achievement of SDG2—a necessary condition for most other SDGs—and the Compact2025 initiative, which was established to use data, research-based evidence, best practices, and South-South learning to accelerate progress in ending hunger and malnutrition. These efforts, however, represent only the first step along the path toward achieving a world free of hunger and malnutrition. Success depends on following up commitments with concerted actions that produce measurable and sustainable results. So far, the evidence shows that the world is moving far too slowly along this path. Despite the political will expressed in the SDGs, hunger persists, and malnutrition is climbing. These realities—and the conviction that the world could move faster—were the impetus and the backdrop for an international three-day conference—organized by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)—in Bangkok in November 2018. At the conference, more than 600 distinguished decisionmakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders—from across governments, NGOs, civil society, research organizations, and the private sector— gathered to discuss how to speed up progress. In a wide-ranging set of keynote addresses, panel discussions, and side events, they shared evidence and lessons learned from around the world on transforming food systems to reduce hunger and malnutrition. They explored opportunities for scaling up successful actions and innovations that can disrupt business-as-usual to build momentum and accelerate progress.
IFPRI in Africa
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2019
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
IFPRI IN AFRICA: For over 40 years, IFPRI has worked with partners in Africa at the country, regional, and continental levels to provide cuttingedge, policy-relevant research on food and nutrition security for policy makers, development partners, and stakeholders. Sharing this research and engaging through capacity building and dialogue informs effective policies, programs, and investments to help ensure that all people have access to safe, sufficient, nutritious, and sustainably grown food.
Measurement properties of the Project-Level Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index
Yount, Kathryn M.; Cheong, Yuk Fai; Maxwell, Lauren; Heckert, Jessica; Martinez, Elena M.; Seymour, Gregory. Washington, DC 2019
Yount, Kathryn M.; Cheong, Yuk Fai; Maxwell, Lauren; Heckert, Jessica; Martinez, Elena M.; Seymour, Gregory. Washington, DC 2019
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Given the need for valid measures of women’s empowerment to monitor SDG5 and design advantages of pro-WEAI, an assessment of its measurement properties is warranted. This paper has three aims: 1) to assess in two GAAP2 projects the measurement properties of survey question (item) sets used to compute pro-WEAI indicators, 2) to offer guidance, based on study findings, for questionnaire revisions to shorten the full pro-WEAI to improve it as a measure for women’s empowerment in agricultural development programs, and 3) to make a call for a validated ‘short form’1 version of pro-WEAI and improved measures of women’s collective agency.
Adding a nutrition behavior change communication component to an early childhood development intervention in Malawi: A cluster randomized trial
Gelli, Aulo; Gladstone, Melissa; Twalibu, Aisha; Nnensa, Theresa; Kariger, Patricia; Alderman, Harold. Washington, DC 2019
Gelli, Aulo; Gladstone, Melissa; Twalibu, Aisha; Nnensa, Theresa; Kariger, Patricia; Alderman, Harold. Washington, DC 2019
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The Nutrition Embedded Evaluation Program Impact Evaluation (NEEP-IE) cluster randomized control trial (CRCT) aimed to assess the effectiveness of implementing an agriculture and nutritional intervention through preschools, known as community-based child care centres (CBCCs) in Malawi (6). This included; activities to promote nutritious food production and consumption, promotion of optimal feeding and caring practices and engagement with parents in pre-school meal planning and preparation. The NEEP-IE trial has demonstrated that CBCCs can be an effective platform to scale-up an integrated agriculture and nutrition intervention, and improve food production diversity, maternal knowledge, nutrition practices at household level and diets of pre-schoolers and their younger siblings, as well as improve linear growth in younger siblings aged 6-24m (7). This study presents the impact results of the NEEP-IE trial focusing on child development outcomes of pre-school children during a 12m intervention period.
Estimating the adoption of modern cultivars in Rajasthan: A descriptive analysis
Varshney, Deepak; Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Roy, Devesh. Washington, DC 2019
Varshney, Deepak; Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Roy, Devesh. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
One of the most promising strategies to boost farmers’ income in developing countries is the adoption of improved technologies, such as modern cultivars that may produce higher yields. This study aims to examine the adoption of modern cultivars in Rajasthan, one of India’s northern states. Our analysis is based on a primary survey of 1,500 farmers covering four major crops: wheat, mustard, pearl millet, and gram. The study aims to identify the farmer-level constraints in adopting modern cultivars and decomposing into the elasticity of adoption probability and the use intensity. The study also attempts to assess the role of the key characteristics of cultivars in their adoption. The authors implemented McDonald and Moffitt’s (1980) approach to decompose the overall elasticity into the elasticity of adoption probability and use intensity. To present cultivar-specific analysis, the authors modeled farmers’ decisions to adopt top cultivars accounting for concerns regarding independence of irrelevant alternative assumption in a multinomial logistics framework.
Safety nets for agriculture and nutrition
Gilligan, Daniel O.. Wallingford, UK 2019
Gilligan, Daniel O.. Wallingford, UK 2019
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This chapter presents selected evidence on the impact of safety nets on agriculture and nutrition separately, examines trends in the development of more integrated programs, and outlines key areas of potential and challenges to better harnessing safety nets for agriculture and nutrition.
Agriculture for nutrition: Direct and indirect effects
Headey, Derek D.; Masters, William A.. Wallingford, UK 2019
Headey, Derek D.; Masters, William A.. Wallingford, UK 2019
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This chapter describes three main channels through which changing agriculture can affect nutrition: • the level and stability of real income and purchasing power among poor people; • the relative cost and difficulty of acquiring more nutritious foods relative to other things; and • exposure to health hazards associated with agricultural production, including various pathogens but also other harmful agricultural practices.
New evidence on nutrition-sensitive agricultural programs
Ruel, Marie T.. Wallingford, UK 2019
Ruel, Marie T.. Wallingford, UK 2019
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This chapter summarizes key findings from recent reviews of evidence of the nutritional impacts of agricultural programs. It focuses on findings from impact evaluations of different types of nutrition-sensitive agricultural programs, including biofortification, homestead food production systems, livestock transfer programs, value chains for nutritious foods, and irrigation programs. The review also includes, where available, information regarding pathways of impacts, mechanisms, and contextual factors that affect where and how agriculture may improve nutrition outcomes. The chapter concludes with a discussion of what the findings imply for the design and implementation of successful nutrition-sensitive agricultural programs, and highlights some key research gaps that need to be addressed in order to further our understanding of how to unleash the potential of agriculture to deliver on nutrition.
Food value chains for nutrition
Allen, Summer L.; Maestre, Mar; Gelli, Aulo. Wallingford, UK 2019
Allen, Summer L.; Maestre, Mar; Gelli, Aulo. Wallingford, UK 2019
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Despite global goals to decrease malnutrition, there remain many challenges in providing access to a nutritious diet for all. Food value chains for nutrition have been the focus of a number of reviews but evidence of their impacts remains limited. Using a systems perspective to look at markets and the role of the private sector in nutrition includes not only the complex relations between multiple actors and trade-offs between often competing objectives, but also the supporting environment in terms of infrastructure (e.g. roads, energy) and the guiding laws and social norms.
Governance and leadership in agri-food systems and nutrition
Gillespie, Stuart; Nisbett, Nicholas. Wallingford, UK 2019
Gillespie, Stuart; Nisbett, Nicholas. Wallingford, UK 2019
Improving nutrition through biofortification
Bouis, Howarth E.; Saltzman, Amy; Birol, Ekin. Wallingford, UK 2019
Bouis, Howarth E.; Saltzman, Amy; Birol, Ekin. Wallingford, UK 2019
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There is much unfinished business in scaling up and mainstreaming biofortification. In 2018, HarvestPlus entered its fourth 5-year phase and is implementing its new strategic plan, which is designed to lay the groundwork for biofortification to benefit 1 billion consumers globally by 2030. In this new phase, HarvestPlus has commissioned efficacy studies on zinc biofortified crops, as well as effectiveness studies on both zinc and iron biofortified crops. Additional studies are planned to understand the efficacy of biofortification for additional target groups, like adolescents, and on health outcomes beyond micronutrient deficiency status. As part of this new phase, HarvestPlus will work closely with others to further elucidate the comparative advantages of different interventions (biofortification, fortification, and supplementation) across time and location and to establish optimal micronutrient intervention portfolios for scenarios such as global population growth and climate change. This new phase will also analyze, document and make publicly available the data, tools, processes, and the lessons learned from interventions to introduce and scale up biofortification. The ultimate aim of these efforts is to anchor biofortification within the various national and international policies, programs and investments in the agriculture and nutrition nexus.
Women in agriculture and the implications for nutrition
Malapit, Hazel J.. Wallingford, UK 2019
Malapit, Hazel J.. Wallingford, UK 2019
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This chapter discusses the role of women in agriculture, and the ways in which their status affects the health and nutrition of their households. It highlights recent literature on the impacts of gendered and nutrition-sensitive agricultural programs. It also goes beyond a singular focus on women to consider the role of gender dynamics in agriculture and nutrition, and why the relationships between men and women are just as important for nutrition. Finally, it considers the ways in which agricultural research and nutrition-sensitive agricultural interventions can be designed so as to achieve better outcomes within nutrition and gender, and how these outcomes can be more accurately measured.
POSHAN's abstract digest on maternal and child nutrition research - Issue 26
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2019
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2019
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We are delighted to present to you the first issue of Abstract Digest for this year. This issue has two important LANCET Commission Reports. The EAT–Lancet Commission is the first of a series of initiatives on nutrition, led by The Lancet in 2019, followed by the Commission on the Global Syndemic of obesity, undernutrition, and climate change. Along with these, we have articles from an issue of Public Health Nutrition that focuses on child and adolescent nutrition, and much more.
Safety and quality of food (rice and wheat) distributed through Public Food Distribution System (PFDS) in Bangladesh: Results from laboratory tests for selected contaminants
Hoque, Mohammad Mainul; Hoffmann, Vivian. Washington, DC 2019
Hoque, Mohammad Mainul; Hoffmann, Vivian. Washington, DC 2019
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Food safety is an umbrella term that encompasses many facets of handling, preparation and storage of food to prevent illness and injury. Included under the umbrella are chemical, microphysical and microbiological aspects of food safety. This study was undertaken to enhance food-risk surveillance and guarantee food safety for the beneficiaries of food aid recipients. It involved a comprehensive assessment of grains at storage facilities of the Government of Bangladesh (GoB)’s Public Food Distribution System (PFDS) for potential risks. The following issues were addressed: (1) Whether the quality of the stored grains meets the requisite global standards set for aflatoxins, arsenic, mold and moisture contents; (2) Critical aspects contributing to grain quality loss as well as assessing the magnitude of the problem; and (3) Establishing remedial actions aimed at minimizing quality loss and largely improving food safety in the overall distribution system. For this research, Local Supply Depots (LSDs) were chosen as primary study sites. Essentially, the research combined data generated from laboratory tests conducted on grain samples, as well as data compiled through a nationally representative survey of public warehouses. To avoid representation bias, a systematic random sampling method was used to select the LSDs to be reported in the study. This ensured an impartial assessment in terms of the food security status of the location and operational size. The findings from this study suggests that grain stored in PFDS do not largely contain any major contaminants (aflatoxins, arsenic and mold) at levels exceeding the maximum allowable limits to pose serious threat to public health. Despite that moisture itself is not a contaminant, excessive moisture content as detected in few cases has implication for mold growth in grain if stored for an extended period of time. Finally, the recommendations outlined in this study for remedial actions are aimed at satisfying most of the stringent standards set under the Food Safety Act as well as ensuring high quality in longer term grain storage.
Identifying innovators and early adopters of agricultural technology: A case of wheat varieties in Rajasthan, India
Varshney, Deepak; Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Roy, Devesh. Washington, DC 2019
Varshney, Deepak; Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Roy, Devesh. Washington, DC 2019
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The study explores the diffusion process of innovators, early adopters, and late adopters of agricultural technologies. We define innovators, early adopters, and late adopters based on the time taken to adopt improved technology in a well-defined geographic area. The paper is based on a primary survey of 866 wheat farmers conducted in the state of Rajasthan, India. The primary objective of the study is to identify the structural characteristics and information channels for farmers classified as innovators and early adopters. The secondary objective is to present a more disaggregated analysis by assessing the factors that affect the adoption of recent seed varieties. The first objective is based on binary choice modeling, and the second objective relies on the empirical formulation drawn from Besley and Case (1993) that accounts for the dynamic processes related to adoption in the cross-sectional framework.
L'IFPRI en Afrique
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2019
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
Depuis plus de 40 ans, l’IFPRI réalise en Afrique, avec ses partenaires à l’échelle nationale, régionale et continentale, des recherches de pointe relatives aux stratégies politiques sur la sécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle, à l’intention des responsables politiques, des partenaires au développement et autres acteurs non-étatiques. Par la transmission de ses connaissances, son engagement à travers le renforcement des capacités et le dialogue, en soutenant des politiques, des programmes et des investissements efficaces qui aideront à assurer l'accès des populations à des aliments sains, nutritifs, et produits en quantité suffisante et de façon durable.
Food system innovations for healthier diets in low and middle-income countries
de Brauw, Alan; Van den berg, Marrit; Brouwer, Inge D.; Snoek, Harriette; Vignola, Raffaele; Melesse, Mequanint B.; Lochetti, Gaia; Van Wagenberg, Coen; Lundy, Mark; Maître d'Hôtel, Eloide; Ruben, Ruerd. Washington, DC 2019
de Brauw, Alan; Van den berg, Marrit; Brouwer, Inge D.; Snoek, Harriette; Vignola, Raffaele; Melesse, Mequanint B.; Lochetti, Gaia; Van Wagenberg, Coen; Lundy, Mark; Maître d'Hôtel, Eloide; Ruben, Ruerd. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
Malnutrition in all its forms is a major challenge everywhere in the world, and particularly in low and middle income countries. To reduce malnutrition, innovations in food systems are needed to both provide sufficient options for consumers to obtain diets with adequate nutritional value, and to help consumers make conscious and unconscious choices to choose healthier diets. A potential solution to this challenge is food systems innovations designed to lead to healthier diets. In this paper, we lay out a multidisciplinary framework for both identifying and analyzing innovations in food systems that can lead to improvements in the choices available to consumers and their diets from a health perspective. The framework identifies entry points for the design of potential food systems innovations, highlighting potential synergies, feedback, and tradeoffs within the food system. The paper concludes by providing examples of potential innovations and describes future research that can be developed to support the role of food systems in providing healthier diets.
Social networking amid social differentiation in the adoption of improved technologies: A case study in Rajasthan, India
Varshney, Deepak; Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Roy, Devesh. Washington, DC 2019
Varshney, Deepak; Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Roy, Devesh. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
This paper evaluates the role of social networks in the adoption of mustard hybrids. The objectives of the paper are (i) to examine how the farmer’s adoption decision relates to the adoption choices of their network members particularly in case of hybrids; (ii) to test whether the lower-caste (Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe [SC/ST]) farmers relied more on social networks for information as compared to the higher-caste (non-SC/ST) farmers; and (iii) to explore whether social network effects are more pronounced when farmers interact within their caste as compared to outside the caste, the issue of homophily versus heterophily. The paper follows the model of social learning in Bandiera and Rasul (2006) extended by introducing the individual level covariates of network members. Further, we try to address endogeneity concerns by including village fixed effects and by analyzing the social network effects in a dynamic adoption framework. We establish evidence of endogenous effects in the adoption choices of hybrids i.e. more pronounced for the lower caste (schedule caste/tribe) vis-a-vis the higher caste. Further, network effects are stronger with homophily within the same caste.
Understanding urban consumers’ food choice behavior in Ethiopia: Promoting demand for healthy foods
Melesse, Mequanint B.; Van den berg, Marrit; de Brauw, Alan; Abate, Gashaw T.. Washington, DC; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2019
Melesse, Mequanint B.; Van den berg, Marrit; de Brauw, Alan; Abate, Gashaw T.. Washington, DC; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2019
Abstract | View
Using survey data collected from 996 representative households in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this paper documents several insights to help understand urban consumer food purchasing and consumption choices. The findings can be summarized as follows: 1) We find that households face important dietary gaps; a large proportion eats insufficient amounts of nutrient-dense vegetables, animal-source foods, and fruits. 2) The consumption of ultra-processed foods increases with income and may become a pressing health concern as incomes rise. 3) From a purchasing perspective, we find that consumers buy foods for different purposes at different outlets. Nearby kiosks and informal street markets are frequented for small food items and for fruits and vegetables, while formal open markets and consumer cooperatives are used for bulky food items. 4) Respondents make food and food outlet choices based on their health and food safety concerns, but few consider the nutritional value of food when purchasing it. Concurrently, the availability of a wide variety of healthy and safe foods is highly valued by most respondents for outlet choice. Among consumers in lower income categories, they tend to make food and food outlet choices based on prices and location convenience. 5) Although nutrition is not a primary concern when making choices about food, consumers appear to have reasonable nutritional knowledge. Most respondents considered a healthy diet to be primarily plant-based. Most people are aware that they should eat more fruits and vegetables and less sugary, fatty, and salty foods, but they have limited knowledge on the nutrient content of specific foods and the causes of obesity. 6) Labelling would not be an effective way to increase nutritional knowledge; most respondents have limited understanding of the information that labels provide. Rather, most respondents trust the information provided by health professionals over other sources.
In sum, these results are potentially relevant for policy and the design of future programs for improving nutritional outcomes through enhanced diets.
In sum, these results are potentially relevant for policy and the design of future programs for improving nutritional outcomes through enhanced diets.
Does greater food safety consciousness benefit smallholder dairy farmers? Evidence from Nepal
Thapa, Ganesh; Kumar, Anjani; Roy, Devesh; Joshi, Pramod Kumar. Washington, DC 2019
Thapa, Ganesh; Kumar, Anjani; Roy, Devesh; Joshi, Pramod Kumar. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
Food quality and safety have been the central issues of food economics and are considered among the most important food attributes. However, evidence of the impact of food safety consciousness on consumers' food purchasing behavior is limited. This paper studies the impact of food safety consciousness on weekly milk expenditure, milk price paid, milk quantity purchased, and the probability of purchasing milk from modern market outlets in Nepal. We conducted dairy consumer survey in four selected districts of the country and employed an instrumental variable regression and quantile instrumental variable to estimate the heterogeneous treatment effects. The results suggest that education, income, and social network are the major factors that positively influence food safety consciousness. An increase in the food safety consciousness level by 1% increases the weekly milk expenditure, milk price paid, and weekly milk purchased by 1.37%, 0.66%, and 1.27%, respectively. Furthermore, we found that an increase in food safety consciousness by 1% is associated with a 37% higher probability of selecting a modern milk outlet. At higher levels of food safety consciousness, female-headed households are significantly more likely to purchase milk from modern outlets in comparison to male-headed households. Our findings imply that increasing food safety consciousness is likely to improve food security (through more consumption of milk and other healthy food) and the welfare of smallholder dairy farmers (through increased milk demand and higher milk prices paid by consumers).
POSHAN's abstract digest on maternal and child nutrition research - Issue 27
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2019
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2019
Abstract | View
We are delighted to present another issue of Abstract Digest with a collection of interesting and insightful articles on various aspects of maternal and child nutrition, from around the world, with relevance to India. Four articles in this issue used different rounds of the National Family Health Survey data to examine a range of issues including trends in mortality rates, developing an algorithm for predicting newborns’ risk of undernutrition in the first 5 years of life, estimating burden of malnutrition, and coverage and equity of Integrated Child Development Services program.
Dairy contract farming in Bangladesh: Implications for welfare and food safety
Islam, Abu Hayat Md. Saiful; Roy, Devesh; Kumar, Anjani; Tripathi, Gaurav; Joshi, Pramod Kumar. Washington, DC 2019
Islam, Abu Hayat Md. Saiful; Roy, Devesh; Kumar, Anjani; Tripathi, Gaurav; Joshi, Pramod Kumar. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
Contract farming is emerging as an important institutional innovation in the high value food chain in developing countries including Bangladesh, and its socioeconomic implications are topic of interest in policy debates. This study is an empirical assessment to explore the determinants of participation and the impact of contract farming on welfare and adoption of food safety practice in Bangladesh. Our analysis indicates that contract farmers are more likely to have better access to agricultural extension services, attended proportionately more community meetings, households members are member of organizations, access more credit, are located farther from output market, and have larger herd sizes. We also find that network variables such as time spent with cooperatives and other institutions and price fluctuation and average prices received experience before participation in contract are strongly associated with participation in contract farming. We find that contract farming has a robust positive impact on welfare measured by expenditure, farm profit and farm productivity, and food safety practice adoption even after innovatively controlling for observed and unobserved heterogeneity among dairy farmers. More specifically results indicate that a one unit increase in the likelihood of participating in contract farming is associated with a 42, 35,34 and 9 percent increase in household expenditure, gross margin and net margin per cow, and food safety practice adoption rate respectively, among other positive impacts.
A4NH 2018 annual report
A4NH. Washington, DC 2019
A4NH. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
International agricultural research grapples not just with ensuring food security for the poor, but also with dynamic food systems, multiple burdens of malnutrition, and equity issues. Consumers are driving change, with demand for more diverse diets, greater convenience, and food safety assurances. Yet while markets are working to meet these needs in some areas, in others, they are not. Of greatest concern are those being left behind. The CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH) is a consortium of seven managing partners, led by IFPRI, working across five flagship research programs, addressing some of the most challenging nutrition and health concerns we face today. A4NH research concentrates on five focus countries, with work extending to more than two dozen others. Our research informs policymakers and stakeholders in those countries, and provides lessons adaptable to other places and contexts. This report highlights work conducted in 2018.
A4NH 2018 annual report highlights
A4NH. Washington, DC 2019
A4NH. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
International agricultural research grapples not just with ensuring food security for the poor, but also with dynamic food systems, multiple burdens of malnutrition, and equity issues. Consumers are driving change, with demand for more diverse diets, greater convenience, and food safety assurances. Yet while markets are working to meet these needs in some areas, in others, they are not. Of greatest concern are those being left behind. The CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH) is a consortium of seven managing partners, led by IFPRI, working across five flagship research programs, addressing some of the most challenging nutrition and health concerns we face today. A4NH research concentrates on five focus countries, with work extending to more than two dozen others. Our research informs policymakers and stakeholders in those countries, and provides lessons adaptable to other places and contexts. This report highlights work conducted in 2018.
Transformation and sources of growth in Southeast Asian agriculture
Birthal, Pratap S.; Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Roy, Devesh; Pandey, Ghanshyam . Washington, DC 2019
Birthal, Pratap S.; Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Roy, Devesh; Pandey, Ghanshyam . Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
Over the past few decades, the agricultural sector of Southeast Asia has experienced robust growth and undergone a structural transformation albeit differentially across the countries in the region. The main aims of this paper are to understand the process of transformation and sources of growth in agriculture in the broader context of economy-wide changes in domestic and international markets, and to suggest technological, institutional and policy measures for faster, efficient and sustainable growth. Our findings show faster growth in agriculture in comparatively low-income countries, with technological change, area expansion and diversification being the main drivers. On the other hand, agricultural growth in high-income countries has been relatively slow, and driven by price increases, mainly of the export-oriented commercial crops, such as oil-palm, rubber and coconut; and also, by area expansion. In view of the fixed supply of land and high volatility in global food prices, area and price driven growth is unlikely to sustain in the long-run. For efficient, sustainable and inclusive growth, the recourse has to be with exploiting potential of (i) existing and frontier technologies, by investing more in agricultural research and extension systems, and (ii) diversification of production portfolio towards higher-value food commodities by strengthening institutions that link farmers to remunerative markets; and investing in post-harvest infrastructure for food processing.
2018 Annual report
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2019
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
IFPRI’s 2018 Annual Report shares highlights of our work, which together with partners has helped to develop and tailor knowledge to local contexts, build human and institutional capacity, and support development strategies in many countries around the world. Research findings and policy developments related to fostering climate resilience, agricultural transformation, healthy diets, inclusive and efficient markets, institutions and governance, and gender are presented, along with updates on other IFPRI areas of work.
Human capital and structural transformation: Quasi-experimental evidence from Indonesia
Karachiwalla, Naureen; Palloni, Giordano. Washington, DC 2019
Karachiwalla, Naureen; Palloni, Giordano. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
This paper provides quasi-experimental evidence on the long-term causal effect of increases in human capital on participation in agriculture. We use variation in male educational attainment generated by Indonesia’s Sekolah Dasar INPRES program, one of the largest ever school building programs. Consistent with the first evaluation [Duflo, 2001], we find that males exposed to a higher program intensity have improved measures of human capital as adults. We then show that treated cohorts are more likely to be employed outside of agriculture–particularly in industry–and less likely to be agricultural workers. Then, exploiting variation in exposure across adjacent districts, we demonstrate that higher INPRES intensity in neighboring districts decreases non-agricultural employment and earnings, consistent with cross-district spillovers mediating the total impacts. Together, the results suggest that government investment in human capital can have profound effects on the rural economy and may help to accelerate shifts away from agriculture.
Resources: Agriculture, nutrition, and health
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2019
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2019
Do grassroots interventions relax behavioral constraints to the adoption of nutrition-sensitive food production systems?
Alvi, Muzna; Ward, Patrick S.; Makhija, Simrin; Spielman, David J.. Washington, DC 2019
Alvi, Muzna; Ward, Patrick S.; Makhija, Simrin; Spielman, David J.. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
In many developing countries, agricultural policies and programs are often designed in a way to promote productivity growth with modern inputs and technologies, and with limited reference to the nutrition gains that can be made through production diversification. We test whether grassroots programs can relax behavioral constraints inhibiting the adoption of diversified nutrition-sensitive production systems. We use a series of lab-in-field experiments and survey instruments in Odisha, India to elicit male and female farmers’ preferences for risk, aversion to loss, empowerment and aspirations for one’s self and children. We find that respondents in villages where grassroots interventions were promoted showed significantly lower levels of risk aversion, higher levels of loss aversion and higher aspirations for themselves and their children, along with improvements in production and consumption diversity. Insights into the prevalence of behavioral constraints and interventions that relax such constraints fills an important knowledge gap in how to design programs that promote more nutrition-sensitive food production systems.
Promoting fruit and vegetable intake in urban Ethiopia: An experiment using video-based communication
Abate, Gashaw T.; Bayeh, Kaleb; de Brauw, Alan; Hirvonen, Kalle. Washington, DC 2019
Abate, Gashaw T.; Bayeh, Kaleb; de Brauw, Alan; Hirvonen, Kalle. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
This pilot experiment aims to address the knowledge gaps on the nutrition and health benefits of fruits and vegetables to help find ways to increase both consumption frequency and amounts at the house-hold level. While there are already commendable efforts in the country to improve overall nutrition knowledge through behavioral change communication, so far, the interventions focus on rural areas and are limited to conveying recommended behaviors with little or no emphasis on the mechanisms by which diet quality can improve nutrition and health outcomes. This experiment will be the first of its kind to introduce systematic nutrition behavioral change communication in urban Ethiopia with an enhanced intervention to communicate the mechanisms through which the consumption of fruits and vegetables can lead to better nutrition and health outcomes.
Assessing agricultural market integration of Cambodia within and beyond ASEAN
Ajmani, Manmeet; Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Roy, Devesh; Renjini, V. R.. Washington, DC 2019
Ajmani, Manmeet; Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Roy, Devesh; Renjini, V. R.. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
In this paper, we address the question of the agricultural market integration of Cambodia within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and its other top trading partners. Focusing on agricultural trade, we use two indicators, namely, “Trade Potential” and “Competition Indices,” to assess the nature and extent of the integration. More specifically, we identify the exports of Cambodia with high export potential and comparatively low competition in export markets. Higher trade potential with lower competition (value or volume) indicates an opportunity of higher returns for agricultural producers. In the case of Cambodia, “maize,”and “starches” are identified as high-potential exports with lower intra-ASEAN competition. There is also scope for regional cooperation in traditional exports such as “rice,” “manioc (cassava),” “molasses,” and “pepper” between Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries for which both the export potential and intra-ASEAN competition are high. Finally, to demonstrate the upward movement in the value chain, possibly due to quality upgradation, we present the dynamics of the unit values of Cambodia’s agricultural exports.
La politique nutritionnelle au Nigéria
Vanderkooy, A.; Verstraeten, Roos; Adeyemi, O.; Covic, Namukolo; Becquey, Elodie; Diatta, Ampa Dogui; Diop, Loty; Touré, Mariama. Washington, DC 2019
Vanderkooy, A.; Verstraeten, Roos; Adeyemi, O.; Covic, Namukolo; Becquey, Elodie; Diatta, Ampa Dogui; Diop, Loty; Touré, Mariama. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
Cette note présente un résumé des politiques fédérales pertinentes en matière de nutrition au Nigéria. Nous y examinons le i) contexte nutritionnel, les objectifs des politiques en place, les indicateurs, le budget et les activités menées ; ii) les bénéficiaires et acteurs clés, et la coordination ; iii) les mécanismes de suivi-évaluation et de responsabilisation des politiques ; iv) et voir si les politiques actuelles concordent avec
les objectifs mondiaux de l’Assemblée mondiale de la Santé (AMS).
les objectifs mondiaux de l’Assemblée mondiale de la Santé (AMS).
Nutrition policy in Burkina Faso
Vanderkooy, A.; Verstraeten, Roos; Becquey, Elodie; Diatta, Ampa Dogui; Buttarelli, E.; Diop, Loty; Touré, Mariama. Washington, DC 2019
Vanderkooy, A.; Verstraeten, Roos; Becquey, Elodie; Diatta, Ampa Dogui; Buttarelli, E.; Diop, Loty; Touré, Mariama. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
This brief summarizes nutrition-relevant policies in Burkina Faso. We examine i) nutrition context, policy objectives, indicators, budget, and activities, ii) key beneficiaries, actors and coordination, iii) monitoring, evaluation, and accountability, and iv) whether current policies are aligned with the World Health Assembly (WHA) global targets.
Nutrition policy in Nigeria
Vanderkooy, A.; Verstraeten, Roos; Adeyemi, O.; Covic, Namukolo; Becquey, Elodie; Diatta, Ampa Dogui; Touré, Mariama. Washington, DC 2019
Vanderkooy, A.; Verstraeten, Roos; Adeyemi, O.; Covic, Namukolo; Becquey, Elodie; Diatta, Ampa Dogui; Touré, Mariama. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
This brief summarizes nutrition-relevant policies in Nigeria.
We examine i) nutrition context, policy objectives,
indicators, budget, and activities, ii) key beneficiaries, actors
and coordination, iii) monitoring, evaluation, and
accountability, and iv) whether current policies are aligned
with the World Health Assembly (WHA) global targets.
We examine i) nutrition context, policy objectives,
indicators, budget, and activities, ii) key beneficiaries, actors
and coordination, iii) monitoring, evaluation, and
accountability, and iv) whether current policies are aligned
with the World Health Assembly (WHA) global targets.
La politique nutritionnelle au Burkina Faso
Vanderkooy, A.; Verstraeten, Roos; Becquey, Elodie; Diatta, Ampa Dogui; Buttarelli, E.; Diop, Loty; Touré, Mariama. Washington, DC 2019
Vanderkooy, A.; Verstraeten, Roos; Becquey, Elodie; Diatta, Ampa Dogui; Buttarelli, E.; Diop, Loty; Touré, Mariama. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
Cette note présente un résumé des politiques pertinentes en matière de nutrition au Burkina Faso. Nous y examinons le i) contexte nutritionnel, les objectifs des politiques en place, les indicateurs, le budget et les activités menées ; ii) les bénéficiaires et acteurs clés, et la coordination ; iii) les mécanismes de suivi-évaluation et de responsabilisation des politiques ; iv) et voir si les politiques actuelles concordent avec les objectifs mondiaux de l’Assemblée mondiale de la Santé (AMS).
Country data profile: Guinea
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
The purpose of this data profile is: 1) To summarize all available primary data sources and secondary data aggregation platforms for key nutrition indicators representative at the national level in Guinea. 2) To assess the identified data sources for each indicator across four dimensions: (i) validity and comparability, (ii) timeliness, (iii) accessibility, and (iv) representativeness. 3) To identify data gaps in the national data system to effectively track progress on nutrition and/or inform policy and program decisions for improving nutrition in Guinea.
Country data profile: Côte d’Ivoire
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
The purpose of this data profile is: 1) To summarize all available primary data sources and secondary data aggregation platforms for key nutrition indicators representative at the national level in Côte d’Ivoire. 2) To assess the identified data sources for each indicator across four dimensions: (i) validity and comparability, (ii) timeliness, (iii) accessibility, and (iv) representativeness. 3) To identify data gaps in the national data system to effectively track progress on nutrition and/or inform policy and program decisions for improving nutrition in Côte d’Ivoire.
Country data profile: Cape Verde
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
The purpose of this data profile is: 1) To summarize all available primary data sources and secondary data aggregation platforms for key nutrition indicators representative at the national level in Cape Verde. 2) To assess the identified data sources for each indicator across four dimensions: (i) validity and comparability, (ii) timeliness, (iii) accessibility, and (iv) representativeness. 3) To identify data gaps in the national data system to effectively track progress on nutrition and/or inform policy and program decisions for improving nutrition in Cape Verde.
Country data profile: Gambia
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
The purpose of this data profile is: 1) To summarize all available primary data sources and secondary data aggregation platforms for key nutrition indicators representative at the national level in Gambia. 2) To assess the identified data sources for each indicator across four dimensions: (i) validity and comparability, (ii) timeliness, (iii) accessibility, and (iv) representativeness. 3) To identify data gaps in the national data system to effectively track progress on nutrition and/or inform policy and program decisions for improving nutrition in Gambia.
Country data profile: Togo
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
The purpose of this data profile is: 1) To summarize all available primary data sources and secondary data aggregation platforms for key nutrition indicators representative at the national level in Togo. 2) To assess the identified data sources for each indicator across four dimensions: (i) validity and comparability, (ii) timeliness, (iii) accessibility, and (iv) representativeness. 3) To identify data gaps in the national data system to effectively track progress on nutrition and/or inform policy and program decisions for improving nutrition in Togo.
Country data profile: Nigeria
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
The purpose of this data profile is: 1) To summarize all available primary data sources and secondary data aggregation platforms for key nutrition indicators representative at the national level in Nigeria. 2) To assess the identified data sources for each indicator across four dimensions: (i) validity and comparability, (ii) timeliness, (iii) accessibility, and (iv) representativeness. 3) To identify data gaps in the national data system to effectively track progress on nutrition and/or inform policy and program decisions for improving nutrition in Nigeria.
Country data profile: Mali
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
The purpose of this data profile is: 1) To summarize all available primary data sources and secondary data aggregation platforms for key nutrition indicators representative at the national level in Mali. 2) To assess the identified data sources for each indicator across four dimensions: (i) validity and comparability, (ii) timeliness, (iii) accessibility, and (iv) representativeness. 3) To identify data gaps in the national data system to effectively track progress on nutrition and/or inform policy and program decisions for improving nutrition in Mali.
Country data profile: Guinea Bissau
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
The purpose of this data profile is: 1) To summarize all available primary data sources and secondary data aggregation platforms for key nutrition indicators representative at the national level in Guinea Bissau. 2) To assess the identified data sources for each indicator across four dimensions: (i) validity and comparability, (ii) timeliness, (iii) accessibility, and (iv) representativeness. 3) To identify data gaps in the national data system to effectively track progress on nutrition and/or inform policy and program decisions for improving nutrition in Guinea Bissau.
Country data profile: Sierra Leone
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
The purpose of this data profile is: 1) To summarize all available primary data sources and secondary data aggregation platforms for key nutrition indicators representative at the national level in Sierra Leone. 2) To assess the identified data sources for each indicator across four dimensions: (i) validity and comparability, (ii) timeliness, (iii) accessibility, and (iv) representativeness. 3) To identify data gaps in the national data system to effectively track progress on nutrition and/or inform policy and program decisions for improving nutrition in Sierra Leone.
Country data profile: Burkina Faso
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
The purpose of this data profile is: 1) To summarize all available primary data sources and secondary data aggregation platforms for key nutrition indicators representative at the national level in Burkina Faso. 2) To assess the identified data sources for each indicator across four dimensions: (i) validity and comparability, (ii) timeliness, (iii) accessibility, and (iv) representativeness. 3) To identify data gaps in the national data system to effectively track progress on nutrition and/or inform policy and program decisions for improving nutrition in Burkina Faso.
Country data profile: Niger
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
The purpose of this data profile is: 1) To summarize all available primary data sources and secondary data aggregation platforms for key nutrition indicators representative at the national level in Niger. 2) To assess the identified data sources for each indicator across four dimensions: (i) validity and comparability, (ii) timeliness, (iii) accessibility, and (iv) representativeness. 3) To identify data gaps in the national data system to effectively track progress on nutrition and/or inform policy and program decisions for improving nutrition in Niger.
Country data profile: Benin
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
The purpose of this data profile is: 1) To summarize all available primary data sources and secondary data aggregation platforms for key nutrition indicators representative at the national level in Benin. 2) To assess the identified data sources for each indicator across four dimensions: (i) validity and comparability, (ii) timeliness, (iii) accessibility, and (iv) representativeness. 3) To identify data gaps in the national data system to effectively track progress on nutrition and/or inform policy and program decisions for improving nutrition in Benin.
Country data profile: Senegal
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
The purpose of this data profile is: 1) To summarize all available primary data sources and secondary data aggregation platforms for key nutrition indicators representative at the national level in Senegal. 2) To assess the identified data sources for each indicator across four dimensions: (i) validity and comparability, (ii) timeliness, (iii) accessibility, and (iv) representativeness. 3) To identify data gaps in the national data system to effectively track progress on nutrition and/or inform policy and program decisions for improving nutrition in Senegal.
Country data profile: Mauritania
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
The purpose of this data profile is: 1) To summarize all available primary data sources and secondary data aggregation platforms for key nutrition indicators representative at the national level in Mauritania. 2) To assess the identified data sources for each indicator across four dimensions: (i) validity and comparability, (ii) timeliness, (iii) accessibility, and (iv) representativeness. 3) To identify data gaps in the national data system to effectively track progress on nutrition and/or inform policy and program decisions for improving nutrition in Mauritania.
Country data profile: Liberia
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
The purpose of this data profile is: 1) To summarize all available primary data sources and secondary data aggregation platforms for key nutrition indicators representative at the national level in Liberia. 2) To assess the identified data sources for each indicator across four dimensions: (i) validity and comparability, (ii) timeliness, (iii) accessibility, and (iv) representativeness. 3) To identify data gaps in the national data system to effectively track progress on nutrition and/or inform policy and program decisions for improving nutrition in Liberia.
Country data profile: Ghana
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
The purpose of this data profile is: 1) To summarize all available primary data sources and secondary data aggregation platforms for key nutrition indicators representative at the national level in Ghana. 2) To assess the identified data sources for each indicator across four dimensions: (i) validity and comparability, (ii) timeliness, (iii) accessibility, and (iv) representativeness. 3) To identify data gaps in the national data system to effectively track progress on nutrition and/or inform policy and program decisions for improving nutrition in Ghana.
Evaluation study of the IFPRI/A4NH research program on diet quality and health of the poor
Behrman, Jere R.; Ghosh, Shibani. Washington, DC 2019
Behrman, Jere R.; Ghosh, Shibani. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
IFPRI’s Poverty, Health, and Nutrition Division (PHND) and the CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH) have conducted research since 2003 on the critical links between nutrition, health, and agriculture. This evaluation considers the impact of the work carried out through 2016, looking at the research strategy, engagement, capacity building, and impact on programs and policies and global dialogue. Findings suggest that the Diet Quality and Health of the Poor program has been successful in developing and sharing valuable research, knowledge, and data, and has brought new issues and approaches to partners and stakeholders. Through a range of projects, the program has effectively engaged with stakeholders, partners, and governments to support capacity enhancement and to help shape national interventions to improve nutrition. However, the original aspirations of the program have not been fully met and challenges in terms of communication and coordination indic
Annual report 2018: CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets (PIM)
CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets (PIM). Washington, DC 2019
CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets (PIM). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
In 2018, research conducted under the CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets (PIM) informed policies, strategies, and investments of several governments, development organizations, non-governmental organizations, and private companies in many countries in Africa south of the Sahara, Asia, and Latin America. For instance, PIM contributed to shaping climate change mitigation policies in the Philippines; innovations in agricultural advisory services in India, Kenya, Malawi, and Rwanda; biosafety systems in Malawi; national investment plans in China, Malawi, and Rwanda; food policies in Pakistan; seed distribution and marketing in Ethiopia; value chain improvements for women in Honduras; safety net programs in Bangladesh, Egypt, and Mali; and improved rangeland governance in Tanzania. The Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index results influenced many strategies and programs.
POSHAN's abstract digest on maternal and child nutrition research - Issue 28
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2019
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2019
Abstract | View
In this issue of Abstract Digest, we present to you a collection of articles on various outcomes, determinants and interventions related to maternal and child nutrition, from around the world, with relevance to India. In addition, this issue features articles on multiple micronutrient supplementation in pregnancy from a special issue of the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences and a systematic scoping review of food environment research in low-and middle -income countries.
Nutrient and mycotoxin content of commercially-sold premixed infant cereals in Malawi
Gilbert, Rachel; Subedi, Binita; Wallingford, Jessica; Wilson, Norbert; Masters, William A. Washington, DC 2019
Gilbert, Rachel; Subedi, Binita; Wallingford, Jessica; Wilson, Norbert; Masters, William A. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
Fortified premixed cereals can help caregivers meet infants’ nutrient needs, when used instead of traditional porridges to complement continued breastfeeding alongside the gradual introduction of nutrient-dense family foods from 6 to 24 months of age. Premixed cereals are widely used in nutrition assistance programs, but commercially-sold brands are often poorly regulated and labeled. This study provides the first combined assessment of nutrient levels and mycotoxins in samples of several commercially-sold premixed cereals (CPC) in Malawi, a country with high burdens of child malnutrition and an active market for CPCs. A sample of CPCs available in markets in central and southern Malawi were tested for macronutrients, iron, and zinc as well as for the presence of aflatoxins and fumonisin. Test results were compared to both the values stated on the CPC labels and available standards. CPC samples largely met moisture, ash, and iron standards set by the Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS), but only 35, 56, and 39 percent of samples were compliant with Malawi standards for zinc, protein, and fat, respectively. Most locally-made products had aflatoxin and fumonisin levels that exceeded national and international maximum allowable levels for infant foods. Labeled values deviated significantly from test results for all nutrients except protein and zinc. Semi-structured interviews with stakeholders in Malawi highlighted challenges producers of CPCs face in meeting quality standards. Access to CPCs of high and uniform quality is hampered by poor market surveillance and standards enforcement, plus the cost of independent testing and other quality control measures. The introduction and enforcement of better standards for quality control and labeling of commercial complementary foods in Malawi could serve as a model for the other low- and middle- income countries facing similar issues.
IFPRI in Africa
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2019
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
IFPRI IN AFRICA: For over 40 years, IFPRI has worked with partners in Africa at the country, regional, and continental levels to provide cuttingedge, policy-relevant research on food and nutrition security for policy makers, development partners, and stakeholders. Sharing this research and engaging through capacity building and dialogue informs effective policies, programs, and investments to help ensure that all people have access to safe, sufficient, nutritious, and sustainably grown food.
Household dietary patterns and the cost of a nutritious diet in Myanmar
Mahrt, Kristi; Mather, David; Herforth, Anna; Headey, Derek D.. Washington, DC 2019
Mahrt, Kristi; Mather, David; Herforth, Anna; Headey, Derek D.. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
Despite significant poverty reduction over the past decade, undernutrition in Myanmar remains widespread. Food prices play an important role in influencing diets and nutrition outcomes, especially for poorer households. In this study, we use national household food expenditure data to assess dietary patterns and estimate regional costs of nutritious diets in Myanmar relative to a recommended diet derived from food-based dietary guidelines. We estimate these costs following the cost of a recommended diet method (CoRD), which is based on minimum food group prices. We also develop and demonstrate an extension of this method using food group prices that reflect typical food consumption preferences (CoRD-FP). We assess the affordability of the recommended diet by comparing observed household food expenditure to the CoRD and the CoRD-FP. In 2015, 52 percent of the Myanmar population lived in households with food expenditure below the CoRD-FP, compared to 70 percent in 2010. Even the CoRD, which measures the lowest possible cost of meeting the recommended diet, exceeded household food expenditure for 32 and 24 percent of the population in 2010 and 2015, respectively. Low affordability is driven by high costs of animal-source foods and vegetables, which account for half the CoRD-FP. A majority of households over-consume staples and under-consume micronutrient-dense food groups. This imbalance is driven in part by the high caloric price of nutrient-dense foods relative to rice. The inability of more than half of households in Myanmar to afford a recommended diet at existing food expenditure levels suggests the need for policies that reduce the prices of micronutrient-dense foods, ideally through pro-poor improvements in agricultural productivity and marketing.
Does identity affect aspirations in rural India? An examination from the lens of caste and gender
Alvi, Muzna Fatima; Ward, Patrick S.; Makhija, Simrin; Spielman, David J.. Washington, DC 2019
Alvi, Muzna Fatima; Ward, Patrick S.; Makhija, Simrin; Spielman, David J.. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
We use priming, a concept popular in social psychology, to study the effect of identity salience on aspirations for self and children as part of an impact evaluation in Odisha, India. We measure the effect of an individual’s genderand caste-identity salience on improving aspirations for themselves and for their children’s future profession and education. We find that when women are primed on gender, they exhibit higher aspirations for their daughters. Similarly, low-caste women primed on caste are more aspirational for their daughters. We do not find similar results for men. The effect of caste priming is more apparent in areas where significant ethnic heterogeneity exists and muted in ethnically homogenous areas. We find that aspirations for boys are already very high, thus priming has no effect on aspirations for sons.
Improving diets through food systems in low- and middle-income countries: Metrics for analysis
Melesse, Mequanint B.; Van den berg, Marrit; Béné, Christophe; Brouwer, Inge D; de Brauw, Alan. Washington, DC 2019
Melesse, Mequanint B.; Van den berg, Marrit; Béné, Christophe; Brouwer, Inge D; de Brauw, Alan. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
Taking a food systems approach is a promising strategy for improving diets. Implementing such an approach would require the use of a comprehensive set of metrics to characterize food systems, set meaningful goals, track food systems performance, and evaluate the impacts of food systems interventions. Food systems metrics are also useful to structure debates and communicate to policy makers and the general public. This paper provides an updated analytical framework of food systems and uses this to systematically identify relevant metrics and indicators based on data availability in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The list of indicators partly overlaps with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicators, but these do not cover all aspects of the food system. We conclude that public data are relatively available on food systems drivers and outcomes, and on some, but not all, of the activities. With only minor additional investments, existing surveys could be extended to cover a large part of the required additional data. For some indicators, targeted data collection efforts are needed. Because of the overlap with the SDG indicators, part of the collected data could serve not only to describe and monitor food systems, but to track progress
towards attaining the SDGs.
towards attaining the SDGs.
POSHAN's abstract digest on maternal and child nutrition research - Issue 29
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2019
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2019
Abstract | View
In this issue of Abstract Digest, we present to you a collection of articles on various outcomes, determinants and interventions related to maternal and child nutrition, from around the world and India, in particular. Additionally, articles from three special issues including BMJ Global Health’s supplement on the measurement of reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition, Maternal & Child Nutrition’s supplement on the marketing and consumption of commercial foods fed to young children in low and middle‐income countries, and the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences’ special issue on the risk of excessive intake of vitamins and minerals are featured in this issue.
Stories of Change: Rwanda: Understanding the drivers of stunting reduction among Rwandan children from 2005 to 2015
Ramani, Gayathri V.; Heckert, Jessica; Go, Ara; Iruhiriye, Elyse; Niyongira, Emmanuel; Olney, Deanna K.. Washington, DC 2019
Ramani, Gayathri V.; Heckert, Jessica; Go, Ara; Iruhiriye, Elyse; Niyongira, Emmanuel; Olney, Deanna K.. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
Despite significant progress, childhood stunting is still a serious public health concern in Rwanda. To make further progress in reduc-ing child stunting it is essential to understand the context-specific drivers of stunting to devise strategies to address these causes. The primary objective of this study was to assess the drivers of change in stunting reduction among children 0-59 months of age between 2005 and 2015 in Rwanda.
Stories of Change - Rwanda, Final Report
Iruhiriye, Elyse; Olney, Deanna K.; Ramani, Gayathri V.; Heckert, Jessica; Niyongira, Emmanuel; Frongillo, Edward A.. Washington, DC 2019
Iruhiriye, Elyse; Olney, Deanna K.; Ramani, Gayathri V.; Heckert, Jessica; Niyongira, Emmanuel; Frongillo, Edward A.. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
Globally, undernutrition is related to almost half of the deaths in children younger than five years of age. It leads to large human and economic costs to countries through increased morbidity and mortality in childhood, poor child growth and development, and hinders adult work capacity and productivity. These consequences, in turn, have serious implications for national development. Eliminating malnutrition has, therefore, been on the forefront of the political agenda of many countries worldwide and for global movements such as Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN). Extensive evidence on what nutrition-specific interventions work to reduce malnutrition exists. Less is known, however, about how to effectively implement these interventions at scale, and what mix of interventions is needed to effectively address the multiple co-existing nutrition problems in different contexts (including nutrition-sensitive programs). Additionally, greater clarity is needed on the role that commitment, program and policy coherence, and context-specific factors, play in creating enabling environments to reduce malnutrition. The Stories of Change (SoC) case studies, originally conducted in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India (Odisha state), Nepal, Senegal, and Zambia, and now in Rwanda, aim to fill some of these knowledge gaps by examining the “drivers of change” in reducing malnutrition across different contexts.
Stories of Change: Rwanda: Understanding how Rwanda created an enabling environment for improvements in nutrition and the challenges that remain
Iruhiriye, Elyse; Olney, Deanna K.; Ramani, Gayathri V.; Heckert, Jessica; Niyongira, Emmanuel; Frongillo, Edward A.. Washington, DC 2019
Iruhiriye, Elyse; Olney, Deanna K.; Ramani, Gayathri V.; Heckert, Jessica; Niyongira, Emmanuel; Frongillo, Edward A.. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
Understanding the context-specific causes of child malnutrition, including those related to political commitment and program and policy coherence, is essential for effectively reducing the prevalence of nutrition-related problems such as stunting and anemia and their subsequent negative impacts on human and national development. Between 2005 and 2015 Rwanda made substantial progress in reducing malnutrition, reducing stunting and anemia among children < 5 years of age by 14 and 15 percentage points, respectively. Despite these improvements, stunting and anemia remain important nutrition issues for young children in Rwanda with the prevalence of stunting (38%) among the highest in the world [8]. Furthermore, stunting reduction has varied across the country with some districts experiencing declines in stunting (“reduced stunting districts”), while in others stunting has either increased or stayed the same (“non-reduced stunting districts”). To facilitate greater progress in reducing child malnutrition in Rwanda, we conducted a Stories of Change Study which aimed to document the drivers of stunting and anemia reduction in Rwanda, understand what may have contributed to the variation in stunting reduction across districts, and to understand the remaining nutrition problems and the potential barriers and facilitators to future progress. The overall goal is for these results to be used by program implementers and policymakers to refine programs and policies to further reduce child malnutrition in Rwanda. This study was modeled after similar studies conducted in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Odisha (India), Nepal, Senegal, and Zambia under the Stories of Change in Nutrition project.
Evaluation study of the IFPRI/A4NH research program on diet quality and health of the poor: Synopsis
Behrman, Jere R.; Ghosh, Shibani. Washington, DC 2019
Behrman, Jere R.; Ghosh, Shibani. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
IFPRI’s Poverty, Health, and Nutrition Division (PHND) and the CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH) have conducted research since 2003 on the critical links between nutrition, health, and agriculture. This evaluation considers the impact of the work carried out through 2016, looking at the research strategy, engagement, capacity building, and impact on programs and policies and global dialogue. Findings suggest that the Diet Quality and Health of the Poor program has been successful in developing and sharing valuable research, knowledge, and data, and has brought new issues and approaches to partners and stakeholders. Through a range of projects, the program has effectively engaged with stakeholders, partners, and governments to support capacity enhancement and to help shape national interventions to improve nutrition. However, the original aspirations of the program have not been fully met and challenges in terms of communication and coordination indicate there is room for improvement.
Evaluation study of the IFPRI/A4NH research program on diet quality and health of the poor: Recommendations and responses
McDermott, John. Washington, DC 2019
McDermott, John. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
This study is an A4NH CRP-commissioned external evaluation (CCEE), part of a portfolio of evaluation studies proposed by A4NH. In the study, external evaluators made 12 recommendations, listed below, with A4NH management responses included for each. All recommendations and responses were reviewed and commented on by the A4NH Independent Steering Committee (ISC). A4NH management is considering supplementary activities to complement this study as part of its evaluation portfolio planning. These will be discussed and reviewed by the ISC.
Women's land rights as a pathway to poverty reduction: Framework and review of available evidence
Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Doss, Cheryl; Theis, Sophie. 2019
Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Doss, Cheryl; Theis, Sophie. 2019
Intrahousehold empowerment gaps in agriculture and children's well-being in Bangladesh
Malapit, Hazel J.; Sraboni, Esha; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Ahmed, Akhter. 2019
Malapit, Hazel J.; Sraboni, Esha; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Ahmed, Akhter. 2019
Design factors influencing willingness‐to‐pay estimates in the Becker‐Degroot‐Marschak (BDM) mechanism and the non‐hypothetical choice experiment: A case of biofortified maize in Zambia
Hamukwala, Priscilla; Oparinde, Adewale; Binswanger-Mkhize, Hans Peter; Kirsten, Johann. 2019
Hamukwala, Priscilla; Oparinde, Adewale; Binswanger-Mkhize, Hans Peter; Kirsten, Johann. 2019
Nutrition-based incentives in dairy contract farming in northern Senegal
Bernard, Tanguy; Hidrobo, Melissa; Le Port, Agnès; Rawat, Rahul. 2019
Bernard, Tanguy; Hidrobo, Melissa; Le Port, Agnès; Rawat, Rahul. 2019
Agro‐ecological zone and farm diversity are factors associated with haemoglobin and anaemia among rural school‐aged children and adolescents in Ghana
Azupogo, Fusta; Aurino, Elisabetta; Gelli, Aulo; Bosompem, Kwabena M.; Ayi, Irene; Osendarp, Saskia J. M.; Brouwer, Inge D.; Folson, Gloria. 2019
Azupogo, Fusta; Aurino, Elisabetta; Gelli, Aulo; Bosompem, Kwabena M.; Ayi, Irene; Osendarp, Saskia J. M.; Brouwer, Inge D.; Folson, Gloria. 2019
Abstract | View
Understanding contextual risk factors for haemoglobin (Hb) status and anaemia of rural school‐aged children (SAC) and adolescents is critical in developing appropriate interventions to prevent anaemia. We analysed secondary data from the baseline of an impact evaluation of the Ghana School Feeding Programme to determine the severity of anaemia and contextual factors associated with anaemia and Hb status among rural SAC (6–9 years; n = 323) and adolescents (10–17 years; n = 319) in Ghana. We used regression models with variable selection based on backward elimination in our analyses. The mean Hb was 113.8 ± 13.1 g/L, and the overall prevalence of anaemia was 52.3%, being 55.1% and 49.5% among SAC and adolescents, respectively. We identified child's age (β = 2.21, P < 0.001); farm diversity score (β = 0.59, P = 0.036); and agro‐ecological zone (P trend <0.001) as the main predictors of Hb of SAC. Household asset index (P trend = 0.042) and agro‐ecological zone (P trend <0.001) were predictors of Hb in adolescents. Agro‐ecological zone and age were predictors of anaemia, but the effect of age was only significant for girls and not boys (prevalence odds ratio [POR] = 1.35, 95% CI [1.04, 1.76] vs. POR = 1.14, 95% CI [0.88, 1.46]). SAC in households with maize stock were less likely to be anaemic (POR = 0.55, 95% CI [0.32, 0.97]). Household dietary diversity score (β = 0.59, P = 0.033) was associated with Hb status for the full sample only. Anaemia is a severe public health problem among SAC and adolescents in rural Ghana irrespective of sex. Farm diversity score, availability of maize stock in the household, household asset index, and agro‐ecological zone were the main predictors of Hb and anaemia among the rural SAC and adolescents.
Water, sanitation, and hygiene practices mediate the association between women's empowerment and child length for‐age z‐scores in Nepal
Cunningham, Kenda; Ferguson, Elaine; Ruel, Marie T.; Uauy, Ricardo; Kadiyala, Suneetha; Menon, Purnima; Ploubidis, George B.. 2019
Cunningham, Kenda; Ferguson, Elaine; Ruel, Marie T.; Uauy, Ricardo; Kadiyala, Suneetha; Menon, Purnima; Ploubidis, George B.. 2019
Do vaccination interventions have effects? A study on how poultry vaccination interventions change smallholder farmer knowledge, attitudes, and practice in villages in Kenya and Tanzania
Lindahl, Johanna F.; Young, Jarrah; Wyatt, Amanda; Young, Mary; Alders, Robyn; Bagnol, Brigitte; Kibaya, Augustino; Grace, Delia . 2019
Lindahl, Johanna F.; Young, Jarrah; Wyatt, Amanda; Young, Mary; Alders, Robyn; Bagnol, Brigitte; Kibaya, Augustino; Grace, Delia . 2019
Abstract | View
Poultry are important for many poor households in developing countries, but there are many constraints to poultry production, including disease. One of the most important diseases of chickens is Newcastle disease (ND). Even though there are effective vaccines against this disease available in most countries, uptake by small-scale poultry keepers is often low. In this study, two areas in Kenya and Tanzania were studied, where some villages had received additional support to get vaccination and other villages had not. In Kenya, 320 households from 10 villages were interviewed, of which half of the villages had active promotion of vaccination through village-based advisors. In Tanzania, 457 households were interviewed, of which 241 came from villages that have had active support through either a project or government extension services. Knowledge about vaccines and the attitudes towards vaccinating against ND was evaluated using mixed multivariable logistic models. Results indicate that in Kenya, the most important determinants for understanding the function of a vaccine were having had support in the village and to have knowledge about ND signs, while in Tanzania gender and previous vaccine use were important in addition to having had support. Attitudes towards vaccination were mainly determined by knowledge, where more knowledge about how vaccines work in general or about ND contributed to more positive attitudes. Among Kenyan farmers that had never used the vaccine before, the amount of birds they lost to disease and predators also influenced attitudes. In conclusion, this study supports the notion that knowledge is a very important component of extension support and that simply making vaccines available may not be sufficient for high levels of uptake.
Impact of subsidized fortified wheat on anaemia in pregnant Indian women
Chakrabarti, Suman; Kishore, Avinash; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Scott, Samuel. 2019
Chakrabarti, Suman; Kishore, Avinash; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Scott, Samuel. 2019
Abstract | View
The World Health Assembly called for a 50% global anaemia reduction in women of reproductive age (15–49 years of age) from 2012 to 2025. India accounts for the most cases of anaemia in the world, and half of all pregnant Indian women are anaemic. In India, the government implemented a 4‐year food‐based safety net programme from 2008 to 2012 involving the provision of fortified wheat flour through its public distribution system. We assessed programme impact on anaemia among pregnant women (n = 10,186) using data from the 2002–2004 and 2012–2013 Indian District Level Health Surveys. The difference‐in‐differences method was used to estimate the impact on haemoglobin (Hb) and anaemia in pregnant women living in northern India (Punjab) and southern India (Tamil Nadu), with pregnant women in neighbouring states without wheat fortification programmes serving as controls. In northern India, we found no impact on Hb (β = −0.184, P = 0.793) or anaemia reduction (β = −0.01, P = 0.859), as expected, given that the intervention targeted only nonpoor households and demand for fortified wheat was low. In southern India, where intervention coverage was high, we found no impact on Hb (β = −0.001, P = 0.998) but did see an impact on anaemia reduction (β = −0.08, P = 0.042), which was unexpected given low consumption of wheat in this predominantly rice‐eating region. India's wheat fortification programmes were largely ineffective in terms of reducing anaemia among pregnant women. As policymakers expand fortification programs, it is critical to ensure that the fortified food is universally available and distributed widely through well‐functioning and popular outlets.
Overlapping vitamin A interventions in the United States, Guatemala, Zambia, and South Africa: Case studies
Tanumihardjo, Sherry A.; Kaliwile, Chisela; Boy, Erick; Dhansay, Muhammad A.; van Stuijvenberg, Martha E.. 2019
Tanumihardjo, Sherry A.; Kaliwile, Chisela; Boy, Erick; Dhansay, Muhammad A.; van Stuijvenberg, Martha E.. 2019
Maternal behavioural determinants and livestock ownership are associated with animal source food consumption among young children during fasting in rural Ethiopia
Kim, Sunny S.; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Tran, Lan Mai; Abebe, Yewelsew; Asrat, Yonas; Tharaney, Manisha; Menon, Purnima
. 2019
Kim, Sunny S.; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Tran, Lan Mai; Abebe, Yewelsew; Asrat, Yonas; Tharaney, Manisha; Menon, Purnima
. 2019
Carotenoids retention in biofortified yellow cassava processed with traditional African methods
Taleon, Victor; Sumbu, Dan; Muzhingi, Tawanda; Bidiaka, Sylvain. 2019
Taleon, Victor; Sumbu, Dan; Muzhingi, Tawanda; Bidiaka, Sylvain. 2019
Abstract | View
Biofortified yellow cassava is being cultivated in countries with high cassava consumption to improve its population's vitamin A status. The carotenoid retention in biofortified cassava when processed as boiled, fufu, and chikwangue was evaluated in this study. Commercial biofortified varieties Kindisa and Vuvu and the experimental genotypes MVZ2011B/360 and MVZ2012/044 were used. Fresh cassava roots were processed as boiled, fufu, and chikwangue. Provitamin A carotenoids (pVACs) content of fresh and processed cassava was measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography, and total carotenoids was measured by spectrophotometer.
Growth status, inflammation, and enteropathy in young children in Northern Tanzania
Wirth, James P.; Kitilya, Brenda; Petry, Nicolai; PrayGod, George; Veryser, Stephen; Becquey, Elodie. 2019
Wirth, James P.; Kitilya, Brenda; Petry, Nicolai; PrayGod, George; Veryser, Stephen; Becquey, Elodie. 2019
Nutrition and the governance of agri-food systems in South Asia: A systematic review
Gillespie, Stuart; van den Bold, Mara; Hodge, Judith. 2019
Gillespie, Stuart; van den Bold, Mara; Hodge, Judith. 2019
Abstract | View
Malnutrition is a multicausal challenge that requires multisectoral responses to make comprehensive and sustainable progress, over the long term. How is agriculture and the wider agri-food system positioned within the constellation of factors and processes that determine nutrition outcomes in different contexts and countries? What is known about the role of enabling environments and the governance of agri-food systems in driving nutrition outcomes, for better or worse? In this paper we will highlight the findings of a systematic review that focuses on this question, drawing on work from the South Asian region including research undertaken by LANSA. We conclude with a discussion of the major implications and recommendations for future policy and practice.
Leveraging agriculture for nutrition in South Asia: What do we know, and what have we learned?
Gillespie, Stuart; Poole, Nigel; van den Bold, Mara; Bhavani, R.V.; Dangour, Alan D.; Shetty, Prakash. 2019
Gillespie, Stuart; Poole, Nigel; van den Bold, Mara; Bhavani, R.V.; Dangour, Alan D.; Shetty, Prakash. 2019
Abstract | View
Despite significant improvements over recent decades, rates of undernutrition remain high in South Asia, with adverse impacts on morbidity and mortality. Overweight/obesity, among children and adults, is now an additional and major public health concern. While agriculture has the potential to improve nutrition through several pathways, this potential is currently not being realised in the region. The Leveraging Agriculture for Nutrition in South Asia (LANSA) research consortium (2012–2018) set out to improve understanding about how agriculture and related food policies and programs in South Asia (specifically in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan) can be better conceptualised and implemented in order to enhance impacts on nutrition outcomes, especially those of young children and adolescent girls. This paper provides a snapshot of the agriculture-nutrition nexus in the region, outlines the pathways through which agriculture can influence nutrition outcomes, elaborates on the objectives of the LANSA research consortium within this context, and highlights the core findings of the six papers that form the body of this Special Issue. The paper ends with five key lessons that have emerged from this research, during this decade.
Integrated approaches to tackling health issues-related to agri-food systems
Nguyen-Viet, Hung; Grace, Delia; McDermott, John. 2019
Nguyen-Viet, Hung; Grace, Delia; McDermott, John. 2019
Promoting rapid and sustained adoption of biofortified crops: What we learned from iron-biofortified bean delivery approaches in Rwanda
Vaiknoras, Kate; Larochelle, Catherine; Birol, Ekin; Asare-Marfo, Dorene; Herrington, Caitlin. 2019
Vaiknoras, Kate; Larochelle, Catherine; Birol, Ekin; Asare-Marfo, Dorene; Herrington, Caitlin. 2019
Abstract | View
Micronutrient deficiencies, also known as hidden hunger, affect two billion people worldwide, curtailing their ability to lead healthy, productive lives. Biofortified staple crops, bred to be rich in micronutrient content, are a cost-effective and scalable solution to alleviating micronutrient deficiency, particularly among rural households who consume what they produce. Delivery of biofortified planting material in Rwanda began in 2012, and it is important to learn from the efforts undertaken to date to inform the design of higher impact – lower cost delivery strategies for scaling up these crops. In this paper, we use a nationally representative household survey of bean producers and delivery data from seven consecutive seasons and apply duration analysis to estimate the impact of different delivery approaches on household time to adoption, disadoption and readoption of iron-biofortified beans in Rwanda. Proximity to formal delivery via sales of small packets of planting material quickens adoption and readoption, while delivery of larger quantities of planting material to small-scale producers within a village slows disadoption of iron-biofortified beans. Informal dissemination within social networks and access to extension are also major drivers of rapid adoption. In addition, households whose main decision maker for bean production is a woman, has some formal education, and more years of experience growing beans disadopt iron-biofortified beans more slowly than other households. These findings provide evidence that current efforts to promote iron-biofortified crops have been successful and are expected to inform future development of sustainable and cost-effective delivery models for biofortified crops in Rwanda and elsewhere.
Nutrient production and micronutrient gaps: Evidence from an agriculture-nutrition randomized control trial
Dillon, Andrew; Arsenault, Joanne E.; Olney, Deanna K.. 2019
Dillon, Andrew; Arsenault, Joanne E.; Olney, Deanna K.. 2019
Associations of plasma total phospholipid fatty acid patterns with feeding practices, growth and psychomotor development in six‐month‐old South African infants
Siziba, Linda P.; Baumgartner, Jeannine; Ricci, Cristian; Jacobs, Adriaan; Rothman, Marinel; Covic, Namukolo. 2019
Siziba, Linda P.; Baumgartner, Jeannine; Ricci, Cristian; Jacobs, Adriaan; Rothman, Marinel; Covic, Namukolo. 2019
Leveraging incentives for safe and nutritious foods
Hoffmann, Vivian; de Brauw, Alan; Moser, Christine; Saak, Alexander E.. 2019
Hoffmann, Vivian; de Brauw, Alan; Moser, Christine; Saak, Alexander E.. 2019
Neither n–3 long-chain PUFA supplementation of mothers through lactation nor of offspring in a complementary food affects child overall or social-emotional development: A 2 × 2 factorial randomized controlled trial in rural Ethiopia
Argaw, Alemayehu; Huybregts, Lieven; Wondafrash, Mekitie; Kolsteren, Patrick; Belachew, Tefera; Worku, Berhanu N.; Abessa, Teklu G.; Bouckaert, Kimberley P.. 2019
Argaw, Alemayehu; Huybregts, Lieven; Wondafrash, Mekitie; Kolsteren, Patrick; Belachew, Tefera; Worku, Berhanu N.; Abessa, Teklu G.; Bouckaert, Kimberley P.. 2019
Effects of multiannual, seasonal unconditional cash transfers on food security and dietary diversity in rural Burkina Faso: The Moderate Acute Malnutrition Out (MAM’Out) cluster-randomized controlled trial
Houngbe, Freddy; Tonguet-Papucci, Audrey; Nago, Eunice; Gauny, Josselin; Ait-Aïssa, Myriam; Huneau, Jean-François; Kolsteren, Patrick; Huybregts, Lieven. 2019
Houngbe, Freddy; Tonguet-Papucci, Audrey; Nago, Eunice; Gauny, Josselin; Ait-Aïssa, Myriam; Huneau, Jean-François; Kolsteren, Patrick; Huybregts, Lieven. 2019
Does a “Blue Revolution” help the poor? Evidence from Bangladesh
Rashid, Shahidur; Minot, Nicholas; Lemma, Solomon. 2019
Rashid, Shahidur; Minot, Nicholas; Lemma, Solomon. 2019
The ‘Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women’ (MDD-W) Indicator is related to household food insecurity and farm production diversity: Evidence from rural Mali
Adubra, Laura; Savy, Mathilde; Fortin, Sonia; Kameli, Yves; Kodjo, Niamké Ezoua; Fainke, Kamayera; Mahamadou, Tanimoune; Le Port, Agnès; Martin-Prevel, Yves. 2019
Adubra, Laura; Savy, Mathilde; Fortin, Sonia; Kameli, Yves; Kodjo, Niamké Ezoua; Fainke, Kamayera; Mahamadou, Tanimoune; Le Port, Agnès; Martin-Prevel, Yves. 2019
Abstract | View
With the aim of contributing to this emerging literature, we investigated: (i) how MDD-W is linked to household food insecurity based on the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and on the Household Hunger Scale (HHS); (ii) how MDD-W is linked to farm production diversity; and (iii) whether contextual factors such as household wealth status modify these relationships. As a secondary objective, we also checked whether all of these associations held, or not, when the number of food groups consumed was used as a continuous variable, in order to conclude on the cost of dichotomization.
Nutrition interventions integrated into an existing maternal, neonatal, and child health program reduce food insecurity among recently delivered and pregnant women in Bangladesh
Frongillo, Edward A.; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Sanghvi, Tina; Mahmud, Zeba; Aktar, Bachera; Alayon, Silvia; Menon, Purnima. 2019
Frongillo, Edward A.; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Sanghvi, Tina; Mahmud, Zeba; Aktar, Bachera; Alayon, Silvia; Menon, Purnima. 2019
Abstract | View
Antenatal care may be a means to reduce food insecurity in pregnancy and postpartum periods. With the use of a cluster-randomized design, we tested whether participation in nutrition-focused antenatal care intending to improve household knowledge about the importance of nutrition for pregnant and lactating women and encourage allocation of household resources to ensure sufficient quality and quantity of foods, without providing food assistance, would reduce household food insecurity.
Special issue: Leveraging agriculture for nutrition in South Asia
Gillespie, Stuart, ed.; Bhavani, R.V., ed; Dangour, Alan, ed.; Poole, Nigel, ed.; van den Bold, Mara, ed.. 2019
Gillespie, Stuart, ed.; Bhavani, R.V., ed; Dangour, Alan, ed.; Poole, Nigel, ed.; van den Bold, Mara, ed.. 2019
Exposure to livestock feces and water quality, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions among caregivers and young children: Formative research in rural Burkina Faso
Ngure, Francis; Gelli, Aulo; Becquey, Elodie; Ganaba, Rasmané; Headey, Derek; Huybregts, Lieven; Pedehombga, Abdoulaye; Sanou, Armande; Traore, Abdoulaye; Zongo, Florence; Zongrone, Amanda. 2019
Ngure, Francis; Gelli, Aulo; Becquey, Elodie; Ganaba, Rasmané; Headey, Derek; Huybregts, Lieven; Pedehombga, Abdoulaye; Sanou, Armande; Traore, Abdoulaye; Zongo, Florence; Zongrone, Amanda. 2019
Abstract | View
Livestock farming is common in low-income settings as a source of income and animal-sourced food. However, there is growing evidence of the harmful health effects of proximity of animals to infants and young children, especially through exposure to zoonotic pathogens. Poultry ownership is almost universal in rural Burkina Faso. Poultry feces are a significant risk factor for enteric diseases that are associated with child undernutrition. To investigate the extent of exposure to livestock feces among young children and caregivers, we conducted direct observations of 20 caregiver–child dyads for a total of 80 hours (4 hours per dyad) and recorded water quality, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)-related behaviors. We also undertook in-depth interviews with these caregivers and focus group discussions with separate groups of men and women who were poultry farmers. Poultry and other livestock feces were visible in all 20 and 19 households, respectively, in both kitchen areas and in the household courtyards where children frequently sit or crawl. Direct soil ingestion by young children was observed in almost half of the households (45%). Poor handwashing practices were also common among caregivers and children. Although latrines were available in almost all households, child feces disposal practices were inadequate. This body of research suggests an urgent need to adapt conventional WASH and livestock interventions to reduce the exposure of infants and young children to livestock feces.
Misreporting month of birth: Diagnosis and implications for research on nutrition and early childhood in developing countries
Larsen, Anna Folke; Headey, Derek D.; Masters, William A.. 2019
Larsen, Anna Folke; Headey, Derek D.; Masters, William A.. 2019
Abstract | View
A large literature has used children’s birthdays to identify exposure to shocks and estimate their impacts on later outcomes. Using height-for-age z scores (HAZ) for more than 990,000 children in 62 countries from 163 Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), we show how random errors in birth dates create artifacts in HAZ that can be used to diagnose the extent of age misreporting. The most important artifact is an upward gradient in HAZ by recorded month of birth (MOB) from start to end of calendar years, resulting in a large HAZ differential between December- and January-born children of –0.32 HAZ points. We observe a second artifact associated with round ages, with a downward gradient in HAZ by recorded age in months, and then an upward step after reaching ages 2, 3, and 4. These artifacts have previously been interpreted as actual health shocks. We show that they are not related to agroclimatic conditions but are instead linked to the type of calendar used and arise mainly when enumerators do not see the child’s birth registration cards. We explain the size of the December–January gap through simulation in which 11 % of children have their birth date replaced by a random month. We find a minor impact on the average stunting rate but a larger impact in specific error-prone surveys. We further show how misreporting MOB causes attenuation bias when MOB is used for identification of shock exposure as well as systematic bias in the impact on HAZ of events that occur early or late in each calendar year.
Social networks, mobility, and political participation: The potential for women’s self-help groups to improve access and use of public entitlement schemes in India
Kumar, Neha; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Arrieta, Alejandra; Jilani, Amir Hamza; Chakrabarti, Suman; Menon, Purnima; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. 2019
Kumar, Neha; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Arrieta, Alejandra; Jilani, Amir Hamza; Chakrabarti, Suman; Menon, Purnima; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. 2019
Abstract | View
Women’s self-help groups (SHGs) have increasingly been used as a vehicle for social, political, and economic empowerment as well as a platform for service delivery. Although a growing body of literature shows evidence of positive impacts of SHGs on various measures of empowerment, our understanding of ways in which SHGs improve awareness and use of public services is limited. To fill this knowledge gap, this paper first examines how SHG membership is associated with political participation, awareness, and use of government entitlement schemes. It further examines the effect of SHG membership on various measures of social networks and mobility. Using data collected in 2015 across five Indian states and matching methods to correct for endogeneity of SHG membership, we find that SHG members are more politically engaged. We also find that SHG members are not only more likely to know of certain public entitlements than non-members, they are significantly more likely to avail of a greater number of public entitlement schemes. Additionally, SHG members have wider social networks and greater mobility as compared to non-members. Our results suggest that SHGs have the potential to increase their members’ ability to hold public entities accountable and demand what is rightfully theirs. An important insight, however, is that the SHGs themselves cannot be expected to increase knowledge of public entitlement schemes in absence of a deliberate effort to do so by an external agency.
Time-use analytics: An improved way of understanding gendered agriculture-nutrition pathways
Stevano, Sara; Kadiyala, Suneetha; Johnston, Deborah; Malapit, Hazel J.; Hull, Elizabeth; Kalamatianou, Sofia; . 2019
Stevano, Sara; Kadiyala, Suneetha; Johnston, Deborah; Malapit, Hazel J.; Hull, Elizabeth; Kalamatianou, Sofia; . 2019
Abstract | View
There is a resurgence of interest in time-use research driven, inter alia, by the desire to understand if development interventions, especially when targeted to women, lead to time constraints by increasing work burdens. This has become a primary concern in agriculture-nutrition research. But are time-use data useful to explore agriculture-nutrition pathways? This study develops a conceptual framework of the micro-level linkages between agriculture, gendered time use, and nutrition and analyzes how time use has been conceptualized, operationalized, and interpreted in agriculture-nutrition literature on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The paper argues that better metrics, but also conceptualizations and analytics of time use, are needed to understand gendered trade-offs in agriculture-nutrition pathways. In particular, the potential unintended consequences can be grasped only if the analysis of time use shifts from being descriptive to a more theoretical and analytical understanding of time constraints, their trade-offs, and resulting changes in activity.
Biofortification of field-grown cassava by engineering expression of an iron transporter and ferritin
Narayanan, Narayanan; Beyene, Getu; Chauhan, Raj Deepika; Gaitán-Solís, Eliana; Gehan, Jackson; Boy, Erick. 2019
Narayanan, Narayanan; Beyene, Getu; Chauhan, Raj Deepika; Gaitán-Solís, Eliana; Gehan, Jackson; Boy, Erick. 2019
Abstract | View
Less than 10% of the estimated average requirement (EAR) for iron and zinc is provided by consumption of storage roots of the staple crop cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in West African human populations. We used genetic engineering to improve mineral micronutrient concentrations in cassava. Overexpression of the Arabidopsis thaliana vacuolar iron transporter VIT1 in cassava accumulated three- to seven-times-higher levels of iron in transgenic storage roots than nontransgenic controls in confined field trials in Puerto Rico. Plants engineered to coexpress a mutated A. thaliana iron transporter (IRT1) and A. thaliana ferritin (FER1) accumulated iron levels 7–18 times higher and zinc levels 3–10 times higher than those in nontransgenic controls in the field. Growth parameters and storage-root yields were unaffected by transgenic fortification in our field data. Measures of retention and bioaccessibility of iron and zinc in processed transgenic cassava indicated that IRT1 + FER1 plants could provide 40–50% of the EAR for iron and 60–70% of the EAR for zinc in 1- to 6-year-old children and nonlactating, nonpregnant West African women.
Determinants of dietary diversity among women of reproductive age in two different agro-ecological zones of Rongai Sub-County, Nakuru, Kenya
Gitagia, Maureen Wanjiru; Ramkat, Rose Chepchirchir; Mituki, Dorothy M.; Termote, Celine; Covic, Namukolo; Cheserek, Maureen Jepkorir. 2019
Gitagia, Maureen Wanjiru; Ramkat, Rose Chepchirchir; Mituki, Dorothy M.; Termote, Celine; Covic, Namukolo; Cheserek, Maureen Jepkorir. 2019
Abstract | View
Empirical evidence on the link between agrobiodiversity and dietary diversity appears to be inconclusive. Thus, there arises a need to determine other factors that could significantly influence dietary diversity in different agro-ecological zones, as factors may vary from region to region. The objective of this study was to document the status of agrobiodiversity and dietary diversity and to assess the determinants of dietary diversity among women of reproductive age in two different agro- ecological zones of Rongai Sub-County in Kenya. A cross-sectional study of 384 women aged 18–49 years was conducted. Agrobiodiversity was measured using the Shannon-Wiener index, species richness (count) and production diversity score. A 24-hour dietary recall was used to determine minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W) of reproductive age.
Dietary intake patterns among lactating and non-lactating women of reproductive age in rural Zambia
Kaliwile, Chisela; Michelo, Charles; Titcomb, Tyler; Moursi, Mourad; Donahue Angel, Moira; Reinberg, Chelsea; Bwembya, Pheobe; Alders, Robyn; Tanumihardjo, Sherry. 2019
Kaliwile, Chisela; Michelo, Charles; Titcomb, Tyler; Moursi, Mourad; Donahue Angel, Moira; Reinberg, Chelsea; Bwembya, Pheobe; Alders, Robyn; Tanumihardjo, Sherry. 2019
Abstract | View
Insufficient dietary intake, micronutrient deficiencies, and infection may result in malnutrition. In Zambia, an estimated 14% of women are vitamin A-deficient, ~50% are anemic, 10% are underweight, and 23% are overweight/obese. A cross-sectional survey determined food and nutrient intakes of randomly selected Zambian women (n = 530) of reproductive age (15–49 years). Dietary intake data were collected using interactive multiple-pass 24-h recalls. Carbohydrate, fat, protein, and selected micronutrient intakes were estimated. Prevalence of adequate intakes were determined using the estimated average requirement (EAR) cut-point method and comparisons between lactating and non-lactating women were made by two-sample t-tests. The response rate was 98.7%. Overweight/obesity occurred in 20.7% (95% confidence interval (CI: 17.2, 24.5)). Almost all micronutrient intakes were inadequate, with values between 22.3% and 99.9%. Mean iron intake was >EAR, and 8.2% of women tested (12/146, 95% CI: 4.1, 13.0) were anemic (hemoglobin <115 g/L). Calcium intake was higher in lactating than non-lactating women (p = 0.004), but all intakes need improvement. Vitamin intakes in rural Zambian women are inadequate, suggesting a need for health promotion messages to encourage intake of locally available micronutrient-dense foods as well as supplementation, fortification, and biofortification initiatives. Nutritional support is important because maternal nutrition directly impacts child health.
A model to examine farm household trade-offs and synergies with an application to smallholders in Vietnam
Ditzler, Lenora; Komarek, Adam M.; Chiang, Tsai-Wei; Alvarez, Stéphanie; Chatterjee, Shantonu Abe; Timler, Carl; . 2019
Ditzler, Lenora; Komarek, Adam M.; Chiang, Tsai-Wei; Alvarez, Stéphanie; Chatterjee, Shantonu Abe; Timler, Carl; . 2019
Abstract | View
Farm models have the potential to describe farming systems and livelihoods, identify trade-offs and synergies, and provide ex-ante assessments of agricultural technologies and policies. We developed three new modules related to budget, labor, and human nutrition for the bio-economic whole-farm model ‘FarmDESIGN’. The expanded model positions the farming enterprise within the farm household. We illustrate the model's new capabilities for farm households in two villages in Northwest Vietnam, where we conducted multi-objective optimization to identify options for improving the farm households' current performance on key sustainability and livelihood indicators. Modeling results suggest trade-offs between environmental, economic, and social objectives are common, although not universal. The new modules increase the scope for modeling flows of resources (namely cash, labor, and food) between the farm enterprise and the farm household, as well as beyond the farm gate. This allows conducting modeling explorations, optimization routines, and scenario analyses in farming systems research.
Quantifying air pollution vulnerability and its distributional consequences: Some perspectives from Delhi
Gupta, Shivani; Das, Sukanya; Murty, M. N.. Delhi, India 2019
Gupta, Shivani; Das, Sukanya; Murty, M. N.. Delhi, India 2019
Abstract | View
This paper estimates Vulnerability Index of air pollution in Delhi taking into account exposure, susceptibility and coping capacity of households. A general health production function model and a vulnerability assessment framework are used for this purpose. Data was collected through a survey of sample households located in close vicinity to 10 air pollution monitoring stations in Delhi. The estimated vulnerability index is used to show the effect of household exposure to air pollution. The vulnerability index takes into consideration sample households' socio-economic status, demographic profile and other characteristics. Result showed that households of lower socio-economic status were the most vulnerable to air pollution and its consequences.
Perspective: What does stunting really mean? A critical review of the evidence
Leroy, Jef L.; Frongillo, Edward A.. 2019
Leroy, Jef L.; Frongillo, Edward A.. 2019
Abstract | View
The past decade has seen an unprecedented increase in attention to undernutrition, and drastically reducing child stunting has become a global development objective. The strong focus on linear growth retardation and stunting has enabled successful advocacy for nutrition, but with this focus has come some confusion and misunderstanding about the meaning of linear growth retardation and stunting among researchers, donors, and agencies active in nutrition. Motivated by the belief that a sharp focus will further accelerate progress in reducing undernutrition, we critically reviewed the evidence. The global attention to stunting is based on the premise that any intervention aimed at improving linear growth will subsequently lead to improvements in the correlates of linear growth retardation and stunting. Current evidence and understanding of mechanisms does not support this causal thinking, with 2 exceptions: linear growth retardation is a cause of difficult births and poor birth outcomes. Linear growth retardation is associated with (but does not cause) delayed child development, reduced earnings in adulthood, and chronic diseases. We thus propose distinguishing 2 distinctly different meanings of linear growth retardation and stunting. First, the association between linear growth retardation (or stunting) and other outcomes makes it a useful marker. Second, the causal links with difficult births and poor birth outcomes make linear growth retardation and stunting outcomes of intrinsic value. In many cases a focus on linear growth retardation and stunting is not necessary to improve the well-being of children; in many other cases, it is not sufficient to reach that goal; and for some outcomes, promoting linear growth is not the most cost-efficient strategy. We appeal to donors, program planners, and researchers to be specific in selecting nutrition outcomes and to target those outcomes directly.
Appropriate use of linear growth measures to assess impact of interventions on child development and catch-up growth
Frongillo, Edward A.; Leroy, Jef L.; Lapping, Karin. 2019
Frongillo, Edward A.; Leroy, Jef L.; Lapping, Karin. 2019
India’s Integrated Child Development Services programme; equity and extent of coverage in 2006 and 2016
Chakrabarti, Suman; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Alderman, Harold; Menon, Purnima; Nguyen, Phuong Hong. 2019
Chakrabarti, Suman; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Alderman, Harold; Menon, Purnima; Nguyen, Phuong Hong. 2019
Abstract | View
Most research on the delivery of India’s Integrated Child Development Services programme in the period after the reforms has focused on performance in implementation of the programme by states,10 with limited evidence on individual and household uptake or use of the programme. In view of these gaps, we investigated changes in the use of the services over the continuum of care from pregnancy up to early childhood between 2006 and 2016. We assessed equity gaps and factors associated with use of services. Our analysis has policy implications for India, but also offers global lessons to other countries embarking on scalingup integrated programmes to address maternal and child health, nutrition and child development.
Risk of acute respiratory infection from crop burning in India: Estimating disease burden and economic welfare from satellite and national health survey data for 250 000 persons
Chakrabarti, Suman; Khan, Mohammed Tajuddin; Kishore, Avinash; Roy, Devesh; Scott, Samuel. 2019
Chakrabarti, Suman; Khan, Mohammed Tajuddin; Kishore, Avinash; Roy, Devesh; Scott, Samuel. 2019
Abstract | View
Respiratory infections are among the leading causes of death and disability globally. Respirable aerosol particles released by agricultural crop-residue burning (ACRB), practised by farmers in all global regions, are potentially harmful to human health. Our objective was to estimate the health and economic costs of ACRB in northern India. The primary outcome was acute respiratory infection (ARI) from India’s fourth District Level Health Survey (DLHS-4). DLHS-4 data were merged with Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer satellite data on fire occurrence. Mutually adjusted generalized linear models were used to generate risk ratios for risk factors of ARI. Overall disease burden due to ACRB was estimated in terms of disability-adjusted life years.
Water, sanitation, and child health: Evidence from subnational panel data in 59 countries
Headey, Derek D.; Palloni, Giordano. 2019
Headey, Derek D.; Palloni, Giordano. 2019
Abstract | View
Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) investments are widely seen as essential for improving health in early childhood. However, the experimental literature on WASH interventions identifies inconsistent impacts on child health outcomes, with relatively robust impacts on diarrhea and other symptoms of infection but weak and varying impacts on child nutrition. In contrast, observational research exploiting cross-sectional variation in water and sanitation access is much more sanguine, finding strong associations with diarrhea prevalence, mortality, and stunting. In practice, both literatures suffer from significant methodological limitations. Experimental WASH evaluations are often subject to poor compliance, rural bias, and short duration of exposure, while cross-sectional observational evidence may be highly vulnerable to omitted variables bias. To overcome some of the limitations of both literatures, we construct a panel of 442 subnational regions in 59 countries with multiple Demographic Health Surveys. Using this large subnational panel, we implement difference-in-difference regressions that allow us to examine whether longer-term changes in water and sanitation at the subnational level predict improvements in child morbidity, mortality, and nutrition. We find results that are partially consistent with both literatures. Improved water access is statistically insignificantly associated with most outcomes, although water piped into the home predicts reductions in child stunting. Improvements in sanitation predict large reductions in diarrhea prevalence and child mortality but are not associated with changes in stunting or wasting. We estimate that sanitation improvements can account for just under 10 % of the decline in child mortality from 1990 to 2015.
Implementation science in nutrition: Concepts and frameworks for an emerging field of science and practice
Tumilowicz, Allison; Ruel, Marie T.; Pelto, Gretchen; Pelletier, David; Monterrosa, Eva C.; Lapping, Karin; Kraemer, Klaus; De Regil, Luz Maria; Bergeron, Gilles; Arabi, Mandana; Neufeld, Lynnette; Sturke, Rachel. 2019
Tumilowicz, Allison; Ruel, Marie T.; Pelto, Gretchen; Pelletier, David; Monterrosa, Eva C.; Lapping, Karin; Kraemer, Klaus; De Regil, Luz Maria; Bergeron, Gilles; Arabi, Mandana; Neufeld, Lynnette; Sturke, Rachel. 2019
Abstract | View
Malnutrition in all its forms has risen on global and national agendas in recent years because of the recognition of its magnitude and its consequences for a wide range of human, social, and economic outcomes. Although the WHO, national governments, and other organizations have endorsed targets and identified appropriate policies, programs, and interventions, a major challenge lies in implementing these with the scale and quality needed to achieve population impact. This paper presents an approach to implementation science in nutrition (ISN) that builds upon concepts developed in other policy domains and addresses critical gaps in linking knowledge to effective action. ISN is defined here as an interdisciplinary body of theory, knowledge, frameworks, tools, and approaches whose purpose is to strengthen implementation quality and impact. It includes a wide range of methods and approaches to identify and address implementation bottlenecks; means to identify, evaluate, and scale up implementation innovations; and strategies to enhance the utilization of existing knowledge, tools, and frameworks based on the evolving science of implementation. The ISN framework recognizes that quality implementation requires alignment across 5 domains: the intervention, policy, or innovation being implemented; the implementing organization(s); the enabling environment of policies and stakeholders; the individuals, households, and communities of interest; and the strategies and decision processes used at various stages of the implementation process. The success of aligning these domains through implementation research requires a culture of inquiry, evaluation, learning, and response among program implementers; an action-oriented mission among the research partners; continuity of funding for implementation research; and resolving inherent tensions between program implementation and research. The Society for Implementation Science in Nutrition is a recently established membership society to advance the science and practice of nutrition implementation at various scales and in varied contexts.
Energy and nutrient production in Ethiopia, 2011-2015: Implications to supporting healthy diets and food systems
Baye, Kaleab; Hirvonen, Kalle; Dereje, Mekdim; Remans, Roseline. 2019
Baye, Kaleab; Hirvonen, Kalle; Dereje, Mekdim; Remans, Roseline. 2019
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Agricultural sector plays a key role towards achieving healthier diets that are deemed critical for improving health and nutritional outcomes. To what extent the current food supply systems support healthy diets remains unknown. Using annual and nationally representative data on crop and livestock production in Ethiopia, we assess the national agricultural sector from a nutrition lens and its role in supporting healthy diets in the country. We do so by converting the agricultural production into energy and nutrients for the period of 2011–2015. These data show that the national food production has increased dramatically over the 5-year period to supply more than 3,000 calories per capita in 2015. Moreover, nutrient production gaps have substantially decreased (2011–15), but deficits in energy (5%), vitamin C (16%), and calcium (9%) production remained in 2015. However, this production growth–coming primarily from the cereal sector and at the expense of other food groups–led to a decrease in production diversity as reflected by a drop in the Shannon index between 2011 and 2015. Together these findings imply that the production increases in Ethiopia would need to be sustained to feed the rapidly growing population but more emphasis should be given to diversification to support healthy and nutritionally diversified diets.
Barriers and facilitators to fruit and vegetable consumption among rural Indian women of reproductive age
Kehoe, Sarah H.; Dhurde, Varsha; Bhaise, Shilpa; Kale, Rashmi; Gelli, Aulo. 2019
Kehoe, Sarah H.; Dhurde, Varsha; Bhaise, Shilpa; Kale, Rashmi; Gelli, Aulo. 2019
Abstract | View
Micronutrient deficiencies have been a serious public health problem among women of reproductive age in low- and middle-income countries including India, adversely affecting maternal and child health and human capital outcomes. Fruit and vegetables are important sources of micronutrients, and consumption of these foods is less than recommendations.
Where are nutritious diets most expensive? Evidence from 195 foods in 164 countries
Alemu, Robel; Block, Steven A.; Headey, Derek D.; Bai, Yan; Masters, William A.. 2019
Alemu, Robel; Block, Steven A.; Headey, Derek D.; Bai, Yan; Masters, William A.. 2019
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Food prices vary widely around the world, depending on the local cost of retail services and supply chains as well as farm supply and the border prices of tradable commodities. This study measures the cost of the most affordable nutritionally adequate diet in each country, relative to the cost of dietary energy and other benchmarks such as national income and poverty lines, so as to identify development paths associated with lower cost access to the nutrients needed for a healthy and active life. We use prices for 195 standardized food and beverage items across 164 countries in 2011 collected by the World Bank's International Comparison Project (ICP), matched with data on these items' composition in terms of 21 essential nutrients and each nutrient's lower and upper limits for a healthy adult woman. Using a subsample of 134 countries for which economic structure data are available, we find that the cost of nutrient adequacy is highest in poorer and middle-income countries, and is highe
Zinc absorption from agronomically biofortified wheat is similar to post-harvest fortified wheat and is a substantial source of bioavailable zinc in humans
Signorell, Coralie; Zimmermann, Michael B.; Cakmak, Ismail; Wegmüller, Rita; Boy, Erick. 2019
Signorell, Coralie; Zimmermann, Michael B.; Cakmak, Ismail; Wegmüller, Rita; Boy, Erick. 2019
Maternal nutrition practices in Uttar Pradesh, India: Role of key influential demand and supply factors
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Kachwaha, Shivani; Avula, Rasmi; Young, Melissa; Patil, Sumeet; Menon, Purnima. 2019
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Kachwaha, Shivani; Avula, Rasmi; Young, Melissa; Patil, Sumeet; Menon, Purnima. 2019
Product differentiation to tackle farm distress
Roy, Devesh; Verma, Smriti. 2019
Roy, Devesh; Verma, Smriti. 2019
Social, biological, and programmatic factors linking adolescent pregnancy and early childhood undernutrition: A path analysis of India's 2016 National Family and Health Survey
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Neupane, Sumanta; Tran, Lan Mai; Menon, Purnima. 2019
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Neupane, Sumanta; Tran, Lan Mai; Menon, Purnima. 2019
A school meals program implemented at scale in Ghana increases height-for-age during midchildhood in girls and in children from poor households: A cluster randomized trial
Gelli, Aulo; Aurino, Elisabetta; Folson, Gloria; Arhinful, Daniel K.; Adamba, Clement; Osei-Akoto, Isaac; Alderman, Harold. 2019
Gelli, Aulo; Aurino, Elisabetta; Folson, Gloria; Arhinful, Daniel K.; Adamba, Clement; Osei-Akoto, Isaac; Alderman, Harold. 2019
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Attention to nutrition during all phases of child and adolescent development is necessary to ensure healthy physical growth and to protect investments made earlier in life. Leveraging school meals programs as platforms to scale-up nutrition interventions is relevant as programs function in nearly every country in the world.
Is women's empowerment a pathway to improving child nutrition outcomes in a nutrition-sensitive agriculture program?: Evidence from a randomized controlled trial in Burkina Faso
Heckert, Jessica; Olney, Deanna K.; Ruel, Marie T.. 2019
Heckert, Jessica; Olney, Deanna K.; Ruel, Marie T.. 2019
Abstract | View
Nutrition-sensitive programs in low- and middle-income countries often aim to improve child nutrition outcomes in part by empowering women. Though previous studies have found cross-sectional associations linking women's empowerment and child nutritional status, there is limited empirical evidence supporting the hypothesis that empowering women as part of an intervention will, in turn, improve child nutritional outcomes. We tested this hypothesis using two waves of data from a cluster-randomized controlled trial of a nutrition-sensitive agricultural program in Burkina Faso. With structural equation models, we examined whether four domains of women's empowerment—purchasing decisions, healthcare decisions, family planning decisions, and spousal communication—mediated the program's impact on reducing wasting and increasing hemoglobin among children who were three to 12 months old at the start of the two-year program. We found that improvements in women's empowerment in the domains of spousal communication, purchasing decisions, healthcare decisions, and family planning decisions contributed to the program's impact on reducing wasting with the largest share being attributable to spousal communication. Improvements in women's empowerment did not contribute to the increase in hemoglobin. These findings provide the first evidence from a randomized controlled trial that women's empowerment is a pathway by which a nutrition-sensitive program can improve child wasting. Programs that aim to improve child nutritional status should incorporate interventions designed to empower women.
Rising rural body-mass index is the main driver of the global obesity epidemic in adults
NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC). 2019
NCD Risk Factor Collaboration (NCD-RisC). 2019
Abstract | View
Body-mass index (BMI) has increased steadily in most countries in parallel with a rise in the proportion of the population who live in cities. This has led to a widely reported view that urbanization is one of the most important drivers of the global rise in obesity,4,5,6. Here we use 2,009 population-based studies, with measurements of height and weight in more than 112 million adults, to report national, regional and global trends in mean BMI segregated by place of residence (a rural or urban area) from 1985 to 2017. We show that, contrary to the dominant paradigm, more than 55% of the global rise in mean BMI from 1985 to 2017—and more than 80% in some low- and middle-income regions—was due to increases in BMI in rural areas. This large contribution stems from the fact that, with the exception of women in sub-Saharan Africa, BMI is increasing at the same rate or faster in rural areas than in cities in low- and middle-income regions. These trends have in turn resulted in a closing—and in some countries reversal—of the gap in BMI between urban and rural areas in low- and middle-income countries, especially for women. In high-income and industrialized countries, we noted a persistently higher rural BMI, especially for women. There is an urgent need for an integrated approach to rural nutrition that enhances financial and physical access to healthy foods, to avoid replacing the rural undernutrition disadvantage in poor countries with a more general malnutrition disadvantage that entails excessive consumption of low-quality calories.
Behavior change interventions delivered through interpersonal communication, agricultural activities, community mobilization, and mass media increase complementary feeding practices and reduce child stunting in Ethiopia
Kim, Sunny S.; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Yohannes, Yisehac; Abebe, Yewelsew; Tharaney, Manisha; Drummond, Elizabeth; Frongillo, Edward A.; Ruel, Marie T.; Menon, Purnima. 2019
Kim, Sunny S.; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Yohannes, Yisehac; Abebe, Yewelsew; Tharaney, Manisha; Drummond, Elizabeth; Frongillo, Edward A.; Ruel, Marie T.; Menon, Purnima. 2019
Abstract | View
Appropriate infant and young child feeding practices are critical for optimal child growth and development, but in Ethiopia, complementary feeding (CF) practices are very poor. Alive & Thrive (A&T) provided intensive behavior change interventions through 4 platforms: interpersonal communication (IPC), nutrition-sensitive agricultural activities (AG), community mobilization (CM), and mass media (MM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of A&T intensive compared with nonintensive interventions (standard nutrition counseling and agricultural extension service and less intensive CM and MM) on CF practices and knowledge and child anthropometric outcomes.
School feeding reduces anemia prevalence in adolescent girls and other vulnerable household members in a cluster randomized controlled trial in Uganda
Adelman, Sarah W.; Gilligan, Daniel O.; Konde-Lule, Joseph; Alderman, Harold. 2019
Adelman, Sarah W.; Gilligan, Daniel O.; Konde-Lule, Joseph; Alderman, Harold. 2019
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Food for education (FFE) programs that include school meals are widely used to improve school participation and performance, but evidence on nutritional benefits is limited. This study tested whether food fortified with multiple micronutrients provided in FFE programs reduced anemia prevalence of primary-school-age adolescent girls, adult women, and preschool children.
Rethinking effective nutrition convergence: An analysis of intervention co-coverage data
Menon, Purnima; Avula, Rasmi; Pandey, S.; Scott, Samuel; Kumar, Alok. 2019
Menon, Purnima; Avula, Rasmi; Pandey, S.; Scott, Samuel; Kumar, Alok. 2019
Don't miss the Bimstec bus
Ajmani, Manmeet; Choudhary, Vishruta; Roy, Devesh. 2019
Ajmani, Manmeet; Choudhary, Vishruta; Roy, Devesh. 2019
It takes a village: An empirical analysis of how husbands, mothers-in-law, health workers and mothers influence breastfeeding practices in Uttar Pradesh, India (P10-149-19)
Young, Melissa Fox; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Kachwaha, Shivani; Menon, Purnima; Avula, Rasmi. 2019
Young, Melissa Fox; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Kachwaha, Shivani; Menon, Purnima; Avula, Rasmi. 2019
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Evidence on strategies to improve infant and young child feeding in India, a country that carries the world's largest burden of undernutrition, is limited. In the context of a program evaluation in two districts in Uttar Pradesh, we sought to understand the multiple influences on breastfeeding practices and to model potential program influence on improving breastfeeding.
Measuring the coverage of nutrition interventions along the continuum of care: Time to act at scale
Gillespie, Stuart; Menon, Purnima; Heidkamp, Rebecca A.; Piwoz, Ellen G.; Rawat, Rahul. 2019
Gillespie, Stuart; Menon, Purnima; Heidkamp, Rebecca A.; Piwoz, Ellen G.; Rawat, Rahul. 2019
Abstract | View
The global community is committed to addressing malnutrition. And yet, coverage data for high-impact interventions along the continuum of care remain scarce due to several measurement and data collection challenges. In this analysis paper, we identify 24 nutrition interventions that should be tracked by all countries, and determine if their coverage is currently measured by major household nutrition and health surveys. We then present three case studies, using published literature and empirical data from large-scale initiatives, to illustrate the kind of data collection innovations that are feasible. We find that data are not routinely collected in a standardised way across countries for most of the core set of interventions. Case studies—of growth monitoring and screening for acute malnutrition, infant and young child feeding counselling, and nutrition monitoring in India—highlight both challenges and potential solutions. Advancing the nutrition intervention coverage measurement agenda is essential for sustained progress in driving down rates of malnutrition. It will require (1) global consensus on a core set of validated coverage indicators on proven, high-impact nutrition-specific interventions; (2) the inclusion of coverage measurement and indicator guidance in WHO intervention recommendations; (3) the incorporation of these indicators into data collection mechanisms and relevant intervention delivery platforms; and (4) an agenda for continuous measurement improvement.
Double duty actions to tackle all forms of malnutrition (P10-053-19)
Ruel, Marie T.; Hawkes, Corinna. 2019
Ruel, Marie T.; Hawkes, Corinna. 2019
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Most countries are now experiencing a double burden of malnutrition (DBM), characterized by the coexistence of nutritional deficiencies (underweight, wasting, stunting, micronutrient deficiencies) and overweight/obesity and diet-related non-communicable diseases (obesity/DR-NCDs). Actions to address the two sides of the DBM are typically managed by separate communities, policies, programs, governance structures, and funding streams. Double duty actions, defined as actions that simultaneously address nutritional deficiencies and obesity/DR-NCDs, have been proposed as a win-win solution to tackling malnutrition in all its forms. The objective of the work was to explore opportunities—and make recommendations—for double duty actions to be delivered by programs and policies in key sectors such as health, social protection, education, and agriculture.
Can multiple forms of undernutrition among children and women be tackled efficiently? A case of shared determinants (P11-124-19)
Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Pramanik, Priyanjana; Tran, Lan M.; Ruel, Marie T.; Menon, Purnima. 2019
Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Pramanik, Priyanjana; Tran, Lan M.; Ruel, Marie T.; Menon, Purnima. 2019
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Globally, it is recognized that multiple forms of undernutrition exist. Yet, little evidence exists on co-existence of multiple forms of undernutrition or on the potential shared determinants of these manifestations. Therefore, using data from India, we aimed to: 1) estimate the co-occurrence of undernutrition among children (stunting and anemia) and women (underweight and anemia); and 2) identify their shared determinants.
Global inequality in national food supplies and diet-related health outcomes, 1970–2010 (P04-094-19)
Bell, Winnie; Lividini, Keith; Masters, William A.. 2019
Bell, Winnie; Lividini, Keith; Masters, William A.. 2019
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The global food system has changed rapidly over recent decades, with large shifts in agricultural supply conditions, international trade, food manufacturing and nutrient availability. These shifts have contributed to both positive and negative impacts on health and wellbeing with some countries catching up while others have fallen further below international norms. We aim to quantify long-run changes in the food supply and diet-related health disparities across countries, to illustrate how inequality has changed from the 1970 s to the 2010 s.
Sweetpotato virus pathogen-tested planting material of susceptible varieties results in root yield increase in Uganda
Namanda, S.; Mwanga, R.O.M.; Musoke, Charles; Magezi, Sylvia; Ball, Anna-Marie. 2019
Namanda, S.; Mwanga, R.O.M.; Musoke, Charles; Magezi, Sylvia; Ball, Anna-Marie. 2019
A decade of progress on scaling up health and nutrition interventions in India: A countdown to 2030 case study (P04-115-19)
Menon, Purnima; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi; Mani, Sneha; Tran, Lan M.; Victora, Cesar G.. 2019
Menon, Purnima; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi; Mani, Sneha; Tran, Lan M.; Victora, Cesar G.. 2019
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India rolled out ambitious program efforts for health and nutrition (H&N) in 2005–06, scaling up community H&N services through the National Rural Health Mission and the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). Evidence on the combined reach and impact of these programs on closing equity gaps is limited. We aimed to assess how coverage and equity in interventions have changed between 2006 and 2016.
Urbanization and the double burden: Trends and inequalities in under- and over-nutrition by residence and wealth among 1.22 million Indian children, women and men over 10 years (P10-078-19)
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Avula, Rasmi; Agarwal, Aishwarya; Menon, Purnima; Headey, Derek D.; Ruel, Marie T.. 2019
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Avula, Rasmi; Agarwal, Aishwarya; Menon, Purnima; Headey, Derek D.; Ruel, Marie T.. 2019
The timing of growth faltering in India has changed significantly over 1992-2016, with variations in prenatal and postnatal improvement (P10-005-19)
Headey, Derek D.; Menon, Purnima; Nguyen, Phuong Hong. 2019
Headey, Derek D.; Menon, Purnima; Nguyen, Phuong Hong. 2019
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India accounts for a third of the global population of stunted preschoolers. However, very few studies have documented the timing of growth faltering in India, its evolution over time, or its variation over India's diverse regions. This study develops an approach for estimating the speed of growth faltering and applies it to multiple rounds of national and state-level data.
Double burden of malnutrition: The role of framing in development of political priority in the context of rising diet-related non-communicable diseases in Tamil Nadu, India (P22-005-19)
Constantinides, Shilpa; Blake, Christine E.; Frongillo, Edward A.; Avula, Rasmi; Thow, Anne-Marie. 2019
Constantinides, Shilpa; Blake, Christine E.; Frongillo, Edward A.; Avula, Rasmi; Thow, Anne-Marie. 2019
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In low- and middle-income countries, non-communicable disease (NCD) prevalence is increasing while undernutrition persists, resulting in a double-burden of malnutrition. How policy actors frame malnutrition may shape policy, programming, and investment. In India, where NCDs are rising rapidly and undernutrition persists throughout the country, much of food and health policy is decentralized, but little is known of how the double burden of malnutrition is understood at the state level. This study aimed to identify and compare frames and priorities for nutrition used by relevant policy actors to help understand the narrative emerging around policy solutions for the double burden of malnutrition.
Life beyond the home: Nutritional, occupational, social and environmental predictors of common mental disorders among Indian mothers with 6- to 23-month-old infants (P11-026-19)
Scott, Samuel; Arrieta, Alejandra; Kumar, Neha; Menon, Purnima; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. 2019
Scott, Samuel; Arrieta, Alejandra; Kumar, Neha; Menon, Purnima; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. 2019
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The mental wellbeing of mothers with young children has been shown to positively affect child development. Little, however, is known about which factors are related to optimal maternal mental health in high poverty rural contexts where women face a broad array of challenges at multiple levels daily.
Intervention design elements are associated with frontline health workers' performance to deliver infant and young child nutrition services in Bangladesh and Viet Nam (P10-128-19)
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Kim, Sunny S.; Tran, Lan M.; Menon, Purnima; Frongillo, Edward A.. 2019
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Kim, Sunny S.; Tran, Lan M.; Menon, Purnima; Frongillo, Edward A.. 2019
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Frontline health workers (FLW) are needed for delivering interventions at scale to reduce maternal and child undernutrition, but low- and middle-income countries often face inadequate FLW performance. This study aimed to test whether and how intervention design elements such as training, supervision, and mass media improved FLW performance in delivering nutrition services.
Women's stated preferences for conditional cash transfer programs focused on maternal and child health and nutrition in India (P22-012-19)
Kachwaha, Shivani; Rao, Krishna; Kaplan, Avril; Bishai, David. 2019
Kachwaha, Shivani; Rao, Krishna; Kaplan, Avril; Bishai, David. 2019
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Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) are important national strategies to improve maternal and child health and nutrition. India recently began implementing a Maternity Benefit Program (MBP) to encourage health care use during pregnancy and early childhood; under discussion is to include child nutrition services within a CCT program. This paper aims to understand the preferences of mothers with young children for design features (cash transfer amount and conditionalities) of CCT programs.
Examining the exposure, timing, and frequency of interpersonal communication contacts to improve infant and young child feeding in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Vietnam (P10-138-19)
Kim, Sunny S.; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Tran, Lan Mai; Alayon, Silvia; Menon, Purnima; Frongillo, Edward A.. 2019
Kim, Sunny S.; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Tran, Lan Mai; Alayon, Silvia; Menon, Purnima; Frongillo, Edward A.. 2019
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In the context of large-scale interventions to improve infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices, we examined differences in characteristics of those exposed and not exposed to interventions; exposure to interpersonal communication (IPC), including overlap with other interventions and timing and number of contacts; and relationship between frequency of IPC contacts and IYCF practices.
Young mom, short kid: Examining social, biological and health and nutrition service factors linking adolescent pregnancy to early childhood undernutrition in India (P10-011-19)
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Neupane, Sumanta; Tran, Lan Mai; Menon, Purnima. 2019
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Neupane, Sumanta; Tran, Lan Mai; Menon, Purnima. 2019
Vegetarianism and child growth: Within-district evidence from the 2015-2016 Indian national family health survey (P10-032-19)
Palloni, Giordano; Headey, Derek D.. 2019
Palloni, Giordano; Headey, Derek D.. 2019
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Most research on stunting in India ignores the role of diets, including the unusually high prevalence of lacto-vegetarianism (LVG). LVG is a concern in India because nutrient-dense animal-sourced foods (ASFs) are highly recommended in early childhood. We therefore explore how parental LVG is associated with linear growth and child dietary patterns in India.
Use of situational vignettes helps assess the competence of frontline workers (FLW) in nutrition counseling programs (OR13-07-19)
Bajaj, Sumati; Menon, Purnima; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi; Mani, Sneha. 2019
Bajaj, Sumati; Menon, Purnima; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi; Mani, Sneha. 2019
Assessing the economic feasibility of assuring nutritionally adequate diets for vulnerable populations in Uttar Pradesh, India: Key findings from 'cost of the diet' analysis (OR21-05-19)
Kachwaha, Shivani; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; DeFreese, Michelle; Cyriac, Shruthi; Girard, Amy Webb; Avula, Rasmi; Menon, Purnima. 2019
Kachwaha, Shivani; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; DeFreese, Michelle; Cyriac, Shruthi; Girard, Amy Webb; Avula, Rasmi; Menon, Purnima. 2019
Abstract | View
Uttar Pradesh (UP) is the most populous state with the highest burden of undernutrition in India. Alive & Thrive is working to strengthen behavior change communication (BCC) on diet diversity and quantity, using health systems platforms to deliver maternal nutrition intervention. However, evidence on the accessibility and affordability associated with recommended diets is limited. This study aims to: 1) examine the costs of nutritious foods in local markets, 2) identify inexpensive sources of essential micronutrients which could be promoted through BCC interventions.
Nutritional, social, and environmental predictors of scholastic and psychosocial outcomes in school-going Indian adolescents: Findings from the UDAYA study (OR32-07-19)
Scott, Samuel; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Pant, Anjali; Menon, Purnima. 2019
Scott, Samuel; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Pant, Anjali; Menon, Purnima. 2019
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Adolescent wellbeing is now recognized as critical to breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty and malnutrition. Multiple factors shape cognitive wellbeing during adolescence, thus we sought to take a holistic approach in examining factors related to mental outcomes among Indian adolescents.
Stories of change: How Rwanda created an enabling environment for reducing malnutrition (P22-011-19)
Iruhiriye, Elyse; Olney, Deanna K.; Heckert, Jessica; Ramani, Gayathri; Frongillo, Edward A.; Niyongira, Emmanuel. 2019
Iruhiriye, Elyse; Olney, Deanna K.; Heckert, Jessica; Ramani, Gayathri; Frongillo, Edward A.; Niyongira, Emmanuel. 2019
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Eliminating malnutrition is on many countries’ political agendas but knowledge of how enabling environments are created and used is needed. We assessed the drivers of change in stunting reduction among children <5 y of age in Rwanda and contributors to differential reduction over 10–25 y.
Maternal nutrition practices in Uttar Pradesh, India: Role of key influential demand and supply factors (P11-002-19)
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Kachwaha, Shivani; Avula, Rasmi; Young, Melissa; Menon, Purnima. 2019
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Kachwaha, Shivani; Avula, Rasmi; Young, Melissa; Menon, Purnima. 2019
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Despite strong policy and program commitment, essential maternal nutrition services are not reaching enough women in many countries. This paper examines multi-factorial determinants (personal, family, community, and health services) associated with maternal nutrition practices in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Methodology for developing and evaluating food-based dietary guidelines and a Healthy Eating Index for Ethiopia: A study protocol
Bekele, Tesfaye Hailu; de Vries, Jeanne JHM; Trijsburg, Laura; Feskens, Edith J.; Covic, Namukolo; Kennedy, Gina; Brouwer, Inge D.. 2019
Bekele, Tesfaye Hailu; de Vries, Jeanne JHM; Trijsburg, Laura; Feskens, Edith J.; Covic, Namukolo; Kennedy, Gina; Brouwer, Inge D.. 2019
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Food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) are used to promote and maintain healthy eating in a population, by providing country-specific guidance. However, many African countries like Ethiopia do not have FBDGs. This paper describes the methodology for the development of Ethiopian FBDGs and for creating and evaluating a Healthy Eating Index and a scoring tool that can be used to monitor the adherence of the population to FBDGs.
Development of the project-level Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (pro-WEAI)
Malapit, Hazel J.; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth; Seymour, Gregory; Martinez, Elena M.; Heckert, Jessica. 2019
Malapit, Hazel J.; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth; Seymour, Gregory; Martinez, Elena M.; Heckert, Jessica. 2019
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With growing commitment to women’s empowerment by agricultural development agencies, sound methods and indicators to measure women’s empowerment are needed to learn which types of projects or project-implementation strategies do and do not work to empower women. The Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI), which has been widely used, requires adaptation to meet the need for monitoring projects and assessing their impacts. In this paper, the authors describe the adaptation and validation of a project-level WEAI (or pro-WEAI) that agricultural development projects can use to identify key areas of women’s (and men’s) disempowerment, design appropriate strategies to address identified deficiencies, and monitor project outcomes related to women’s empowerment.
Impact of contract farming of paddy seed on smallholder farm profits: Evidence from Nepal
Kumar, Anjani; Roy, Devesh; Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Tripathi, Gaurav; Adhikari, Rajendra P.. 2019
Kumar, Anjani; Roy, Devesh; Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Tripathi, Gaurav; Adhikari, Rajendra P.. 2019
Intervention design elements are associated with frontline health workers’ performance to deliver infant and young child nutrition services in Bangladesh and Vietnam
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Kim, Sunny S.; Tran, Lan Mai; Menon, Purnima; Frongillo, Edward A.. 2019
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Kim, Sunny S.; Tran, Lan Mai; Menon, Purnima; Frongillo, Edward A.. 2019
Measurement properties of the project-level Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index
Yount, Kathryn M.; Cheong, Yuk Fai; Maxwell, Lauren; Heckert, Jessica; Martinez, Elena M.; Seymour, Gregory. 2019
Yount, Kathryn M.; Cheong, Yuk Fai; Maxwell, Lauren; Heckert, Jessica; Martinez, Elena M.; Seymour, Gregory. 2019
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Women’s empowerment is a process that includes increases in intrinsic agency (power within); instrumental agency (power to); and collective agency (power with). We used baseline data from two studies—Targeting and Realigning Agriculture for Improved Nutrition (TRAIN) in Bangladesh and Building Resilience in Burkina Faso (BRB)—to assess the measurement properties of survey questions operationalizing selected dimensions of intrinsic, instrumental, and collective agency in the project-level Women’s Empowerment in Agricultural Index (pro-WEAI). We applied unidimensional item-response models to question (item) sets to assess their measurement properties, and when possible, their cross-context measurement equivalence—a requirement of measures designed for cross-group comparisons. For intrinsic agency in the right to bodily integrity, measured with five attitudinal questions about intimate partner violence (IPV) against women, model assumptions of unidimensionality and local independence were met. Four items showed good model fit and measurement equivalence across TRAIN and BRB. For item sets designed to capture autonomy in income, intrinsic agency in livelihoods activities, and instrumental agency in: livelihoods activities, the sale or use of outputs, the use of income, and borrowing from financial services, model assumptions were not met, model fit was poor, and items generally were weakly related to the latent (unobserved) agency construct. For intrinsic and instrumental agency in livelihoods activities and for instrumental agency in the sale or use of outputs and in the use of income, items sets had similar precision along the latent-agency continuum, suggesting that similar item sets could be dropped without a loss of precision. IRT models for collective agency were not estimable because of low reported presence and membership in community groups. This analysis demonstrates the use of IRT methods to assess the measurement properties of item sets in pro-WEAI, and empowerment scales generally. Findings suggest that a shorter version of pro-WEAI can be developed that will improve its measurement properties. We recommend revisions to the pro-WEAI questionnaire and call for new measures of women’s collective agency.
Impact on child acute malnutrition of integrating a preventive nutrition package into facility-based screening for acute malnutrition during well-baby consultation: A cluster-randomized controlled trial in Burkina Faso
Becquey, Elodie; Huybregts, Lieven; Zongrone, Amanda; Le Port, Agnès; Leroy, Jef L.; Rawat, Rahul; Touré, Mariama; Ruel, Marie T.. 2019
Becquey, Elodie; Huybregts, Lieven; Zongrone, Amanda; Le Port, Agnès; Leroy, Jef L.; Rawat, Rahul; Touré, Mariama; Ruel, Marie T.. 2019
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Community management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) is a highly efficacious approach for treating acute malnutrition (AM) in children who would otherwise be at significantly increased risk of mortality. In program settings, however, CMAM’s effectiveness is limited because of low screening coverage of AM, in part because of the lack of perceived benefits for caregivers. In Burkina Faso, monthly screening for AM of children <2 years of age is conducted during well-baby consultations (consultation du nourrisson sain [CNS]) at health centers. We hypothesized that the integration of a preventive package including age-appropriate behavior change communication (BCC) on nutrition, health, and hygiene practices and a monthly supply of small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNSs) to the monthly screening would increase AM screening and treatment coverage and decrease the incidence and prevalence of AM.
Impact on child acute malnutrition of integrating small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements into community-level screening for acute malnutrition: A cluster-randomized controlled trial in Mali
Huybregts, Lieven; Le Port, Agnès; Becquey, Elodie; Zongrone, Amanda; Barba, Francisco M.; Rawat, Rahul; Leroy, Jef L.; Ruel, Marie T.. 2019
Huybregts, Lieven; Le Port, Agnès; Becquey, Elodie; Zongrone, Amanda; Barba, Francisco M.; Rawat, Rahul; Leroy, Jef L.; Ruel, Marie T.. 2019
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Community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) has been widely adopted to treat childhood acute malnutrition (AM), but its effectiveness in program settings is often limited by implementation constraints, low screening coverage, and poor treatment uptake and adherence. This study addresses the problem of low screening coverage by testing the impact of distributing small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNSs) at monthly screenings held by community health volunteers (CHVs). Screening sessions included behavior change communication (BCC) on nutrition, health, and hygiene practices (both study arms) and SQ-LNSs (one study arm). Impact was assessed on AM screening and treatment coverage and on AM incidence and prevalence.
Engaging women’s groups to improve nutrition: Findings from an evaluation of the Jeevika multisectoral convergence pilot in Saharsa, Bihar
Gupta, Shivani; Kumar, Neha; Menon, Purnima; Pandey, Shinjini; Raghunathan, Kalyani. Washington, DC 2019
Gupta, Shivani; Kumar, Neha; Menon, Purnima; Pandey, Shinjini; Raghunathan, Kalyani. Washington, DC 2019
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This report presents the endline findings of an impact evaluation of the JEEViKA Multisectoral Convergence pilot, designed as an effectiveness trial, in one district in Bihar, India. JEEViKA, a rural livelihoods project, supports self-help groups (SHGs) - savings and credit-based groups of about 15-20 women, mostly targeted toward those from poor households - with the aim of improving their livelihoods and enhancing household incomes. The JEEViKA Multisectoral Convergence (JEEViKA-MC) pilot went a step further, leveraging these SHGs to address the immediate and underlying determinants of undernutrition among women and children. The multisectoral convergence model, developed by the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society with technical support from the World Bank, was piloted in 12 Gram Panchayats of Saharsa district in Bihar. Two complementary sets of interventions-health and nutrition behavior change communication (BCC) to improve women’s knowledge and household practices, and efforts to improve service access through convergence -were layered onto the existing core package of JEEViKA activities and were targeted to women who were members of the SHGs already formed by JEEViKA. Within this target population, households with young children, mothers of young children, and pregnant women were the primary focus of the JEEViKA-MC pilot.
JEEViKA Multisectoral Convergence Initiative in Bihar: Engaging women’s groups to improve nutrition: Summary report
Gupta, Shivani; Kumar, Neha; Menon, Purnima; Pandey, Shinjini; Raghunathan, Kalyani. Washington, DC 2019
Gupta, Shivani; Kumar, Neha; Menon, Purnima; Pandey, Shinjini; Raghunathan, Kalyani. Washington, DC 2019
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JEEViKA is a program by the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (part of the Department of Rural Development), with the support of the World Bank. It targets women in poor rural households, helping them improve their livelihoods and enhance household incomes through a core set of interventions: organizing the women into self-help groups (SHGs), training and strengthening the SHGs, federating the SHGs into village organizations (VOs) and cluster-level federations (CLFs), and establishing bank linkages for the SHGs and their federations. Over time, these groups can become membership-based social service providers, business entities, and valued clients of the formal banking system.
Analysis of pig trading networks and practices in Uganda
Atherstone, C.; Galiwango, R. G.; Grace, D.; Alonso, S.; Dhand, N. K.; Ward, M. P.; Mor, S. M.. 2019
Atherstone, C.; Galiwango, R. G.; Grace, D.; Alonso, S.; Dhand, N. K.; Ward, M. P.; Mor, S. M.. 2019
Poverty reduction effects of agricultural technology adoption: the case of improved cassava varieties in Nigeria
Assfaw Wossen, T.; Alene, A.; Abdoulaye, T.; Feleke, S.; Rabbi, I.Y.; Manyong, V.. 2019
Assfaw Wossen, T.; Alene, A.; Abdoulaye, T.; Feleke, S.; Rabbi, I.Y.; Manyong, V.. 2019
Gender-based constraints affecting biofortified cassava production, processing and marketing among men and women adopters in Oyo and Benue States, Nigeria
Olaosebikan, Olamide; Abdulrazaq, Bello; Durodola, Owoade; Adedayo, Ogunade; Parkes, Elizabeth; . 2019
Olaosebikan, Olamide; Abdulrazaq, Bello; Durodola, Owoade; Adedayo, Ogunade; Parkes, Elizabeth; . 2019
Using economic and social data to improve veterinary vaccine development: Learning lessons from human vaccinology
Thomas, Lian F.; Bellet, Camille; Rushton, Jonathan. 2019
Thomas, Lian F.; Bellet, Camille; Rushton, Jonathan. 2019
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The drivers of vaccine development are many and varied. They include, for example, recognition of the burden of a vaccine-targeted disease, prioritisation of the multiple problems associated with a disease, consideration of the differing socio-economic situations under which vaccines are used, the influence of advocacy groups, and assessment of the feasibility of large-scale vaccine manufacture and distribution. In the field of human health, data-driven development of vaccines is becoming increasingly common through the availability of reliable information on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) and stringent evaluations of vaccination programmes utilising empirical data on costing and effectiveness, and standardised cost-effectiveness thresholds. The data generated from such analyses allow policymakers, implementing partners, industries and researchers to make decisions based on the best, and most contextually relevant, available evidence. In this paper, we wish to explore the current use of economic and social data for the development of veterinary vaccines. Through comparison with the development of human vaccines, we will look for opportunities in animal health sciences to better integrate socio-economic data and analyses into the process of veterinary vaccine selection, development, and field implementation. We believe that more robust animal health impact assessments could add value to veterinary vaccine development by improving resource allocation and animal disease management.
Linkage analysis and integrated software GAPL for pure-line populations derived from four-way and eight-way crosses
Zhang, Luyan; Meng, Lei; Wang, Jiankang. 2019
Zhang, Luyan; Meng, Lei; Wang, Jiankang. 2019
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Pure lines derived from multiple parents provide abundant variation for genetic study. However, efficient genetic analysis methods and user-friendly software are still lacking. In this study, we developed linkage analysis methods and integrated analysis software for pure-line populations derived from four-way and eight-way crosses. First, polymorphic markers are classified into different categories according to the number of identifiable alleles in the inbred parents. Expected genotypic probability is then derived for each pair of complete markers, and based on them a maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) of recombination frequency is calculated. An EM algorithm is proposed for calculating recombination frequencies in scenarios that at least one marker is incomplete. A linkage map can thus be constructed using estimated recombination frequencies. We describe a software package called GAPL for recombination frequency estimation and linkage map construction in multi-parental pure-line populations. Both simulation studies and results from a reported four-way cross recombinant inbred line population demonstrate that the proposed method and software can build more accurate linkage maps in shorter times than other published software packages. The GAPL software is freely available from www.isbreeding.net and can also be used for QTL mapping in multi-parental populations.
Nutritionally enhanced sorghum for the arid and semiarid tropical areas of Africa
Zhao, Zuo-Yu; Che, Ping; Glassman, Kimberly; Albertsen, Marc. 2019
Zhao, Zuo-Yu; Che, Ping; Glassman, Kimberly; Albertsen, Marc. 2019
The nutritional contribution of potato varietal diversity in Andean food systems: A case study
de Haan, Stef; Burgos, Gabriela; Liria, Reyna; Rodriguez, Flor; Creed-Kanashiro, Hilary M.; Bonierbale, Merideth. 2019
de Haan, Stef; Burgos, Gabriela; Liria, Reyna; Rodriguez, Flor; Creed-Kanashiro, Hilary M.; Bonierbale, Merideth. 2019
A randomized feeding trial of iron-biofortified beans in school children in Mexico
Finkelstein, Julia L.; Mehta, Saurabh; Villalpando, Salvador; Mundo-Rosas, Veronica; Luna, Sarah. 2019
Finkelstein, Julia L.; Mehta, Saurabh; Villalpando, Salvador; Mundo-Rosas, Veronica; Luna, Sarah. 2019
Abstract | View
Iron deficiency is a major public health problem worldwide, with the highest burden among children. The objective of this randomized efficacy feeding trial was to determine the effects of consuming iron-biofortified beans (Fe-Beans) on the iron status in children, compared to control beans (Control-Beans). A cluster-randomized trial of biofortified beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), bred to enhance iron content, was conducted over 6 months. The participants were school-aged children (n = 574; 5–12 years), attending 20 rural public boarding schools in the Mexican state of Oaxaca. Double-blind randomization was conducted at the school level; 20 schools were randomized to receive either Fe-Beans (n = 10 schools, n = 304 students) or Control-Beans (n = 10 schools, n = 366 students). School administrators, children, and research and laboratory staff were blinded to the intervention group. Iron status (hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin (SF), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), total body iron (TBI), inflammatory biomarkers C-reactive protein (CRP) and α-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP)), and anthropometric indices for individuals were evaluated at the enrollment and at the end of the trial. The hemoglobin concentrations were adjusted for altitude, and anemia was defined in accordance with age-specific World Health Organization (WHO) criteria (i.e., Hb <115 g/L for <12 years and Hb <120 g/L for ≥12 years). Serum ferritin concentrations were adjusted for inflammation using BRINDA methods, and iron deficiency was defined as serum ferritin at less than 15.0 µg/L. Total body iron was calculated using Cook’s equation. Mixed models were used to examine the effects of Fe-Beans on hematological outcomes, compared to Control-Beans, adjusting for the baseline indicator, with school as a random effect. An analysis was conducted in 10 schools (n = 269 students) in the Fe-Beans group and in 10 schools (n = 305 students) in the Control-Beans group that completed the follow-up. At baseline, 17.8% of the children were anemic and 11.3% were iron deficient (15.9%, BRINDA-adjusted). A total of 6.3% of children had elevated CRP (>5.0 mg/L), and 11.6% had elevated AGP (>1.0 g/L) concentrations at baseline. During the 104 days when feeding was monitored, the total mean individual iron intake from the study beans (Fe-bean group) was 504 mg (IQR: 352, 616) over 68 mean feeding days, and 295 mg (IQR: 197, 341) over 67 mean feeding days in the control group (p < 0.01). During the cluster-randomized efficacy trial, indicators of iron status, including hemoglobin, serum ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor, and total body iron concentrations improved from the baseline to endline (6 months) in both the intervention and control groups. However, Fe-Beans did not significantly improve the iron status indicators, compared to Control-Beans. Similarly, there were no significant effects of Fe-Beans on dichotomous outcomes, including anemia and iron deficiency, compared to Control-Beans. In this 6-month cluster-randomized efficacy trial of iron-biofortified beans in school children in Mexico, indicators of iron status improved in both the intervention and control groups. However, there were no significant effects of Fe-Beans on iron biomarkers, compared to Control-Beans. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03835377.
Content of iron and vitamin A in common foods given to children 12–59 Months old from North Western Tanzania and Central Uganda
Ekesa, Beatrice; Nabuuma, Deborah; Kennedy, Gina. 2019
Ekesa, Beatrice; Nabuuma, Deborah; Kennedy, Gina. 2019
Abstract | View
Improving infant and young child feeding is an effective intervention to improve child growth. A cross-sectional study followed by observation of selected households was used to establish the most popular foods given to children 12–59 months old in Bukoba and Kiboga districts of Tanzania and Uganda, respectively. Six meals were identified: maize-based porridge, steamed-mashed banana served with beans, banana cooked with beans, banana cooked with groundnut sauce, stiff porridge (Ugali) served with beans and sardines, and cassava cooked with beans. Raw ingredients were transported to Universität für Bodenkultur, Austria, within 48 h and meals prepared following community validated procedures within 24 h by project team members that involved graduate students from East Africa and Europe. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis and microwave digestion followed by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy were used in establishing provitamin A carotenoids and iron content, respectively. Findings indicated no trace of vitamin A or iron in the maize-based porridge, whereas 2.28 mg/100 g ep (edible portion) and 1.18 mg/100 g ep of iron were recorded in stiff-porridge served with beans and sardines and banana cooked with beans, respectively. Banana-based foods had 23 to 43 vitamin A RAE (retinal activity equivalent) µg/100 g ep. With estimated average requirements of iron and vitamin A for children 1–3 years being 5 mg/day and 275 RAE µg/day, respectively, these foods are poor sources of these nutrients in their current form. Thus, there is a need to explore opportunities for modifying preparation methods and incorporating nutritious and diverse ingredients into the foods prepared for infants and young children in Eastern African countries.
Detection of circulating antigens for Taenia spp. in pigs slaughtered for consumption in Nairobi and surroundings, Kenya
Akoko, James M.; MacLeod, Ewan; Thomas, Lian F.; Alarcon, Pablo; Kang'ethe, Erastus. 2019
Akoko, James M.; MacLeod, Ewan; Thomas, Lian F.; Alarcon, Pablo; Kang'ethe, Erastus. 2019
Abstract | View
Taenia solium a zoonotic tapeworm, responsible for neurocysticercosis in humans is a major public health threat, being a leading cause of acquired epilepsy in endemic regions. Eastern and southern African nations have experienced a recent rapid growth in pig production, including small-scale, free-range systems, with an accompanying increased risk of T. solium transmission. Seven hundred blood samples were collected from randomly selected pigs presented for slaughter at one of the largest porcine abattoir supplying unprocessed pork to Nairobi city and its surroundings. The samples were tested using an antigen ELISA to determine the prevalence of infection with Taenia spp.
Food safety in Africa: Past endeavors and future directions
Global Food Safety Partnership. Washington, DC 2019
Global Food Safety Partnership. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
Failures in food safety exact severe costs in developing countries. The Global Food Safety Partnership (GFSP), a public-private partnership, was launched in 2012 to address this problem. The GFSP promotes food safety systems based on prevention underpinned by science to improve the effectiveness of food safety investments. Hosted at the World Bank, the GFSP leverages the Bank’s independence, expertise, funding, and convening power in support of the three pillars of its strategic framework: i) to assess and share knowledge on food safety; (ii) to convene diverse stakeholders to drive action: and (iii) to implement food safety programs that produce results on the ground. In line with its strategic framework, the GFSP commissioned this report to provide data and analysis that interested actors (including states, international development agencies, and the private sector) working to improve food safety in sub-Saharan Africa could use to improve the impact of their efforts. Our expectation is that this report will support the design of, and investment in, evidence-based food safety programs in Sub-Saharan Africa targeted at the provision of safe food for Africans.
Local partial least squares based on global PLS scores
Shen, Guanghui; Lesnoff, Matthieu; Baeten, Vincent; Dardenne, Pierre; Davrieux, Fabrice. 2019
Shen, Guanghui; Lesnoff, Matthieu; Baeten, Vincent; Dardenne, Pierre; Davrieux, Fabrice. 2019
Abstract | View
A local‐based method for near‐infrared spectroscopy predictions, the local partial least squares regression on global PLS scores (LPLS‐S), is proposed in this work and compared with the usual local PLS (LPLS) regression approach. LPLS‐S is based on the idea of replacing the original spectra with a global PLS score matrix before using the usual LPLS. This is done with the aim of increasing the speed of the calculations, which can be an important parameter for online applications in particular, especially when implemented on large databases. In this study, the performance of the two local approaches was compared in terms of efficiency and speed. It could be concluded that the root‐mean‐square error of prediction of LPLS and LPLS‐S were 1.1962 and 1.1602, respectively, but the calculation speed for LPLS‐S was more than 20 times faster than for the LPLS algorithm.
Prevalence and spatial distribution of trematode cercariae in vector snails within different agro-ecological zones in Western Kenya, 2016
Owiny, Maurice Omondi; Obonyo, Mark Odhiambo; Gatongi, Peter Maina; Fèvre, Eric Maurice. 2019
Owiny, Maurice Omondi; Obonyo, Mark Odhiambo; Gatongi, Peter Maina; Fèvre, Eric Maurice. 2019
Abstract | View
Introduction: freshwater vector snails' distribution, infection with cercariae, preferred habitat and possible trematodiases transmission foci is not well known in Western Kenya. We sought to determine the distribution and prevalence of infection of snails per agro-ecological zone and environmental factors in vector snail habitats.
Scaling up sweetpotato through agriculture and nutrition: In-depth study on household production, nutrition and consumption in Beira, Mozambique
Okello, Julius; Lagerkvist, Carl Johan; Kwikiriza, Norman; Brouwer, Roland; Naico, Abdul. Lima, Peru 2019
Okello, Julius; Lagerkvist, Carl Johan; Kwikiriza, Norman; Brouwer, Roland; Naico, Abdul. Lima, Peru 2019
Abstract | View
This in‐depth study was aimed at understanding the socioeconomic and consumer characteristics of communities living urban and peri‐urban areas of Beira city in Sofala province of Mozambique. It specifically examined the acceptance of products made from OFSP, as well as boiled OFSP roots among and peri‐urban consumers in Beira city. It also investigated the effect of providing consumers with information about the
beneficial aspects of vitamin A and drawbacks of biofortification process, especially on the sensory attributes of the sweetpotato products. The study targeted households as both producers and consumers of sweetpotato. The consumer component was conducted as a field experiment. Thus, each household was randomly placed into one of the three treatment groups upon being recruited.
beneficial aspects of vitamin A and drawbacks of biofortification process, especially on the sensory attributes of the sweetpotato products. The study targeted households as both producers and consumers of sweetpotato. The consumer component was conducted as a field experiment. Thus, each household was randomly placed into one of the three treatment groups upon being recruited.
Genetic mapping of QTL for agronomic traits and grain mineral elements in rice
Descalsota-Empleo, Gwen Iris; Amparado, Amery; Inabangan-Asilo, Mary Ann; Tesoro, Frances; Stangoulis, James. 2019
Descalsota-Empleo, Gwen Iris; Amparado, Amery; Inabangan-Asilo, Mary Ann; Tesoro, Frances; Stangoulis, James. 2019
Abstract | View
Malnutrition is one of the prevailing health problems worldwide, affecting a large proportion of the populations in rice-consuming countries. Breeding rice varieties with increased concentrations of elements in the grain is considered the most cost-effective approach to alleviate malnutrition. Development of molecular markers for high grain concentrations of essential elements, particularly Zn, for use in marker-assisted selection (MAS) can hasten breeding efforts to develop rice varieties with nutrient-dense grain. We performed QTL mapping for four agronomic traits: days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of tillers, grain yield, and 13 grain elements: As, B, Ca, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, P, and Zn, in two doubled-haploid populations derived from the crosses IR64 × IR69428 and BR29 × IR75862. These populations were phenotyped during 2015DS and 2015WS at IRRI, Los Baños, The Philippines, and genotyped them with a 6 K SNP chip. Inclusive composite interval mapping revealed 15 QTL for agronomic traits and 50 QTL for grain element concentration. Of these, eight QTL showed phenotypic variance of >25% and 11 QTL were consistent across seasons. There were seven QTL co-localization regions containing QTL for more than two traits. Twenty five epistatic interactions were detected for two agronomic traits and seven mineral elements. Several DH lines with high Fe and Zn in polished rice were identified. These lines can be used as donors for breeding high-Zn rice varieties. Some of the major QTL can be further validated and used in MAS to improve the concentrations of nutritive elements in rice grain.
Variability of carotenoids in a Musa germplasm collection and implications for provitamin A biofortification
Amah, Delphine; Alamu, Emmanuel; Adesokan, Michael; van Biljon, Angeline; Maziya-dixon, Bussie. 2019
Amah, Delphine; Alamu, Emmanuel; Adesokan, Michael; van Biljon, Angeline; Maziya-dixon, Bussie. 2019
Abstract | View
Bananas are important staples in tropical and sub-tropical regions and their potential as a source of provitamin A has recently attracted attention for biofortification. A collection of 189 banana genotypes (AAB-plantains, M. acuminata cultivars and bred hybrids) was screened to determine variability in fruit pulp provitamin A carotenoid (pVAC) content using high performance liquid chromatography. Total carotenoid content in tested genotypes varied from 1.45 µg/g for hybrid 25447-S7 R2P8 to 36.21 µg/g for M. acuminata cultivar ITC.0601 Hung Tu with a mean of 8.00 µg/g fresh weight. Predominant carotenoids identified were α-carotene (38.67%), trans-β-carotene (22.08%), lutein (22.08%), 13-cis-β-carotene (14.45%) and 9-cis-β-carotene (2.92%), indicating that about 78% of the carotenoids in bananas are pVAC. High pVAC genotypes were identified for integration into biofortification strategies to combat vitamin A deficiency in developing countries.
Advocacy coalitions and the transfer of nutrition policy to Zambia
Harris, Jody. 2019
Harris, Jody. 2019
Abstract | View
Stunted growth in children and multisectoral action to address it are dominant ideas in the international nutrition community today, and this study finds that these ideas are increasingly evident over time in nutrition policy in Zambia, with stunting largely displacing other framings of nutrition. This study is based on key informant interviews (70 interviews with 61 interviewees), policy document review, and social network mapping, with iterative data collection and analysis taking place over 6 years (2011–2016). Analysis was based on two established political science theories: policy transfer theory and the Advocacy Coalition Framework. Policy changes in Zambia are shown to result from the international community’s nutrition agenda, transferred to national policy through the normative promotion of certain ways of understanding the issue of malnutrition, largely propagated through advocacy, technical assistance and funding. With its focus on multisectoral action to reduce stunting, the recent nutrition policy narrative impinges directly on an existing food security narrative as it attempts to alter agriculture policy away from maize reliance. The nutrition policy sub-system in Zambia is therefore split between an international coalition promoting action on child stunting, and a national coalition focused on food security and hunger, with implications for both sides on progressing a coherent policy agenda. This study finds that it is possible to understand policy processes for nutrition more fully than has so far been achieved in much nutrition literature through the application of multiple political science theories. These theories allow the generalization of findings from this case study to assess their relevance in other contexts: the study ultimately is about the transfer of policy being explained by the presence of advocacy coalitions and their different beliefs, resources and power, and these concepts can be investigated wherever the nutrition system reaches down from international to national level.
Health risk of biogas effluent exposure and handling in Vietnam
Nguyen-Viet, Hung; Thu, Le Thi; Toan, Luu Quoc; Pham-Duc, Phuc. East Lansing, United States; Paris, France 2019
Nguyen-Viet, Hung; Thu, Le Thi; Toan, Luu Quoc; Pham-Duc, Phuc. East Lansing, United States; Paris, France 2019
Abstract | View
The study provides a framework to estimate the health risk of farmers exposed to biogas effluent. The study addresses the SDG 6.3: to contribute to inform water recycling and reuse. Exposure to biogas effluent represents an important health risk. Risk mitigation should focus on exposure reduction including raising farmer awareness and use of personal protective equipment Treatment of wastewater at the source to improve water quality is needed for long term intervention.
Wastewater reuse in agriculture and health in Vietnam
Nguyen-Viet, Hung; Pham-Duc, Phuc. East Lansing, United States; Paris, France 2019
Nguyen-Viet, Hung; Pham-Duc, Phuc. East Lansing, United States; Paris, France 2019
Abstract | View
The study provides a framework to estimate the health risk of farmers using wastewater in agriculture. The study addresses the SDG 6.3: to contribute to inform water recycling and reuse. Exposure to wastewater via contact with Nhue River water, pond water and composted excreta represents an important health risk. Study results are useful in developing an integrated strategy for risk management in the agricultural settings.
QTL mapping for micronutrients concentration and yield component traits in a hexaploid wheat mapping population
Liu, Jia; Wu, Bihua; Singh, Ravi P.; Velu, Govindan. 2019
Liu, Jia; Wu, Bihua; Singh, Ravi P.; Velu, Govindan. 2019
Abstract | View
Bread wheat is a major staple cereal provides more than 20% of dietary energy and protein supply to global population. However, with increasing population growth, the problem of nutritional deficiencies is increasingly affecting the health of resource people with predominantly cereal-based diet. Therefore, the development of wheat genotypes with micronutrient-dense grains along with high-yield potential is one of the major priorities of wheat biofortification program at CIMMYT. We conducted a QTL mapping study using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between a Chinese parental line with highGZnC and a Mexican commercial bread wheat cultivar Roelfs F2007 to identify QTLs that could potentially be integrated in mineral nutrient concentrations and agronomic-related traits breeding. We evaluated 200 RIL lines for mineral nutrient concentrations and agronomic-related traits over two years. A total of 60 QTLs were detected, of which 10 QTLs for GZnC, 9 for GFeC, 5 for GPC and 36 for agronomic-related traits. Moreover, a total of 55 promising candidate genes were identified from the list of associated markers for GFeC and GZnC using the recently annotated wheat genome sequence. We identified the promising genomic regions with high mineral nutrient concentrations and acceptable yield potential, which are good resource for further use in wheat biofortification breeding programs.
Iron bioavailability from multiple biofortified foods using an in vitro digestion, caco-2 assay for optimizing a cyclic menu for a randomized efficacy trial (P10-029-19)
Gannon, Bryan; Glahn, Raymond P.; Mehta, Saurabh. 2019
Gannon, Bryan; Glahn, Raymond P.; Mehta, Saurabh. 2019
Abstract | View
A multiple biofortified food crop trial targeting iron, zinc, and vitamin A deficiencies among young children and their breastfeeding mothers is planned in India. We sought to determine iron bioavailability from biofortified and conventional crop mixes representative of planned meal components.
Nutrient intake and adequacy among children 12–18 months of age in the urban slums of Mumbai, India (P11-093-19)
Rajagopalan, Kripa; Huey, Samantha; Venkatramanan, Sudha; Udipi, Shobha A; Thakker, Varsha; Thorat, Aparna; Potdar, Ramesh; Haas, Jere D.; Finkelstein, Julia L.; Mehta, Saurabh. 2019
Rajagopalan, Kripa; Huey, Samantha; Venkatramanan, Sudha; Udipi, Shobha A; Thakker, Varsha; Thorat, Aparna; Potdar, Ramesh; Haas, Jere D.; Finkelstein, Julia L.; Mehta, Saurabh. 2019
Abstract | View
To examine the mean nutrient intake among young children 12–18 months of age in urban slums of Mumbai, b) to determine the adequacy of micronutrient intake in their diet as per the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) recommendations for optimum growth and development, and c) to determine if there is a difference in the nutrient intake of those randomized vs not randomized to the trial involving feeding of iron- and zinc-biofortified pearl millet complementary foods.
Diet and the gut microbiome in 10–18-month-old children living in urban slums of Mumbai, India (OR01-08-19)
Huey, Samantha; Rajagopalan, Kripa; Venkatramanan, Sudha; Udipi, Shobha A; Thakker, Varsha; Thorat, Aparna; Potdar, Ramesh; Haas, Jere D.; Finkelstein, Julia L.; Knight, Rob; Mehta, Saurabh. 2019
Huey, Samantha; Rajagopalan, Kripa; Venkatramanan, Sudha; Udipi, Shobha A; Thakker, Varsha; Thorat, Aparna; Potdar, Ramesh; Haas, Jere D.; Finkelstein, Julia L.; Knight, Rob; Mehta, Saurabh. 2019
The potential of neglected and underutilized species for improving diets and nutrition
Hunter, Danny; Borelli, Teresa; Beltrame, Daniela M. O.; Oliveira, Camila N. S.; Coradin, Lidio. 2019
Hunter, Danny; Borelli, Teresa; Beltrame, Daniela M. O.; Oliveira, Camila N. S.; Coradin, Lidio. 2019
Improving nutrition through biofortification: Preharvest and postharvest technologies
Listman, G. Michael; Guzmán, Carlos; Palacios-Rojas, Natalia; Pfeiffer, Wolfgang H.; San Vicente, Felix; Govindan, Velu. 2019
Listman, G. Michael; Guzmán, Carlos; Palacios-Rojas, Natalia; Pfeiffer, Wolfgang H.; San Vicente, Felix; Govindan, Velu. 2019
Abstract | View
More than 2 billion people worldwide suffer from “hidden hunger,” wherein they fail to obtain enough nutrients or micronutrients from the foods they eat. Biofortification—the development of micronutrient-dense staple crops using traditional breeding practices and modern biotechnology—is a promising approach to improve nutrition, as part of an integrated, food systems strategy. In work begun in the late 1990s, the CGIAR institutions HarvestPlus, the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), together with numerous national research organizations and scaling partners, have in recent years developed and released in 19 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America more than 60 improved varieties of maize and wheat whose grains feature enhanced levels of the essential micronutrients zinc or provitamin A. Use of these varieties is spreading among farmers and consumers, many of whom have diets that lack micronutrients because they cannot afford diverse foods and depend heavily on foods made from staple crops. Eating provitamin A-rich maize has been shown to be as effective as supplementation, and a 2018 study in India found that using zinc-biofortified wheat to prepare traditional foods can significantly improve children’s health
Exploring agrobiodiversity for nutrition: Household on-farm agrobiodiversity is associated with improved quality of diet of young children in Vihiga, Kenya
Oduor, Francis Odhiambo; Boedecker, Julia; Kennedy, Gina; Termote, Céline. 2019
Oduor, Francis Odhiambo; Boedecker, Julia; Kennedy, Gina; Termote, Céline. 2019
Abstract | View
Due to their limited access to the external productive inputs and the dependency on rain-fed agricultural production, small scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa have continued to face undernutrition despite the significant advancements in agriculture. They however often live in areas endowed with high agrobiodiversity which could contribute, if explored, to improved diets and nutrition. Few studies have linked the contribution of agrobiodiversity to the micronutrient adequacy of the diets of young children among smallholder farmers. The study explored this relationship and contributes to the growing body of literature linking agrobiodiversity to nutrition of young children. Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted as part of baseline assessment for an intervention study, one in the lean and a second in the plenty season in Vihiga county, Kenya. Household level interviews were administered to 634 households with children 12–23 months. Agrobiodiversity was defined as the number of crop species cultivated or harvested from the wild and the number of livestock maintained by the household across two agricultural seasons. Dietary data were collected using two-non-consecutive quantitative 24-hour recalls and analyzed using Lucille software. Diet quality was assessed using dietary diversity score based on seven food groups and mean probability of micronutrient adequacy computed for eleven micronutrients. A total of 80 species were maintained or harvested from the wild by the households. Mean household species richness was 9.9 ± 4.3. One in every four children did not meet the minimum dietary diversity score. The average mean probability of micronutrient adequacy was 68.11 ± 16.08 in plenty season compared to 56.37± 19.5% in the lean season. Iron, zinc and calcium were most limiting micronutrients in the diet, with less than 30% average probability of adequacy in both seasons. Household agrobiodiversity was positively associated with both dietary diversity score (r = 0.09, p = 0.029) and micronutrient adequacy (r = 0.15, p<0.000) in the pooled sample. One unit increase in species diversity was associated with 12.7% improvement in micronutrient adequacy. Despite the rich agrobiodiversity in the study area the diets were low in diversity and there is an unrealized opportunity to improve micronutrient intake through greater promotion and consumption of locally available agrobiodiversity.
Seroprevalence of leptospirosis and Japanese encephalitis in swine in ten provinces of Vietnam
Lee, Hu Suk; Thanh, To Long; Ly, Nguyen Khanh; Nguyen-Viet, Hung; Thakur, Krishna K.; Grace, Delia. 2019
Lee, Hu Suk; Thanh, To Long; Ly, Nguyen Khanh; Nguyen-Viet, Hung; Thakur, Krishna K.; Grace, Delia. 2019
Abstract | View
Leptospirosis is an important zoonotic disease with a global distribution, affecting a wide range of mammalian animals and humans. Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus is the major vector-borne zoonotic disease in the Asia-Pacific region. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of serovar-specific Leptospira and JE in swine from 10 provinces in Vietnam.
How do trust, social norms and risk attitudes influence sustained adoption of interventions to reduce post-harvest losses? Application of an Agent-Based Model to the tomato value chain in Nigeria
Van Wagenberg, Coen; Oudendag, Diti; Dijkxhoorn, Youri; Plaisier, Christine; Groot, Jim; Kok, Melanie. 2019
Van Wagenberg, Coen; Oudendag, Diti; Dijkxhoorn, Youri; Plaisier, Christine; Groot, Jim; Kok, Melanie. 2019
Abstract | View
The most important factors for the long-term success of the use of crates instead of baskets to transport fresh tomatoes in Nigeria were the additional price a wholesaler pays to farmers to transport the tomatoes in crates instead of in baskets, the risk attitudes of the value chain actors and social norms of the value chain actors. Trust in other value chain actors, the price and lifespan of crates and whether farmers or wholesalers invest in crates only mildly influenced the long-term use of crates. A 30% bonus on the price from wholesaler to farmer when using crates increased the number of farmers using crates after 30 seasons from 25% to 60% and decreased the loss of the best A-quality tomatoes by almost 50%. More risk averse actors are less inclined to keep using crates, because a crate requires a larger investment than a basket. A farmer with a low social norm factor cares less about whether others want to remain using crates, and thus switches to baskets quicker. Farmers with low levels of trust in the wholesaler switch from crates to baskets within a few seasons, whereas farmers with high levels of trust mostly remain using crates.
The lifespan and the price of a crate had minor impact on the results, because of the relatively low investment costs of crates. Providing financial incentives for farmers to use plastic crates, developing mechanisms to reduce the risk for individual farmers and strengthening social norms of value chain actors working together in the value chain could help to improve the long-term use of plastic crates.
The lifespan and the price of a crate had minor impact on the results, because of the relatively low investment costs of crates. Providing financial incentives for farmers to use plastic crates, developing mechanisms to reduce the risk for individual farmers and strengthening social norms of value chain actors working together in the value chain could help to improve the long-term use of plastic crates.
Investigation of nicotianamine and 2′ deoxymugineic acid as enhancers of iron bioavailability in caco-2 cells
Beasley, Jesse T.; Hart, Jonathan J.; Tako, Elad; Glahn, Raymond P.; Johnson, Alexander A.T.. 2019
Beasley, Jesse T.; Hart, Jonathan J.; Tako, Elad; Glahn, Raymond P.; Johnson, Alexander A.T.. 2019
Abstract | View
Nicotianamine (NA) is a low-molecular weight metal chelator in plants with high affinity for ferrous iron (Fe2+) and other divalent metal cations. In graminaceous plant species, NA serves as the biosynthetic precursor to 2′ deoxymugineic acid (DMA), a root-secreted mugineic acid family phytosiderophore that chelates ferric iron (Fe3+) in the rhizosphere for subsequent uptake by the plant. Previous studies have flagged NA and/or DMA as enhancers of Fe bioavailability in cereal grain although the extent of this promotion has not been quantified. In this study, we utilized the Caco-2 cell system to compare NA and DMA to two known enhancers of Fe bioavailability—epicatechin (Epi) and ascorbic acid (AsA)—and found that both NA and DMA are stronger enhancers of Fe bioavailability than Epi, and NA is a stronger enhancer of Fe bioavailability than AsA. Furthermore, NA reversed Fe uptake inhibition by Myricetin (Myr) more than Epi, highlighting NA as an important target for biofortification strategies aimed at improving Fe bioavailability in staple plant foods.
Property rights, intersectionality, and women’s empowerment in Nepal
Pradhan, Rajendra; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Theis, Sophie. Washington, D.C. 2018
Pradhan, Rajendra; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Theis, Sophie. Washington, D.C. 2018
Abstract | View
In this paper, we explore how different norms around property rights affect the empowerment of women of different social positions over the life cycle. We first review the conceptual foundations of property, empowerment, and intersectionality, and then present the methodology and empirical findings from ethnographic field work in Nepal. Going beyond formal ownership of property, we look at changes in property rights over personal and joint property at different stages of women’s lives. Finally, the paper makes recommendations for how research and development projects, especially in South Asia, can avoid misinterpreting asset and empowerment data by incorporating nuance around the concepts of property rights over the household life cycle.
IFPRI Strategy Refresh 2018-2020
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, D.C. 2018
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, D.C. 2018
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In 2012, IFPRI developed its 2013–2018 strategy to address unprecedented challenges in the food policy landscape. Five years later, many of those challenges persist while new threats and opportunities have arisen that will have fundamental impacts on future food security and nutrition. The Institute is refreshing its strategy to respond to these ongoing and emerging issues while continuing to deliver on its mission to provide researchbased policy solutions that sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. IFPRI’s vision remains that of a world free of hunger and malnutrition. The IFPRI Strategy Refresh: 2018–2020 outlines the strategic direction of the Institute for the next three years. It reviews the changing landscape of global developments as well as persistent issues that influence food policy. It also presents updates to IFPRI’s research areas that will drive the Institute’s efforts to reshape food systems and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Partnerships, communications, capacity strengthening, and data and knowledge management will continue to be essential components for taking IFPRI’s research from action to impact. The strategy refresh was informed by consultations with IFPRI staff and trustees as well as by feedback from IFPRI’s partners and collaborators.
Women’s empowerment in agriculture and dietary quality across the life course: Evidence from Bangladesh
Sraboni, Esha; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. Washington, D.C. 2018
Sraboni, Esha; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. Washington, D.C. 2018
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Using nationally representative survey data from rural Bangladesh, this paper examines the relationship between women’s empowerment in agriculture and indicators of individual dietary quality. Our findings suggest that women’s empowerment is associated with better dietary quality for individuals within the household, with varying effects across the life course. Women’s empowerment is associated with more diverse diets for children younger than five years, but empowerment measures are not consistently associated with increases in nutrient intake for this age group. Women’s empowerment is positively and significantly associated with adult men’s and women’s dietary diversity and nutrient intakes. Different empowerment domains may have different impacts on nutrition, but other characteristics, such as maternal schooling and household socioeconomic status, may play a more important role for younger children. The importance of maternal education in the dietary quality of young children, and the relatively greater importance of women’s empowerment for older children and adults, imply that policies designed to empower women and improve nutritional status should be informed by knowledge of which specific domains of women’s empowerment matter for particular nutritional outcomes at specific stages of the life course.
POSHAN’s abstract digest on maternal and child nutrition research – Issue 20
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2018
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This issue of Abstract Digest has a collection of articles that examine trends, inequities, and coverage measurement topics pertaining to maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition. The recently released Countdown to 2030 Report includes profiles of 81 Countdown priority countries on their current situation and trends in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition. The special supplement of The Journal of Global Health on ‘Measuring coverage of essential maternal and newborn care interventions: An unfinished agenda’ highlights the gaps in the current measurement of newborn care practices, comparability issues with implications for future measurement and research.
District Nutrition Profiles: A quick guide
George, Nitya Rachel; Vaid, Abhilasha; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
George, Nitya Rachel; Vaid, Abhilasha; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
India is home to millions of undernourished children; however, little is known about the extent of undernutrition and its multiple determinants at the district level. POSHAN has generated District Nutrition Profiles (DNPs) for the 640 districts of India, with the aim of creating awareness, facilitating evidence-based discussions, and mobilizing action for nutrition at the district level. These 4 page profiles present a snapshot of the state of nutrition and its multiple determinants in each district. They were conceptualized to enable local leaders and civil society to understand what it takes to effectively tackle undernutrition in their communities. Data on the nutritional status of children in India is often only available at the national and state levels, with very little data present at the district level. So, this series is a step towards bridging this knowledge gap.
Ending poverty & hunger: IFPRI and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
Launched in 2003, IFPRI’s partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has brought us many steps closer to our shared vision of a world free of hunger and malnutrition, where, in the words of Bill and Melinda Gates, “all lives have equal value.” This report highlights the progress we have made together, as we work to end hunger and poverty, a goal that we both agree is within reach.
Optimizing food-assistance programs: Food assistance improves child growth in Burundi
Leroy, Jef L.; Olney, Deanna K.; Ruel, Marie T.; Brown, Tracy. Washington, DC 2018
Leroy, Jef L.; Olney, Deanna K.; Ruel, Marie T.; Brown, Tracy. Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
Food-assisted maternal and child health and nutrition (FA-MCHN) programs have long been used to address hunger and hunger-related problems. Traditionally, such programs targeted families with underweight children younger than five. But a landmark IFPRI study in Haiti showed that preventive interventions—those that target all mothers during pregnancy and the first 6 months of lactation as well as children between 6 and 24 months old (the first 1,000 days)—are more effective than traditional recuperative interventions.
Optimizing food-assistance programs: Nutrition-sensitive food assistance lowers anemia prevalence in Burundi
Leroy, Jef L.; Olney, Deanna K.; Ruel, Marie T.; Brown, Tracy. Washington, DC 2018
Leroy, Jef L.; Olney, Deanna K.; Ruel, Marie T.; Brown, Tracy. Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
Evidence shows that food-assisted maternal and child health and nutrition (FA-MCHN) programs that target mothers and children during the first 1,000 days of life (from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday) succeed in achieving nutrition improvements. What are the effects of such programs on anemia (i.e., low hemoglobin levels), specifically, in mothers and children? Women and children in the first 1,000 days are at particular risk of anemia. Anemia during pregnancy increases the chance of maternal mortality and has been associated with increased perinatal mortality, low birth weight, and, when caused by iron deficiency, delays in child development. Developmental delays, in turn, can have lifelong consequences, as they hinder cognitive development, school performance, employment, and accumulation of wealth. Certain components of FA-MCHN programs may help to reduce anemia, including the distribution of micronutrientfortified commodities, behavior change communication (BCC) strategies around optimal child feeding and hygiene and health practices (for example, promoting the use of bednets to prevent malaria, an important cause of anemia), and the strengthening of health services.
Markets, trade, and institutions division
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
Status of nutrition-relevant interventions during pregnancy in India: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Avula, Rasmi; Sarswat, Esha; Chakrabarti, Suman; Mani, Sneha; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Avula, Rasmi; Sarswat, Esha; Chakrabarti, Suman; Mani, Sneha; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
The World Health Organization antenatal care guidelines 2016 have emphasized maternal nutrition assessment and provision of a set of nutrition-relevant interventions. This Data Note describes the current levels of key maternal nutrition interventions during pregnancy, summarizing the National Family Health Survey-4 (2016) data from 640 districts of India.
Bihar district nutrition profiles [in Hindi]
George, Nitya Rachel; Vaid, Abhilasha; Nguyen, Phuong H.; Avula, Rasmi; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
George, Nitya Rachel; Vaid, Abhilasha; Nguyen, Phuong H.; Avula, Rasmi; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
POSHAN’s abstract digest on maternal and child nutrition research – Issue 21
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2018
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This issue of Abstract Digest presents two breakthrough studies that take a critical look at the association of water, sanitation, and handwashing (WASH) interventions with nutrition and a systematic review on enteric dysfunction and child stunting. Other interesting studies include those related to the design, cost and other program elements pertaining to diets for maternal and child health.
Food systems for healthier diets in Ethiopia: Toward a research agenda
Gebru, Mestawet; Remans, Roseline; Brouwer, Inge; Baye, Kaleab; Melesse, Mequanint Biset; Covic, Namukolo; Habtamu, Fekadu; Abay, Alem Hadera; Hailu, Tesfaye; Hirvonen, Kalle; Kassaye, Tarik; Kennedy, Gina; Lachat, Carl; Lemma, Ferew; McDermott, John; Minten, Bart; Moges, Tibebu; Reta, Fidaku; Tadesse, Eneye; Taye, Tamene; Truebswasser, Ursula; Vandenberg, Marrit. Washington, DC 2018
Gebru, Mestawet; Remans, Roseline; Brouwer, Inge; Baye, Kaleab; Melesse, Mequanint Biset; Covic, Namukolo; Habtamu, Fekadu; Abay, Alem Hadera; Hailu, Tesfaye; Hirvonen, Kalle; Kassaye, Tarik; Kennedy, Gina; Lachat, Carl; Lemma, Ferew; McDermott, John; Minten, Bart; Moges, Tibebu; Reta, Fidaku; Tadesse, Eneye; Taye, Tamene; Truebswasser, Ursula; Vandenberg, Marrit. Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
In this paper, we identify research streams to support the operationalizing of such food systems approaches in Ethiopia. To this end, we engaged with stakeholders, reviewed the literature, and applied a food systems framework to research priorities in the Ethiopian context. We develop an initial food systems profile of Ethiopia and identify 25 priority research questions, categorized into three main areas: diagnosis and foresight research, implementation research, and institutional and policy processes...The paper contextualizes the case of Ethiopia within global food systems thinking and thereby aims to stimulate in- and cross-country learning.
Empowering women, enhancing nutrition, and ending poverty: IFPRI and Canada
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
Global changes with wide-reaching impacts include rapid urbanization, climate change, conflict-driven migration, and dietary transitions as well as uncertainty regarding trade and foreign investment. More than ever, responding to these challenges will require a systems-oriented, multidisciplinary approach to reshaping agriculture and food systems so that they work for everyone. IFPRI will spearhead research to understand and address these trends, build evidence for sound policies at the country and regional levels, and continue to focus on empowering women. IFPRI’s long-standing partnership with Canada has generated cutting-edge research in support of improved food security and nutrition, particularly for women and children, and gender equity, and IFPRI looks forward to continuing to work together to end hunger and malnutrition.
Madhya Pradesh district nutrition profiles [in Hindi]
George, Nitya; Vaid, Abhilasha; Nguyen, Phuong; Avula, Rasmi; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
George, Nitya; Vaid, Abhilasha; Nguyen, Phuong; Avula, Rasmi; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Uttar Pradesh district nutrition profiles [in Hindi]
George, Nitya Rachel; Vaid, Abhilasha; Nguyen, Phuong; Avula, Rasmi; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
George, Nitya Rachel; Vaid, Abhilasha; Nguyen, Phuong; Avula, Rasmi; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Building evidence for policy and program action for nutrition in Ghana
Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Billings, Lucy; Hidrobo, Melissa; Verstraeten, Roosmarijn; Salm, Leah; van den Bold, Mara. Washington, DC 2018
Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Billings, Lucy; Hidrobo, Melissa; Verstraeten, Roosmarijn; Salm, Leah; van den Bold, Mara. Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
This brief provides an overview of existing literature on nutrition in Ghana, summarizing the issues covered by existing evidence and identifying remaining evidence gaps. It also describes promising new research initiatives underway to further build the evidence base for nutrition action in Ghana.
2017 Annual report
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
Despite strong economic growth in 2017, antiglobalization sentiments increased uncertainty about international cooperation. A rise in hunger, linked with conflict and climate shocks, reconfirmed the importance of IFPRI’s mission-providing research-based policy solutions that reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition sustainably-and the need for greater global efforts to improve our food systems and accelerate progress toward ending hunger. With its refreshed strategy, IFPRI is proud to contribute to progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Chhattisgarh district nutrition profiles [in Hindi]
George, Nitya; Vaid, Abhilasha; Nguyen, Phuong; Avula, Rasmi; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
George, Nitya; Vaid, Abhilasha; Nguyen, Phuong; Avula, Rasmi; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Jharkhand district nutrition profiles [in Hindi]
George, Nitya; Vaid, Abhilasha; Nguyen, Phuong; Avula, Rasmi; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
George, Nitya; Vaid, Abhilasha; Nguyen, Phuong; Avula, Rasmi; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Rajasthan district nutrition profiles [in Hindi]
George, Nitya; Vaid, Abhilasha; Nguyen, Phuong; Avula, Rasmi; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
George, Nitya; Vaid, Abhilasha; Nguyen, Phuong; Avula, Rasmi; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Uttarakhand district nutrition profiles [in Hindi]
George, Nitya; Vaid, Abhilasha; Nguyen, Phuong; Avula, Rasmi; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
George, Nitya; Vaid, Abhilasha; Nguyen, Phuong; Avula, Rasmi; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Haryana district nutrition profiles [in Hindi]
George, Nitya; Vaid, Abhilasha; Nguyen, Phuong; Avula, Rasmi; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
George, Nitya; Vaid, Abhilasha; Nguyen, Phuong; Avula, Rasmi; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Knowledge lab on climate-resilient food systems: An analytical support facility to achieve the SDGs 2018
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
A4NH 2017 annual report highlights
A4NH. Washington, DC 2018
A4NH. Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
The CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH) is dedicated to the realization of Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 3, laid out by the United Nations. In 2017, A4NH began its second phase of work, with five research flagships, seven managing partners, and activities in more than 30 countries all working toward realizing this vision.
A4NH 2017 annual report
A4NH. Washington, DC 2018
A4NH. Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
The CGIAR Research Program on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health (A4NH) is dedicated to the realization of Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 3, laid out by the United Nations. In 2017, A4NH began its second phase of work, with five research flagships, seven managing partners, and activities in more than 30 countries all working toward realizing this vision.
The role of food systems and value chains to improve diets in low income settings: Diagnostics to support intervention design in Malawi
Gelli, Aulo; Donovan, Jason; Margolies, Amy; Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Santacroce, Marco; Chirwa, Ephraim; Henson, Spencer; Hawkes, Corinna. Washington, DC 2018
Gelli, Aulo; Donovan, Jason; Margolies, Amy; Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Santacroce, Marco; Chirwa, Ephraim; Henson, Spencer; Hawkes, Corinna. Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
In this paper, we apply a mixed-method multisectoral diagnostic to examine potential interventions in food systems to improve diets of rural smallholder farmers in Malawi. We examine the entry points for interventions involving public and nonprofit (including both government and development partners) and private-sector perspectives. In addition, we explore the methodological and theoretical requirements for undertaking this type of multisectoral analysis.
Women's self-help groups, decision-making, and improved agricultural practices in India: From extension to practice
Raghunathan, Kalyani; Kannan, Samyuktha; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. Washington, DC 2018
Raghunathan, Kalyani; Kannan, Samyuktha; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
This research was undertaken as part of the Women Improving Nutrition through Group-based Strategies (WINGS) study, and was aimed at understanding ways to improve agricultural practices among women farmers in India. Effective agricultural extension is key to improving productivity, increasing farmers’ access to information, and promoting more diverse sets of crops and improved methods of cultivation. In India, however, the coverage of agricultural extension workers and the relevance of extension advice is poor. We investigate whether a women’s self-help group platform could be an effective way of improving access to information, women’s empowerment in agriculture, agricultural practices, and production diversity. We use cross-sectional data on close to 1000 women from 5 states in India, and employ nearest-neighbor matching models to match self-help group (SHG) and non-SHG women along a range of observed characteristics. We find that participation in an SHG increases women’s access to information and their participation in some agricultural decisions, but has limited impact on agricultural practices or outcomes, possibly due to financial constraints, social norms, and women’s domestic responsibilities. SHGs need to go beyond provision of information to changing the dynamics around women’s participation in agriculture to effectively translate knowledge into practice.
POSHAN's abstract digest on maternal and child nutrition research - Issue 22
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2018
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2018
Mechanized: Transforming Africa’s agriculture value chains
Malabo Montpellier Panel. Dakar, Senegal 2018
Malabo Montpellier Panel. Dakar, Senegal 2018
Abstract | View
The current report—Mechanized: Transforming Africa’s Agriculture Value Chains—summarizes the findings of a systematic analysis of what countries at the forefront of progress in mechanization have done right. It analyzes which policy decisions were taken and which interventions were implemented to substantially increase the uptake of mechanization. The report takes a broad perspective on mechanization, including technologies along the entire value chain and how they relate to agricultural development and job creation. The report shows what can be done to sustainably mechanize agriculture to increase production and enhance value addition across value chain segments. The set of policies and practices that are identified, if brought to scale, could have significant impact on agricultural transformation in Africa. The report provides a roadmap for African governments to take concerted action to deliver on the growth and transformation targets set out by the Malabo Declaration and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Improving food safety on the farm: Experimental evidence from Kenya on agricultural incentives and subsidies as public health investments
Hoffmann, Vivian; Jones, Kelly M.. Washington, DC 2018
Hoffmann, Vivian; Jones, Kelly M.. Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
Evidence continues to mount that foodborne illness imposes a staggering health burden in developing countries. However, standard approaches used by developed country governments to ensure food safety are not appropriate in settings where regulatory enforcement capacity is weak and most firms are small and informal. Thus, interventions to improve food safety in developing countries must take into account the constraints and incentives faced by producers in these countries. In this paper, we test the impact of two such interventions: subsidies for technologies that improve food safety and price premiums for safer produce. We examine the case of on-farm control of aflatoxin, a carcinogenic toxin linked to child stunting that is produced by a fungus commonly found on maize and groundnut. We show that compared to Kenyan farmers who produce maize only for their family’s own consumption, Kenyan farmers who produce maize for sale are less likely to undertake post-harvest practices that increase the unobservable quality of aflatoxin safety. Employing randomized discount vouchers, we find that willingness to pay for a new post-harvest technology to prevent aflatoxin contamination is significantly lower among market producers than subsistence farmers. However, we find that take-up of the technology among market producers increases when they have the opportunity to sell aflatoxin-safe maize at a premium a few months after harvest. Using take-up rates from the experiment, we model the impacts of public subsidies and market incentives for aflatoxin control. We find that subsidization of aflatoxin control technologies is a cost-effective strategy for reducing liver cancer and possibly also for reducing stunting in children. The most cost-effective technologies considered are widely adopted by both subsistence and market producers, implying little additional impact of a price premium on food safety.
The evolving livestock sector in Ethiopia: Growth by heads, not by productivity
Bachewe, Fantu Nisrane; Minten, Bart; Tadesse, Fanaye; Taffesse, Alemayehu Seyoum. Washington, DC; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2018
Bachewe, Fantu Nisrane; Minten, Bart; Tadesse, Fanaye; Taffesse, Alemayehu Seyoum. Washington, DC; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2018
Abstract | View
Livestock is important in Ethiopia’s agricultural economy as almost all farmers own some livestock. Livestock assets are valued at 720 USD per farm on average. Overall livestock output has grown rapidly over the last decade, estimated at almost 6 percent per year, but about 80 percent of that growth came from increases in the number of livestock. The stock of different livestock species was about 50 percent higher in 2015 than a decade earlier, while modern input use and improvements in production methods contributed little to growth in the livestock sector. Linked to improved access to extension and markets, adoption of improved breeds and improved feeding practices increased, but such adoption patterns started from a very low base. Within the livestock sector, cattle are dominant, making up an estimated three-quarters of the value of livestock stock. However, the share of cattle in total livestock output is declining, and small ruminants are on the rise, especially in pastoralist areas. Given the rapid growth in livestock numbers and the increasing livestock density per unit of land, we find that feeding practices are changing. Grazing land is declining in availability, so reliance on commercial feed markets is increasing. Access to vaccinations and veterinary service provision have improved, and livestock death rates declined slightly over the last decade. However, the number of livestock lost to deaths is still more than twice the number sold for meat production, indicating important challenges remaining for the development of the livestock sector in Ethiopia.
Investing in wet mills and washed coffee in Ethiopia: Benefits and constraints
Tamru, Seneshaw; Minten, Bart. Washington, DC; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2018
Tamru, Seneshaw; Minten, Bart. Washington, DC; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 2018
Abstract | View
Local value-addition in developing countries is often aimed at the upgrading of agricultural value chains, since it is assumed that doing so will make farmers better off. However, transmission of the added value through the value chain and constraints to adoption of value-adding activities by farmers are not well understood. We look at this issue in the case of coffee in Ethiopia – the country’s most important export product – and value-addition in the coffee value-chain through ‘washing’ coffee, which is done in wet mills. Washed coffee is sold internationally with a significant premium compared to ‘natural’ coffee, and we find that this premium is largely transmitted to producers. However, while wet mills have become more widespread, the share of washed coffee in Ethiopia’s coffee exports is not increasing over time and, even if coffee farmers have access to a wet mill, they often do not sell all their coffee cherries to them. Relying on a unique primary large-scale dataset and a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, we examine the reasons for this puzzle. The reasons seemingly are twofold. First, labor productivity in producing red cherries, which wet mills require, is lower than for natural coffee, reducing incentives for adoption, especially for those farmers with higher opportunity costs of labor. Second, only impatient, often smaller, farmers sell red cherries, as more patient farmers use the storable dried coffee cherries as a rewarding savings instrument, given the negative real deposit rates in formal savings institutions.
IFPRI at a glance
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) believes that by working together, the global community can sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. IFPRI provides cutting-edge research and policy options on food and nutrition security to support these goals. For more than 40 years, IFPRI has collaborated with stakeholders and partners to contribute needed evidence for country- and region-led policies that help ensure that all people have access to safe, sufficient, nutritious, and sustainably grown food.
Resources: Nutrition
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
Resources: Agriculture, nutrition, and health 2018
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
Resources: Agriculture and food security 2018
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
Connect with IFPRI
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
Women’s aspirations for the future, and their financial, social and educational investments
Raghunathan, Kalyani; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Kumar, Neha; Cunningham, Kenda. Washington, DC 2018
Raghunathan, Kalyani; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Kumar, Neha; Cunningham, Kenda. Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
We examine the correlates of aspirations of rural women around income, asset ownership, social status and the education of their children, using primary data from India. We then investigate how the gaps between current and aspired-to status are associated with individual investments in financial, social status-related, and educational dimensions.
Social networks, mobility, and political participation: The potential for women’s self-help groups to improve access and use of public entitlement schemes in India
Kumar, Neha; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Arrieta, Alejandra; Jilani, Amir Hamza; Chakrabarti, Suman; Menon, Purnima; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. Washington, DC 2018
Kumar, Neha; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Arrieta, Alejandra; Jilani, Amir Hamza; Chakrabarti, Suman; Menon, Purnima; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
Women’s self-help groups (SHGs) have increasingly been used as a vehicle for social, political, and economic empowerment as well as a platform for service delivery. Although a growing body of literature shows evidence of positive impacts of SHGs on various measures of empowerment, our understanding of ways in which SHGs improve awareness and use of public services is limited. To fill this knowledge gap, this paper first examines how SHG membership is associated with political participation, awareness, and use of government entitlement schemes. It further examines the effect of SHG membership on various measures of social networks and mobility. Using data collected in 2015 across five Indian states and matching methods to correct for endogeneity of SHG membership, we find that SHG members are more politically engaged. We also find that SHG members are not only more likely to know of certain public entitlements than non-members, they are significantly more likely to avail of a greater number of public entitlement schemes. Additionally, SHG members have wider social networks and greater mobility as compared to non-members. Our results suggest that SHGs have the potential to increase their members’ ability to hold public entities accountable and demand what is rightfully theirs. An important insight, however, is that the SHGs themselves cannot be expected to increase knowledge of public entitlement schemes in absence of a deliberate effort to do so by an external agency.
Water, sanitation and child health: Evidence from subnational panel data in 59 countries
Headey, Derek D.; Palloni, Giordano. Washington, DC 2018
Headey, Derek D.; Palloni, Giordano. Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) investments are widely seen as essential for improving health in early childhood. However, the experimental literature on WASH interventions identifies inconsistent impacts on child health outcomes, with relatively robust impacts on diarrhea and other symptoms of infection, but weak and varying impacts on child nutrition. In contrast, observational research exploiting cross-sectional variation in water and sanitation access is much more sanguine, finding strong associations with diarrhea prevalence, mortality and stunting. In practice, both literatures suffer from significant methodological limitations. Experimental WASH evaluations are often subject to poor compliance, rural bias, and short duration of exposure, while cross-sectional observational evidence may be highly vulnerable to omitted variables bias. To overcome some of the limitations of both literatures, we construct a panel of 442 subnational regions in 59 countries with multiple Demographic Health Surveys. This large subnational panel is used to implement difference-in-difference regressions that allow us to examine whether longer term changes in water and sanitation at the subnational level predict improvements in child morbidity, mortality and nutrition. We find results that are partially consistent with both literatures. Improved water access is statistically insignificantly associated with most outcomes, although water piped into the dwelling predicts reductions in child stunting. Improvements in sanitation predict large reductions in diarrhea prevalence and child mortality, but are not associated with changes in stunting or wasting. We estimate that sanitation improvements can account for just under 10% of the decline in child mortality from 1990-2015.
POSHAN's abstract digest on maternal and child nutrition research - Issue 23
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2018
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2018
IFPRI at a glance [in Chinese]
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
IFPRI en bref
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
L’INSTITUT INTERNATIONAL DE RECHERCHE SUR LES POLITIQUES ALIMENTAIRES (IFPRI) est convaincu qu’en rassemblant ses forces, la communauté internationale peut réduire durablement la pauvreté et éradiquer la faim et la malnutrition. L’IFPRI élabore des solutions politiques et de recherche de pointe sur la sécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle à l’appui de ces objectifs. Pendant plus de 40 ans, l’IFPRI a collaboré avec les parties prenantes et ses partenaires pour fournir les données probantes nécessaires à des politiques nationales ou régionales qui aident à faire en sorte que toutes les populations aient accès à des aliments sains, suffisants, nutritifs et produits de façon durable.
District-level coverage of interventions in the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme during pregnancy, lactation and early childhood in India: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Avula, Rasmi; Sarswat, Esha; Chakrabarti, Suman; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Mathews, Pratima; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Avula, Rasmi; Sarswat, Esha; Chakrabarti, Suman; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Mathews, Pratima; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
India’s Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, which was launched in 1975, offers nutrition and health services across the continuum of care in the first 1000 days of life. Universalization was mandated in 2006 and implemented thereafter. This Data Note describes the coverage of core ICDS interventions during pregnancy, lactation and early childhood at the district level in 2016, as seen in the National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4) data from 6401districts of India.
A review of the Integrated Child Development Services’ Supplementary Nutrition Program for Infants and Young Children: Take home ration for children
Vaid, Abhilasha; Avula, Rasmi; George, Nitya Rachel; John, Aparna; Menon, Purnima; Mathews, Pratima. New Delhi, India 2018
Vaid, Abhilasha; Avula, Rasmi; George, Nitya Rachel; John, Aparna; Menon, Purnima; Mathews, Pratima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
We aimed to examine the current policy guidance for ICDS SNP and operationalization of these at the state-level. To do so, we compared India’s SNP guidance for THR with global guidelines for infant and young child feeding (IYCF). Additionally, the current state of the take-home ration supplied for infants and young children across India was reviewed and summarized. Findings on state- and district-specific coverage of services is described elsewhere.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Assam: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Kachwaha, Shivani; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi; Tran, Lan Mai; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Kachwaha, Shivani; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi; Tran, Lan Mai; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Andhra Pradesh: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Agarwal, Aishwarya; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Agarwal, Aishwarya; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Bihar: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Bajaj, Sumati; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Bajaj, Sumati; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Chhattisgarh: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Pant, Anjali; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Tran, Lan Mai; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Pant, Anjali; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Tran, Lan Mai; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Rajasthan: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Sehgal, Mrignyani; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Sehgal, Mrignyani; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Tamil Nadu: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Agarwal, Aishwarya; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi; Tran, Lan Mai; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Agarwal, Aishwarya; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi; Tran, Lan Mai; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Madhya Pradesh: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Bajaj, Sumati; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Tran, Lan Mai; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Bajaj, Sumati; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Tran, Lan Mai; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Gujarat: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Pramanik, Priyanjana; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Pramanik, Priyanjana; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Maharashtra: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Bajaj, Sumati; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Bajaj, Sumati; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Haryana: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Pant, Anjali; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Mai, Lan Tran; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Pant, Anjali; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Mai, Lan Tran; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Himachal Pradesh: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Pant, Anjali; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Mai, Lan Tran; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Pant, Anjali; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Mai, Lan Tran; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Punjab: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Pant, Anjali; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Mai, Lan Tran; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Pant, Anjali; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Mai, Lan Tran; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Jammu and Kashmir: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Pant, Anjali; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Mai, Lan Tran; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Pant, Anjali; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Mai, Lan Tran; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Notedescribes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Jharkhand: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Pant, Anjali; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Pant, Anjali; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in West Bengal: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Sehgal, Mrignyani; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Sehgal, Mrignyani; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Odisha: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Sehgal, Mrignyani; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Mai, Lan Tran; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Sehgal, Mrignyani; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Mai, Lan Tran; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Manipur: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Pramanik, Priyanjana; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Pramanik, Priyanjana; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Karnataka: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Sehgal, Mrignyani; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi; Tran, Lan Mai; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Sehgal, Mrignyani; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi; Tran, Lan Mai; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Meghalaya: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Pramanik, Priyanjana; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Pramanik, Priyanjana; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Kerala: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Sehgal, Mrignyani; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Sehgal, Mrignyani; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Markets, Trade, and Institutions Division (MTID)
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
Economic opportunity and inclusive market access are essential in reducing poverty and ensuring food security for millions of smallholder producers around the world. IFPRI’s Markets, Trade, and Institutions Division (MTID) provides innovative, evidence-based policy solutions to help drive inclusive economic growth, reduce poverty, and ensure food security worldwide through a more efficient food system. MTID analyzes existing local, regional, and global economic conditions to identify policies that can improve institutions, promote market efficiency, reduce transaction costs for producers and consumers, and help smallholders achieve better access to markets.
Optimizing food assistance programs: Multisectoral program improves child growth in Guatemala
Olney, Deanna K.; Leroy, Jef L.; Ruel, Marie T.; Brown, Tracy. Washington, DC 2018
Olney, Deanna K.; Leroy, Jef L.; Ruel, Marie T.; Brown, Tracy. Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
Food-assisted maternal and child health and nutrition programs that incorporate food rations, a behavior change communication (BCC) strategy, and activities to improve the implementation and use of government-funded health services can improve child growth. Do quantity and composition of food rations affect intervention outcomes?
Poverty, Health, and Nutrition Division (PHND)
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
Poverty, food insecurity, and poor nutrition and health are among the most pernicious problems eroding people’s quality of life and limiting their economic productivity. These are the problems that IFPRI’s Poverty, Health, and Nutrition Division (PHND) aims to understand and overcome. PHND research provides evidence on strategies to increase the incomes of poor people in developing countries, improve their livelihoods, and promote their ability to acquire skills and knowledge, access healthy diets, and live healthy and well-nourished lives. To accomplish this, the division’s researchers examine the causes of poverty, food insecurity, and malnutrition and identify effective policies and programs for addressing them, including programs in agriculture, health, education, and social protection. Issues of gender are central to this research, and several projects identify innovative ways of empowering women to maximize the impacts of such programs. PHND’s work contributes to IFPRI’s 2018–2020 Strategy, particularly in the strategic research area on promoting healthy diets and nutrition for all and the cross-cutting theme on gender. The division’s activities focus on Africa and South Asia, with a continuing presence in Latin America.
South Asia Regional Office (SAR)
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
Achieving food and nutrition security is a complex challenge. This is especially true in South Asia, where 40 percent of the world’s poor—who survive on less than US$1.25 a day—live and 21 percent of the population is undernourished. Yet countries in South Asia have seen marked improvements in socioeconomic development in recent years. South Asia encompasses only 3 percent of the world’s land, but is home to about a quarter of the world’s population (1.6 billion people). While agriculture is a critical component of food and nutrition security, it is interlinked with water, energy, infrastructure, and policy challenges. Apart from this, natural resources are under additional pressure due to population growth, income growth, urbanization, changing consumer preferences, and climate change. Against this backdrop, the IFPRI South Asia Regional Office (SAR) in New Delhi engages in evidence-based policy research and capacity-building activities related to food and nutrition security in the region. The research focuses on agricultural diversification, climate change, markets and trade, nutrition and health, science and technology, and governance, contributing directly to the strategic research areas established by IFPRI’s 2018–2020 Strategy.
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Gender Linkages (ANGeL)
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Dhaka, Bangladesh 2018
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Dhaka, Bangladesh 2018
Abstract | View
What is ANGeL? IFPRI designed an innovative research program called “Orienting Agriculture toward Improved Nutrition and Women’s Empowerment,” or the Agriculture, Nutrition, and Gender Linkages (ANGeL) Project. ANGeL was a 3-year initiative that aimed to identify actions and investments in agriculture to promote agricultural diversity, increase farm household income, improve nutrition, and empower women.
POSHAN's abstract digest on maternal and child nutrition research - Issue 24
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2018
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2018
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Nagaland: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Pramanik, Priyanjana; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Pramanik, Priyanjana; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Sikkim: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Bajaj, Sumati; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Tran, Lan Mai; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Bajaj, Sumati; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Tran, Lan Mai; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Tripura: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Kachwaha, Shivani; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Kachwaha, Shivani; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Uttarakhand: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Kachwaha, Shivani; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Kachwaha, Shivani; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Goa: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Agarwal, Aishwarya; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi; Tran, Lan Mai; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Agarwal, Aishwarya; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi; Tran, Lan Mai; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Arunachal Pradesh: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Agarwal, Aishwarya; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Tran, Lan Mai; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Agarwal, Aishwarya; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Tran, Lan Mai; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Mizoram: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Pramanik, Priyanjana; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Pramanik, Priyanjana; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Delhi: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Agarwal, Aishwarya; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi; Tran, Lan Mai; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Agarwal, Aishwarya; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi; Tran, Lan Mai; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Uttar Pradesh: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Kachwaha, Shivani; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Kachwaha, Shivani; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Agriculture–nutrition linkages in Tajikistan: Evidence from household survey data
Takeshima, Hiroyuki; Akramov, Kamiljon T.; Park, Allen; Ilyasov, Jarilkasin; Liu, Yanyan; Ergasheva, Tanzila; . Washington, DC 2018
Takeshima, Hiroyuki; Akramov, Kamiljon T.; Park, Allen; Ilyasov, Jarilkasin; Liu, Yanyan; Ergasheva, Tanzila; . Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
In Tajikistan, the poorest country in the Central Asia region and one of the poorest in the world, food consumption patterns remain inadequate for a significant share of the population. Undernutrition and child stunting, among other outcomes, remain prevalent. At the same time, overnutrition and obesity are becoming increasingly serious. Using pooled cross-section datasets collected in 2007 and 2015 from farm households in Khatlon province (the major agricultural area in Tajikistan), we investigate how key agricultural production practices (APPs) (household-level production diversification, land productivity, and production scale) are associated with household-level and individual-level nutritional outcomes, including dietary diversity and children’s and women’s anthropometric outcomes. We find that, in rural Khatlon, these APPs are positively associated with various nutritional outcomes at the household level. Furthermore, applying the methodologies of Lee (1979), Maddala (1983), and Björklund and Moffitt (1987), we find that a different set of factors affects the unobserved returns and costs of these APPs, which are heterogeneous across households, and that, importantly, adoption of these APPs is partly driven by the expected returns. However, despite the positive gross returns, diversifying farm production or raising land productivity is costly among small and resource-poor farms. Improving their access to land and agricultural capital, as well as improving overall land productivity, with particular support to women, may be critical for enhancing their nutritional outcomes by exploiting agriculture’s linkages to such outcomes.
Compact 2025: Conference program guide
Compact 2025. Washington, D.C. 2018
Compact 2025. Washington, D.C. 2018
Abstract | View
Welcome to the Global Event on “Accelerating the End of Hunger and Malnutrition.” Your participation will make a valuable contribution to this groundbreaking initiative to advance human well-being. Hunger and the multiple burdens of malnutrition cause human suffering and hold back economic potential. Achieving food and nutrition security is fundamental to reaching all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, in recent years, progress towards eradicating hunger has slowed and even reversed globally. To end hunger and malnutrition by 2030, the world urgently needs to correct its course and pick up the pace.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in Telangana: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Pramanik, Priyanjana; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Tran, Lan Mai; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Pramanik, Priyanjana; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Tran, Lan Mai; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the coverage of a set of key nutrition and health interventions. The findings here are based on data from the National Family Health Survey 2015-2016. Indicators to capture the coverage of the interventions here are all calculated for women (15-49 years) with a child under five years of age. All analyses are based on the last-born child for each woman and indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note. For some indicators, age categories may vary.
Tracking anemia and its determinants from 2006 to 2016 in India: Insights from the National Family Health Survey-4
Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Agarwal, Aishwarya; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Agarwal, Aishwarya; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2018
Abstract | View
This Data Note describes the prevalence of anemia and its determinants (as listed on page 11), and coverage of a set of key interventions targeted at improving anemia. The findings here are based on available data from the National Family Health Surveys in 2005-2006 and 2015-2016. For some indicators, age categories may vary depending on information received from the survey.
Gender, household behavior, and rural development
Doss, Cheryl; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. Washington, DC 2018
Doss, Cheryl; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
This paper reviews recent conceptual and empirical developments regarding household behavior and gender norms in developing countries covering the following general topics: (1) what do the data tell us about gender gaps in control and ownership of resources? (2) what have we learned about jointness in household behavior; (3) what do the data tell us about the resources that men and women control, whether solely or jointly; and (4) why does it matter?
Market integration with ASEAN and beyond: The case of Myanmar
Ajmani, Manmeet; Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Vr, Renjini; Roy, Devesh. Washington, DC 2018
Ajmani, Manmeet; Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Vr, Renjini; Roy, Devesh. Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
In this paper, we address the question of market integration of Myanmar with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its other top trading partners. Focusing on agricultural trade, we use indicators – ‘Trade Potential’ and ‘Competition Indices’ to assess the nature and extent of the integration. This study highlights the exports of Myanmar which are competitive in the ASEAN markets and have high export potential. A higher trade potential with lower competition (value or volume) would indicate an opportunity for higher returns for agricultural producers. In the case of Myanmar, “dried legumes and beans,” “crustaceans,” “frozen fish,” “other oilseeds,” “maize,” and “preserved fruits and nuts” are identified as high-potential exports with lower competition in ASEAN markets which can be targeted for trade expansion. Finally, to demonstrate the upward movement in the value chain, possibly due to quality upgradation, we present the dynamics of the unit value of Myanmar’s agricultural exports.
Enhancing nutrition and ending poverty: IFPRI and India
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2018
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IFPRI’S PARTNERSHIP WITH INDIA BEGAN MORE THAN 40 YEARS AGO, IN THE WAKE OF THE GREEN REVOLUTION. Over the last four decades, IFPRI’s research in India has addressed the most pressing issues of the times. In the late 1970s, as food production in India stagnated and the population grew, the IFPRI-India working relationship focused on technology and rural development. In the 1980s, IFPRI delved deeply into India’s agriculture sector—on issues such as foodgrain production, subsidies, dairy development, and livestock demand—while in the 1990s IFPRI’s work focused on such topics as public expenditure and poverty in rural India and incentives and constraints in the transformation of Indian agriculture. Research since the 2000s has expanded to include nutrition, public investment, climate change, value chains, capacity strengthening, and biofortification. IFPRI receives critical financial and logistical support from the Government of India, especially through the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, and works alongside numerous research partners in the country. This brochure highlights some of the key collaborations between IFPRI and our Indian partners.
India’s pearl millet seed industry: Prospects for high-iron hybrids
Karandikar, Bhushana; Smale, Melinda; Birol, Ekin; Tadla-Diressie, Michael. Washington, DC 2018
Karandikar, Bhushana; Smale, Melinda; Birol, Ekin; Tadla-Diressie, Michael. Washington, DC 2018
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In this paper, we seek to understand the current structure of the pearl millet seed sector in order to formulate recommendations about how best to position the marketing strategy for soon-to-be-released, high-iron hybrids. We conduct a thorough review of the literature, with reference to both qualitative and quantitative information. We focus on the evolution of the industry structure for pearl millet seed, documenting changes that have occurred in procedures for variety release and registration over time. We shed light on issues such as why some varieties are more popular than others; the role of companies in promoting varieties; and whether the rights of a high-iron hybrid should be exclusive to one company. We also explore the implications of the fact that neither farmers nor consumers can observe the high-iron trait for marketing and promoting new varieties. Our review leads us to recommend the development of a range of high-iron hybrids with varying genetic base and adaptation, as well as food and fodder traits. Demand-pull mechanisms should be integrated into the current public distribution system, and private seed companies incentivized through various means. The role of pearl millet in the livestock feed industry is worth of policy attention by HarvestPlus and partners.
Invisible heterogeneity in crop zinc concentration and child zinc intake in rural Uganda
Bevis, Leah E. M.. Washington, DC 2018
Bevis, Leah E. M.. Washington, DC 2018
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Micronutrient deficiencies affect more than two billion individuals worldwide, with dire outcomes for human health and productivity. Yet estimates of individual-level nutrient intake or population-wide deficiency rates often rely on food composition tables (FCTs) that do not capture the true nutrient content of consumed foods. This is justified by the assumption that food nutrient heterogeneity, while present, is too minor to significantly impact dietary intake. Using a unique dataset from rural Uganda with food recall data for children under five as well as the zinc concentration of household-sampled and market-sampled crops, I document massive heterogeneity in the zinc concentration of staple crops. I additionally find that crops sampled from markets are lower in zinc concentration than crops sampled at households. Zinc inadequacy shifts significantly according to assumptions about the nutrient content of foodsinadequacy appears to double when zinc intake is estimated using market-sampled crops rather than household-sampled crops. The HarvestPlus FCT for Uganda does fairly well estimating dietary zinc intake as a whole, even though it often fails to capture median zinc concentration for a specific crop. However, in a setting with less dietary diversity, or in urban settings where children rely heavily on market-purchased crops, the HarvestPlus FCT might perform worse. Additionally, low-zinc market-purchased crops play a key role in shaping dietary zinc intake, which raises questions about the efficacy of biofortification for tackling low nutrient intake in poor, rural areas of Uganda.
Are we there yet? The rigorousness of impact evaluations of nutrition-sensitive agricultural interventions
Meister, Will. Washington, DC 2018
Meister, Will. Washington, DC 2018
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Several literature reviews have questioned the rigorousness of impact evaluations of nutrition-sensitive agriculture interventions. To understand how their rigorousness could be improved, this study seeks to establish a high-level overview of what rigorousness is, why it has not been realized, and how it could be improved through the use of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), long-term impacts and sustainability, and cost-benefit/cost-effectiveness analyses. To look further into these topics, the author interviewed a judgment sample of individuals from the agriculture-nutrition community. An understanding of rigorousness was derived from the interviews and literature, and was applied to biofortification studies connected to HarvestPlus. Issues related to funding, planning, time, knowledge, and intervention design were identified with regards to RCTs, long-term impacts and sustainability, and cost-benefit/cost-effectiveness analyses. Despite the arguments and difficulties with these three factors, the research community seems to be moving in the direction of greater rigor, as evidenced by some of the most recent research. Specifically, the impact evaluations of biofortification programs provide evidence that implementing more rigorous impact evaluations is possible. Given this movement, there is an opportunity to take a more standardized approach to impact evaluations of nutrition-sensitive agriculture interventions, using the weaknesses identified in the reviews to form the evaluation criteria.
Social network effects on consumer willingness to pay for biofortified crops
Muange, Elijah N.; Oparinde, Adewale. Washington, DC 2018
Muange, Elijah N.; Oparinde, Adewale. Washington, DC 2018
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This study investigated the effects of social networks on consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for two high-iron bean (HIB) varieties (HIB-A and HIB-B) using data collected from 572 farmers in rural Rwanda. The study used the Becker-DeGroot-Marshak mechanism to elicit consumer WTP in the absence and presence of radio messages providing positive and negative frames of information on nutritional benefits of HIB varieties at different frequencies. Instrumental variable and random effects models were used to assess the determinants of WTP.
Habitual choice strategy, poverty and urban consumer demand for biofortified iron beans
Oparinde, Adewale; Birol, Ekin; Murekezi, Abdoul. Washington, DC 2018
Oparinde, Adewale; Birol, Ekin; Murekezi, Abdoul. Washington, DC 2018
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Increasing urbanization in developing countries creates current and future challenges for the global food system to deliver high quality nutritious foods and provide equitable access for the urban poor. In this paper, we examine the role of habit, poverty and information in urban consumer demand for nutritious foods in the context of biofortified iron beans as a public health intervention in Africa. We used an experimental auction-like technique (Becker-DeGroot-Marschak mechanism) to elicit consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for the nutritional value of iron beans. The provision of information on the nutritional value of iron translates into significant premiums (13 – 15%) for the iron bean varieties while habit has no significant impact. Eliminating participatory fees, as was done in this study, provides an alternative practical approach for identifying ‘hypothetical bias’ in value elicitations. Results suggest that WTP can be inflated by about 7% when participants have ex ante intentions not to pay out of pocket after getting an opportunity to buy a product in the auction-like experiment. We found that poverty plays a significant role in consumer demand. There is a difference of about 11% in the price that consumers from poor households are willing to pay for an iron bean variety relative to the price that consumers from average households are willing to pay. These results have implications for designing effective and inclusive value chain approach to ensure that urban poor also benefit adequately from biofortification through an equitable pricing system.
Farming practices and crop varietal choice among Ugandan bean and sweet potato producers
Larochelle, Catherine; Labarta, Ricardo; Katungi, Enid; Herrington, Caitlin; Alwang, Jeff; Asare-Marfo, Dorene; Ball, Anna-Marie; Birol, Ekin. Washington, DC 2018
Larochelle, Catherine; Labarta, Ricardo; Katungi, Enid; Herrington, Caitlin; Alwang, Jeff; Asare-Marfo, Dorene; Ball, Anna-Marie; Birol, Ekin. Washington, DC 2018
Abstract | View
The common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris, and white- or yellow-fleshed sweet potatoes, Ipomoea batatas, are widely grown in Uganda as both food and cash crops. Beans and sweet potatoes are common staples in Uganda, providing hearty, affordable nourishment to rural households. However, throughout the country, iron and vitamin A deficiency (VAD) remain high. Diets low in iron intake are a major cause of iron-deficiency anemia, which is associated with fatigue, decreased productivity, and reduced immune function. Childhood anemia is associated with impaired mental and physical development. Among pregnant women, anemia may lead to premature delivery and low birth weight (WHO 2008). VAD further impedes child growth, contributes to blindness, lessens immune function, and increases the morbidity and mortality of children and pregnant women (WHO 2009). According to data from the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey 2011 (the most recent available), 49 percent of children ages six months to five years and 24 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 49 years suffer from anemia; for VAD, those statistics are 38 percent of children and 36 percent of women (UBOS 2012).
Water-Wise: Smart irrigation strategies for Africa
Malabo Montpellier Panel. Dakar, Senegal 2018
Malabo Montpellier Panel. Dakar, Senegal 2018
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The report begins with an overview of the challenges on agricultural systems to make more food available and accessible and lays out the potential of irrigation to make agriculture more productive, efficient and profitable for smallholder farmers. A discussion on the potential to expand irrigation across Africa and barriers to uptake including an analysis of the inherent risks and desired outcomes of irrigation forms the next section. The report reviews the traditional and new, innovative smallscale and large-scale irrigation approaches and technologies that have been implemented in Africa, followed by an analysis of the experiences of six African countries that have been particularly innovative and successful in terms of their institutional and policy design for irrigation. The report closes by drawing some key lessons and offering nine recommendations for actions by African governments and the private sector.
POSHAN's abstract digest on maternal and child nutrition research - Issue 25
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2018
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2018
Ask me why: Using vignettes to understand patterns of intrahousehold decision making in rural Senegal
Bernard, Tanguy; Doss, Cheryl; Hidrobo, Melissa; Hoel, Jessica B.; Kieran, Caitlin. Washington, DC 2018
Bernard, Tanguy; Doss, Cheryl; Hidrobo, Melissa; Hoel, Jessica B.; Kieran, Caitlin. Washington, DC 2018
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We study decision-making in dairy farming households in Senegal and investigate respondents’ perceptions of why a particular person made the decision. Using vignettes, we ask respondents how similar they are to five types of households. We analyze how the identity of the decision-maker and the rationale for decision-making are related to milk production, hemoglobin levels among children, and satisfaction with decisions. We find that while male dictators achieve better outcomes than most decision-making structures, households in which husbands (wives) decide because they are most informed produce more milk than households in which husbands (wives) decide because they are dictators.
Impact of contract farming on profits of smallholders: Evidence from cultivation of onion, okra, and pomegranate in India
Kumar, Anjani; Tripathi, Gaurav; Roy, Devesh; Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Karandikar, Bhushana. Washington, DC 2018
Kumar, Anjani; Tripathi, Gaurav; Roy, Devesh; Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Karandikar, Bhushana. Washington, DC 2018
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This paper attempts to quantify the benefits of contract farming (CF) on farmers’ income and investigates the determinants of participation in CF. This is based on a survey of 1,331 farmers from Maharashtra State in India engaged in onion, okra and pomegranate cultivation. The study, using 2-Stage Least Squares method and propensity score matching approach, reveals that CF ensures higher returns for smallholders to the tune of Rs 14.5 per kilogram over independent farmers. Access to institutional credit, extension services, farm size, personal ownership of transport and migration significantly affected farmers’ participation in CF. The empirical evidence of the benefits of CF for high-value export commodities should encourage government policies to promote and scale up the use of CF in India.
Demand for aflatoxin-safe maize in Kenya: Dynamic response to price and advertising
Hoffmann, Vivian; Moser, Christine; Herrman, Timothy. Washington, DC 2018
Hoffmann, Vivian; Moser, Christine; Herrman, Timothy. Washington, DC 2018
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This paper characterizes consumer demand for food safety and the dynamic impact of a social marketing campaign to promote a tested, third party verified maize flour in Kenya, where dietary exposure to the fungal toxin aflatoxin is a major public health concern. Consumption of high levels of aflatoxin can be fatal, but this is relatively rare. Of greater concern is chronic exposure, which has been linked in numerous studies to liver cancer and may also contribute to child stunting. A significant proportion of the maize consumed in Kenya, where it is the primary dietary staple, fails to meet regulatory standards. One study reported widely in the Kenyan press found that 65% of maize samples collected from 20 major millers did not meet the national standard (Gathura, 2011) and another based on over 900 samples collected from retailers found that 26% of branded maize flour was above this standard (Hoffmann and Moser, 2017).
Can markets support smallholder adoption of a food safety technology? Aflasafe in Kenya
Hoffmann, Vivian; Kariuki, Sarah; Pieters, Janneke; Treurniet, Mark. Washington, DC 2018
Hoffmann, Vivian; Kariuki, Sarah; Pieters, Janneke; Treurniet, Mark. Washington, DC 2018
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In this paper, we test the impact of a simulated market premium for food safety, and of bundling rainfall insurance with an aflatoxin-reducing technology (Aflasafe KE01), on smallholder farmers’ adoption of this technology. To identify these impacts, we conducted a randomized trial through which farmers in one of the most aflatoxin-affected regions in the world were given the opportunity to purchase Aflasafe under experimentally varied market conditions. Half of 152 pre-existing producer groups were assigned to a market linkage treatment and offered a premium price for the maize they aggregated if it conformed to the East African aflatoxin standard. The market linkage treatment was cross-cut with a bundled insurance treatment, in which Aflasafe could only be purchased together with an actuarily fair rainfall index insurance product designed to insure against maize losses due to unfavorable weather conditions during the growing period. Farmers not assigned to the bundled insurance treatment who purchased Aflasafe were able to purchase the same insurance separately.
Regulatory compliance in the Kenyan dairy sector: Awareness and compliance among farmers and vendors
Brown, Lahra Harcourt; Alonso, Silva; Lindahl, Johanna; Varnell, Hannah; Hoffmann, Vivian; Grace, Delia. Washington, DC 2018
Brown, Lahra Harcourt; Alonso, Silva; Lindahl, Johanna; Varnell, Hannah; Hoffmann, Vivian; Grace, Delia. Washington, DC 2018
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The purpose of this research note is to describe relevant policies and standards, and to summarise recent research and literature to gain insight into compliance with dairy standards in Kenya. We highlight key points of the main policies pertaining to the sale of dairy products, and present unpublished findings from three recent studies conducted by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and partners and the results of a rapid literature review.
Income variability, evolving diets, and demand for processed foods in Nigeria
de Brauw, Alan; Herskowitz, Sylvan. Washington, DC 2018
de Brauw, Alan; Herskowitz, Sylvan. Washington, DC 2018
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We present evidence on evolving dietary patterns in Nigeria using three waves and six total rounds of household consumption data from the Nigerian Living Standards and Measurement Surveys between the years of 2011 and 2016. First, following conventional definitions in the literature, we show that Nigeria has not shown any aggregate increase in consumption of highly processed foods over this time period, contrary to studies elsewhere in the region. In fact, consumption of highly processed foods at home has decreased, while food away consumed away from home has risen substantially. We then show that estimates of food expenditure elasticities of different food types are highly sensitive to different estimation approaches, raising concerns regarding the existing evidence base on food consumption patterns reliant on estimation of food expenditure elasticities. Different specifications can lead to broadly differing conclusions about whether highly processed food is either the most or least elastic food category. In our preferred specifications, we find that elasticity of demand for food away from home is highest for the relatively wealthy and in the urban South. Within households, elasticities are highest in times of scarcity, suggesting that households cut food away from home when resources are relatively scarce.
PIM 2017 annual report
CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets (PIM). Washington, DC 2018
CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets (PIM). Washington, DC 2018
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Events of 2017 confirm the relevance of PIM’s research agenda. Real food prices remain well above the levels of the 1980s and 1990s, slowing progress on poverty reduction (FAO food price index). Crises due to conflict and adverse weather in 2017 put 815 million people at risk of hunger (IFPRI’s 2018 Global Food Policy Report), reversing the prior downward trend, and straining social protection and emergency relief programs. Tensions that surfaced in the international trading system seeded steps toward protectionism in agricultural markets, with negative implications for growth and food security. The US withdrawal from global commitments on climate change and reversal of regulations for environmental protection will slow attainment of global objectives. Young migrants flowing into Europe from countries with lagging job creation triggered renewed attention to agriculture’s contributions to job security as well as food security. Slow progress toward gender equality in developing countries led to increased emphasis on gender research in key development agencies and foundations in 2017. These critical issues are all germane to CGIAR’s System Level Outcomes (SLOs), and research on them from PIM’s six flagships informs the global discourse and provides diagnostic and evaluative evidence to decision makers (see Table A-1 for evidence of PIM’s contributions to the SLOs).
PIM gender research: 2017 in review
Crimi, Gabriella. Washington, DC 2018
Crimi, Gabriella. Washington, DC 2018
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The CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets (PIM) has emphasized gender analysis across its research activities. Investing in research and initiatives that seek to foster gender equality and women’s empowerment is essential to realizing the full potential of agriculture as an engine of economic growth, poverty reduction, and development. As such, a critical reflection on gender analysis within PIM’s outputs not only serves the program’s gender strategy but also is instrumental to achieving PIM’s goals of a food-secure present and future. This review examines 133 PIM peer-reviewed publications in 2017 to identify key lessons learned and highlight best practices for research that engaged with gender analysis. Outputs analyzed include published journal articles, book chapters, and books. Although including gender analysis in every project may not be feasible or plausible, this review highlights some places where research questions may be expanded to include gender analysis. Ultimately, research that incorporates gender analysis helps produce better policy and may have a positive impact on development outcomes.
Improving child nutrition and development through preschools in Malawi
Gelli, Aulo; Margolies, Amy; Santacroce, Marco; Twalibu, Aisha; Roschnik, Natalie; Chidalengwa, George; Phiri, Peter; Moestue, Helen; Katundu, Mangani. Washington, DC 2018
Gelli, Aulo; Margolies, Amy; Santacroce, Marco; Twalibu, Aisha; Roschnik, Natalie; Chidalengwa, George; Phiri, Peter; Moestue, Helen; Katundu, Mangani. Washington, DC 2018
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Some 12,000 community preschools in Malawi serve 45 percent of the county’s preschool population. Yet because of food insecurity and communities’ difficulties in providing preschoolers with a midmorning meal, these schools may not survive. To address this challenge, Save the Children and the University of Malawi’s Chancellor College designed a preschool-based nutrition and agriculture intervention aimed at helping rural communities to produce and prepare more nutritious foods for preschools and for households year-round. An IFPRI-led cluster-randomized controlled trial in 60 preschools in the southeastern district of Zomba found that after just one year of the intervention, agricultural production, the quality and frequency of preschool meals, and household and child dietary diversity had all improved. The intervention also had an impact on the diets and growth of the preschoolers’ younger siblings. These results suggest that preschools can provide an effective platform for scaling-up nutrition and agriculture interventions, benefiting not only the preschools but also communities, households, and children in their first 1,000 days.
Local foods can meet micronutrient needs for women in urban Burkina Faso, but only if rarely consumed micronutrient-dense foods are included in daily diets: A linear programming exercise
Arimond, Mary; Vitta, Bineti S.; Martin-Prével, Yves; Moursi, Mourad; Dewey, Kathryn G.. 2018
Arimond, Mary; Vitta, Bineti S.; Martin-Prével, Yves; Moursi, Mourad; Dewey, Kathryn G.. 2018
Influences of early child nutritional status and home learning environment on child development in Vietnam
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; DiGirolamo, Ann M.; Gonzalez-Casanova, Ines; Young, Melissa; Kim, Nicole; Nguyen, Son; Martorell, Reynaldo; Ramakrishnan, Usha. 2018
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; DiGirolamo, Ann M.; Gonzalez-Casanova, Ines; Young, Melissa; Kim, Nicole; Nguyen, Son; Martorell, Reynaldo; Ramakrishnan, Usha. 2018
The “quiet revolution” in the aquaculture value chain in Bangladesh
Hernandez, Ricardo; Belton, Ben; Reardon, Thomas; Hu, Chaoran; Zhang, Xiaobo; Ahmed, Akhter. 2018
Hernandez, Ricardo; Belton, Ben; Reardon, Thomas; Hu, Chaoran; Zhang, Xiaobo; Ahmed, Akhter. 2018
Rainfall shocks are not necessarily a sensitive early indicator of changes in wasting prevalence
Ledlie, Natasha; Alderman, Harold; Leroy, Jef L.; You, Liangzhi. 2018
Ledlie, Natasha; Alderman, Harold; Leroy, Jef L.; You, Liangzhi. 2018
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This study explores whether deviation in rainfall in Ethiopia, a drought prone country, is a sensitive indicator of future increases in wasting. Around 12% of children 0–23 months were wasted, but we found no consistent association between the rainfall shock variables and child weight-for-height Z-scores. The results indicate that monitoring rainfall does not provide a practical early warning to use for scaling up financing and management of preventative measures without additional information to increase precision.
Women in agriculture: Four myths
Doss, Cheryl; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Theis, Sophie. 2018
Doss, Cheryl; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Theis, Sophie. 2018
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Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG) on gender equality and women’s rights and at least 11 of the 17 SDGs require indicators related to gender dynamics. Despite the need for reliable indicators, stylized facts on women, agriculture, and the environment persist. This paper analyzes four gender myths: 1) 70% of the world’s poor are women; 2) Women produce 60 to 80% of the world’s food; 3) Women own 1% of the world’s land; and 4) Women are better stewards of the environment. After reviewing the conceptual and empirical literature, the paper presents the kernel of truth underlying each myth, questions its underlying assumptions and implications, and examines how it hinders us from developing effective food security policies.
Biofortification: A review of ex-ante models
Lividini, Keith; Fiedler, John L.; De Moura, Fabiana F.; Moursi, Mourad; Zeller, Manfred. 2018
Lividini, Keith; Fiedler, John L.; De Moura, Fabiana F.; Moursi, Mourad; Zeller, Manfred. 2018
Nutrition sensitive value chains: Theory, progress, and open questions
Allen, Summer L.; de Brauw, Alan. 2018
Allen, Summer L.; de Brauw, Alan. 2018
Acceptability of multiple micronutrient powders and iron syrup in Bihar, India
Young, Melissa F.; Girard, Amy Webb; Mehta, Rushkan; Srikantiah, Sridhar; Gosdin, Lucas; Menon, Purnima; Ramakrishnan, Usha; Martorell, Reynaldo; Avula, Rasmi. 2018
Young, Melissa F.; Girard, Amy Webb; Mehta, Rushkan; Srikantiah, Sridhar; Gosdin, Lucas; Menon, Purnima; Ramakrishnan, Usha; Martorell, Reynaldo; Avula, Rasmi. 2018
Impact of crop diversification on rural poverty in Nepal
Thapa, Ganesh; Kumar, Anjani; Roy, Devesh; Joshi, Pramod Kumar. 2018
Thapa, Ganesh; Kumar, Anjani; Roy, Devesh; Joshi, Pramod Kumar. 2018
Pathways from women's group-based programs to nutrition change in South Asia: A conceptual framework and literature review
Kumar, Neha; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima; Kannan, Samyuktha; Cunningham, Kenda; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. 2018
Kumar, Neha; Scott, Samuel; Menon, Purnima; Kannan, Samyuktha; Cunningham, Kenda; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. 2018
Process evaluation improves delivery of a nutrition-sensitive agriculture programme in Burkina Faso
Nielsen, Jennifer; Olney, Deanna K.; Ouédraogo, Marcellin; Pedehombga, Abdoulaye; Rouamba, Hippolyte; Yago-Wienne, Fanny. 2018
Nielsen, Jennifer; Olney, Deanna K.; Ouédraogo, Marcellin; Pedehombga, Abdoulaye; Rouamba, Hippolyte; Yago-Wienne, Fanny. 2018
Household access to traditional and indigenous foods positively associated with food security and dietary diversity in Botswana
Kasimba, Salome Nduku; Motswagole, Boitumelo Stokie; Covic, Namukolo; Claasen, Nicole. 2018
Kasimba, Salome Nduku; Motswagole, Boitumelo Stokie; Covic, Namukolo; Claasen, Nicole. 2018
Infant development at the age of 6 months in relation to feeding practices, iron status, and growth in a peri-urban community of South Africa
Rothman, Marinel; Faber, Mieke; Covic, Namukolo; Matsungo, Tonderayi; Cockeran, Marike; Kvalsvig, Jane; Smuts, Cornelius. 2018
Rothman, Marinel; Faber, Mieke; Covic, Namukolo; Matsungo, Tonderayi; Cockeran, Marike; Kvalsvig, Jane; Smuts, Cornelius. 2018
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Evidence on the association between feeding practices, iron deficiency, anaemia, stunting, and impaired psychomotor development during infancy is limited. This study assessed the association between psychomotor development with early feeding practices, growth, iron status, and anaemia. Methods: This was cross-sectional baseline data of a randomised controlled trial which included 6-month-old infants and their mothers or primary caregivers (n = 750) in a peri-urban community in the North West province of South Africa. The Kilifi Developmental Inventory and a parent rating scale were used to assess psychomotor development. Feeding practices and anthropometric measurements were based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. Anaemia and iron status were determined by blood sample analysis.
Introducing ragi in the PDS is fraught with challenges
Pradhan, Mamata; Roy, Devesh. 2018
Pradhan, Mamata; Roy, Devesh. 2018
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After a gap of three years, the Karnataka government has reintroduced ragi/finger millet in its public distribution system (PDS). To feed the PDS system, the government has announced a procurement price much higher than the market price and introduced bonuses. With interventions on the sides of both production as well as consumption, the objectives are to improve nutrition and increase the climate-resilience of agriculture since ragi is a drought-resistant crop and to improve returns for the farmer.
Understanding the determinants of adolescent nutrition in Bangladesh
Leroy, Jef L.; Ruel, Marie T.; Sununtnasuk, Celeste; Ahmed, Akhter. 2018
Leroy, Jef L.; Ruel, Marie T.; Sununtnasuk, Celeste; Ahmed, Akhter. 2018
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Evidence on the nutritional status and diets of adolescents in low‐ and middle‐income countries is scant. We characterized the nutritional status (body mass index Z‐scores (BMIZs)) and nutrient intakes of adolescent boys and girls in rural areas in Bangladesh using the 2011–2012 BIHS data, used regression models to identify the socioeconomic determinants of these outcomes, and household fixed effects models to assess whether the gap between boys and girls changed with women's education and empowerment and household wealth. The adolescents’ BMIZ and adequacy of their nutrient intakes were suboptimal. Gender differences varied by outcome and were not systematically in favor of boys. Household wealth was associated with higher BMIZ and probability of adequate energy and micronutrient intakes. Women's education and empowerment were mostly not associated with the study outcomes and did not modify gender differences. There is an urgent need to invest in improving the diets of adolescent boys and girls in Bangladesh. The limited role of women's education and empowerment in improving adolescent nutrition suggests that resources may be too constrained. It may also reflect deeply rooted beliefs about adolescent nutrition and differences between boys and girls that would need to be addressed to improve their nutrition.
Response to Garcia and Wanner “gender inequality and food security: lessons for the gender-responsive work of the international food policy research institute and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation” Food Security (2017) 9:1091–1103
Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. 2018
Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. 2018
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The paper by Garcia and Wanner reviews examples of genderresponsive research and programming from the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to discuss those genderresponsive approaches which are most successful for achieving women’s empowerment in agricultural development. It notes accomplishments and points out some shortcomings for both organizations to address. Although the objectives of the paper are worthwhile, we note important problems regarding methodology used, factual errors, and misrepresentation.
Comparison of a new multiplex immunoassay for measurement of ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor, retinol-binding protein, c-reactive protein and α1-acid-glycoprotein concentrations against a widely-used s-ELISA method
Karakochuk, Crystal; Henderson, Amanda; Samson, Kaitlyn; Aljaadi, Abeer; Devlin, Angela; Becquey, Elodie; Wirth, James; Rohner, Fabian. 2018
Karakochuk, Crystal; Henderson, Amanda; Samson, Kaitlyn; Aljaadi, Abeer; Devlin, Angela; Becquey, Elodie; Wirth, James; Rohner, Fabian. 2018
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Recently, a multiplex ELISA (Quansys Biosciences) was developed that measures ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), retinol-binding protein (RBP), C-reactive protein (CRP), α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), thyroglobulin, and histidine-rich protein 2. Our primary aim was to conduct a method-comparison study to compare five biomarkers (ferritin, sTfR, RBP, CRP, and AGP) measured with the Quansys assay and a widely-used s-ELISA (VitMin Lab, Willstaett, Germany) with use of serum samples from 180 women and children from Burkina Faso, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Bias and concordance were used to describe the agreement in values measured by the two methods. We observed poor overall agreement between the methods, both with regard to biomarker concentrations and deficiency prevalence estimates. Several measurements were outside of the limit of detection with use of the Quansys ELISA (total n = 42 for ferritin, n = 2 for sTfR, n = 0 for AGP, n = 5 for CRP, n = 22 for RBP), limiting our ability to interpret assay findings. Although the Quansys ELISA has great potential to simplify laboratory analysis of key nutritional and inflammation biomarkers, there are some weaknesses in the procedures. Overall, we found poor comparability of results between methods. Besides addressing procedural issues, additional validation of the Quansys against a gold standard method is warranted for future research
Countdown to 2030: Tracking progress towards universal coverage for reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health
Countdown to 2030 Collaboration. 2018
Countdown to 2030 Collaboration. 2018
Nutrition-sensitive agriculture: What have we learned so far?
Ruel, Marie T.; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Balagamwala, Mysbah. 2018
Ruel, Marie T.; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Balagamwala, Mysbah. 2018
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A growing number of governments, donor agencies, and development organizations are committed to supporting nutrition-sensitive agriculture (NSA) to achieve their development goals. While consensus exists on pathways through which agriculture may influence nutrition-related outcomes, empirical evidence on agriculture's contribution to nutrition and how it can be enhanced is still weak. This paper reviews recent empirical evidence (since 2014), including findings from impact evaluations of a variety of NSA programs using experimental designs as well as observational studies that document linkages between agriculture, women's empowerment, and nutrition linkages. The paper summarizes existing knowledge regarding impacts, but also pathways, mechanisms, and contextual factors that affect where and how agriculture may improve nutrition outcomes. The paper concludes with reflections on implications for agricultural programs, policies, and investments, and highlights future research priorities.
Can integrated interventions create the conditions that support caregiving for better child growth?
Menon, Purnima; Frongillo, Edward A.. 2018
Menon, Purnima; Frongillo, Edward A.. 2018
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Children born to healthy mothers who live in homes with piped water and improved sanitation, are fed adequate diets, and have appropriate health care have better growth outcomes. Yet intervention trials to test the effects of integrated delivery of specific interventions that address elements of these determinants—such as the Articles by Stephen Luby and colleagues and Clair Null and colleagues reported in this issue of The Lancet Global Health—have come up short.
Allocating external financing for health: a discrete choice experiment of stakeholder preferences
Grépin, Karen A.; Pinkstaff, Crossley B.; Hole, Arne Risa; Henderson, Klara; Norheim, Ole Frithjof; Røttingen, John-Arne; Ottersen, Trygve. 2018
Grépin, Karen A.; Pinkstaff, Crossley B.; Hole, Arne Risa; Henderson, Klara; Norheim, Ole Frithjof; Røttingen, John-Arne; Ottersen, Trygve. 2018
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Most donors of external financing for health use allocation policies to determine which countries are eligible to receive financial support and how much support each should receive. Currently, most of these policies place a great deal of weight on income per capita as a determinant of aid allocation but there is increasing interest in putting more weight on other country characteristics in the design of such policies. It is unclear, however, how much weight should be placed on other country characteristics. Using an online discrete choice experiment designed to elicit preferences over country characteristics to guide decisions about the allocation of external financing for health, we find that stakeholders assign a great deal of importance to health inequalities and the burden of disease but put very little weight on income per capita. We also find considerable variation in preferences across stakeholders, with people from low- and middle-income countries putting more weight on the burden of disease and people from high-income countries putting more weight on health inequalities
The Hartz reforms and the German labor force
Ehrich, Malte; Munasib, Abdul; Roy, Devesh. 2018
Ehrich, Malte; Munasib, Abdul; Roy, Devesh. 2018
MSP hike: Not a viable policy option
Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Kishore, Avinash; Roy, Devesh. 2018
Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Kishore, Avinash; Roy, Devesh. 2018
Review: Time use as an explanation for the agri-nutrition disconnect? Evidence from rural areas in low and middle-income countries
Johnston, Deborah; Stevano, Sara; Malapit, Hazel J.; Hull, Elizabeth; Kadiyala, Suneetha. 2018
Johnston, Deborah; Stevano, Sara; Malapit, Hazel J.; Hull, Elizabeth; Kadiyala, Suneetha. 2018
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Time is a vital input into nutritional outcomes, as it is necessary for the production, procurement and preparation of food, child feeding and childcare. Thus, agricultural interventions may fail to improve nutritional outcomes if they do not take account of time constraints, particularly of rural women who spend a considerable portion of their time in agriculture. Given the potential trade-offs pertaining to time in productive vs. reproductive activities and its implications for maternal and child nutrition, the goal of this review is to systematically map and assess the available evidence, both qualitative and quantitative studies, agriculture-time use-nutrition pathway.
Through an analysis of 89 studies, identified through a systematic search, on rural areas of low and middle-income countries, we observe three findings. First, women play a key role in agriculture, as reflected in their time commitments. Second, evidence from a very limited set of studies suggests that agricultural interventions tend to increase time commitments in agriculture of the household members for whom impact is measured. Third, while changing time use tends to change nutritional outcomes, it does so in a range of complex ways and there is no agreement on the impact. Nutritional impacts are varied because households and household members respond to increased time burden and workload in different ways.
The pathways from a behavior change communication intervention to infant and young child feeding in Bangladesh are mediated and potentiated by maternal self-efficacy
Zongrone, Amanda; Menon, Purnima; Pelto, Gretel H.; Habicht, Jean-Pierre; Rasmussen, Kathleen M.; Constas, Mark A.; Vermeylen, Francoise; Adiba, Khaled; Saha, Kuntal K.; Stoltzfus, Rebecca J.. United Kingdom 2018
Zongrone, Amanda; Menon, Purnima; Pelto, Gretel H.; Habicht, Jean-Pierre; Rasmussen, Kathleen M.; Constas, Mark A.; Vermeylen, Francoise; Adiba, Khaled; Saha, Kuntal K.; Stoltzfus, Rebecca J.. United Kingdom 2018
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In the context of a behaviour change intervention (BCI) in Bangladesh, we studied the role of maternal self-efficacy for complementary feeding (MSE-CF) for 2 complementary feeding (CF) behaviors with the use of a theoretically grounded empirical model of determinants to illustrate the potential roles of MSE-CF. MSE-CF was a significant mediator and potentiator for GLV but not for EGG. The divergent findings highlight the complex determinants of individual specific infant and young child feeding behaviors. The study shows the value of measuring behavioral determinants, such as MSE-CF, that affect a caregiver's capability to adopt intervention-targeted behaviors.
Effects of n–3 long-chain PUFA supplementation to lactating mothers and their breastfed children on child growth and morbidity: A 2 × 2 factorial randomized controlled trial in rural Ethiopia
Argaw, Alemayehu; Wondafrash, Mekitie; Bouckaert, Kimberley P; Kolsteren, Patrick; Lachat, Carl; Belachew, Tefera; De Meulenaer, Bruno; Huybregts, Lieven. 2018
Argaw, Alemayehu; Wondafrash, Mekitie; Bouckaert, Kimberley P; Kolsteren, Patrick; Lachat, Carl; Belachew, Tefera; De Meulenaer, Bruno; Huybregts, Lieven. 2018
Tubaramure, a food-assisted integrated health and nutrition program, reduces child stunting in Burundi: A cluster-randomized controlled intervention trial
Leroy, Jef L.; Olney, Deanna K.; Ruel, Marie T.. 2018
Leroy, Jef L.; Olney, Deanna K.; Ruel, Marie T.. 2018
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We assessed the impact of Burundi's Tubaramure Food-assisted maternal and child health and nutrition (FA-MCHN) program on linear growth. The program targeted women and their children during the first 1000 d and included 1) food rations, 2) strengthening of health services and promotion of their use, and 3) behavior change communication (BCC). A second objective was to assess the differential effect when varying the timing and duration of receiving food rations.
Physical losses could partially explain modest carotenoid retention in dried food products from biofortified cassava
Bechoff, Aurélie; Tomlins, Keith Ian; Chijioke, Ugo; Ilona, Paul; Westby, Andrew; Boy, Erick. 2018
Bechoff, Aurélie; Tomlins, Keith Ian; Chijioke, Ugo; Ilona, Paul; Westby, Andrew; Boy, Erick. 2018
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Gari, a fermented and dried semolina made from cassava, is one of the most common foods in West Africa. Recently introduced biofortified yellow cassava containing provitamin A carotenoids could help tackle vitamin A deficiency prevalent in those areas. However there are concerns because of the low retention of carotenoids during gari processing compared to other processes (e.g. boiling). The aim of the study was to assess the levels of true retention in trans–β-carotene during gari processing and investigate the causes of low retention.
Feasibility and impact study of a reward-based mobile application to improve adolescents' snacking habits
De Cock, Nathalie; Van Lippevelde, Wendy; Vangeel, Jolien; Notebaert, Melissa; Beullens, Kathleen; Huybregts, Lieven. 2018
De Cock, Nathalie; Van Lippevelde, Wendy; Vangeel, Jolien; Notebaert, Melissa; Beullens, Kathleen; Huybregts, Lieven. 2018
Identifying sociodemographic, programmatic and dietary drivers of anaemia reduction in pregnant Indian women over 10 years
Chakrabarti, Suman; George, Nitya Rachel; Majumder, Moutushi; Raykar, Neha; Scott, Samuel. 2018
Chakrabarti, Suman; George, Nitya Rachel; Majumder, Moutushi; Raykar, Neha; Scott, Samuel. 2018
Factors influencing the uptake of a mass media intervention to improve child feeding in Bangladesh
Kim, Sunny S.; Roopnaraine, Terry; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Saha, Kuntal K.; Bhuiyan, Mahbubul I.; Menon, Purnima. 2018
Kim, Sunny S.; Roopnaraine, Terry; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Saha, Kuntal K.; Bhuiyan, Mahbubul I.; Menon, Purnima. 2018
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Mass media are increasingly used to deliver health messages to promote social and behaviour change, but there has been little evidence of mass media use for improving a set of child feeding practices, other than campaigns to promote breastfeeding. This study aimed to examine the factors influencing the uptake of infant and young child feeding messages promoted in TV spots that were launched and aired nationwide in Bangladesh.
Importance of coverage and quality for impact of nutrition interventions delivered through an existing health programme in Bangladesh
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Frongillo, Edward A.; Sanghvi, Tina; Kim, Sunny S.; Alayon, Silvia; Tran, Lan Mai; Mahmud, Zeba; Aktar, Bachera; Menon, Purnima. 2018
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Frongillo, Edward A.; Sanghvi, Tina; Kim, Sunny S.; Alayon, Silvia; Tran, Lan Mai; Mahmud, Zeba; Aktar, Bachera; Menon, Purnima. 2018
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Understanding implementation of interventions is critical to illuminate if, how, and why the interventions achieve impact. Alive & Thrive integrated a nutrition intervention into an existing maternal, neonatal, and child health (MNCH) programme in Bangladesh, documenting improvements in women's micronutrient supplement intake and dietary diversity. Here, we examined how well the nutrition intervention was implemented and which elements of implementation explained intervention impact.
Reducing mineral and vitamin deficiencies through biofortification: Progress under HarvestPlus
Bouis, Howarth. Basel, Switzerland 2018
Bouis, Howarth. Basel, Switzerland 2018
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HarvestPlus estimates that 20 million farmers and consumers presently grow and consume biofortified crops in 8 target countries. The final and major challenge is to mainstream biofortification into the fabric of “business-as-usual” of a range of organizations - public and private agricultural research, institutions that focus on bringing improved agricultural technologies to farmers including multi-lateral lending institutions, private companies, non-governmental organizations, and the policies and programs of national governments, regional organizations, and UN agencies.
The timing of growth faltering has important implications for observational analyses of the underlying determinants of nutrition outcomes
Alderman, Harold; Headey, Derek D.. 2018
Alderman, Harold; Headey, Derek D.. 2018
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This studies objectives were to test the prediction that associations between child anthropometric outcomes and various socioeconomic conditions are systematically different for older and younger children. The conclusion is that previous observational analyses appear to substantially underestimate the protective impacts of a wide range of underlying determinants on stunting. Conversely, wasting rates are typically low for children 24–59 months, implying that associations between underlying conditions and wasting may be stronger for children 0–23 months of age. Such analyses should pay closer attention to age disaggregation; researchers should be aware of the age effect reported in the current study and present analysis stratified by age.
Maternal depressive symptoms are negatively associated with child growth and development: Evidence from rural India
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Friedman, Jed; Kak, Mohini; Menon, Purnima; Alderman, Harold. 2018
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Friedman, Jed; Kak, Mohini; Menon, Purnima; Alderman, Harold. 2018
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Maternal depression has been suggested as a risk factor for both poor child growth and development in many low‐ and middle‐income countries, but the validity of many studies is hindered by small sample sizes, varying cut‐offs used in depression diagnostics, and incomplete control of confounding factors. This study examines the association between maternal depressive symptoms (MDSs) and child physical growth and cognitive development in Madhya Pradesh, India, where poverty, malnutrition, and poor mental health coexist. Data were from a baseline household survey (n = 2,934) of a randomized controlled trial assessing an early childhood development programme. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted, adjusting for socio‐economic factors to avoid confounding the association of mental health and child outcomes. MDS (measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Short Depression Scale) was categorized as low, medium, and high in 47%, 42%, and 10% of mothers, respectively. The prevalence of child developmental delay ranged from 16% to 27% for various development domains. Compared with children of mothers with low MDS, those of high MDS mothers had lower height‐for‐age, weight‐for‐age, and weight‐for‐height z‐scores (0.22, 0.21, and 0.15, respectively), a higher rate of stunting and underweight (~1.5 times), and higher rate of developmental delay (partial adjusted odds ratio ranged from 1.3–1.8 for different development domains and fully adjusted odds ratio = 1.4 for fine motor). Our results—that MDS is significantly associated with both child undernutrition and development delay—add to the call for practical interventions to address maternal depression to simultaneously address multiple outcomes for both women and children.
Farm diversification and food and nutrition security in Bangladesh: Empirical evidence from nationally representative household panel data
Islam, Abu Hayat Md. Saiful ; von Braun, Joachim; Thorne-Lyman, Andrew L.; Ahmed, Akhter. 2018
Islam, Abu Hayat Md. Saiful ; von Braun, Joachim; Thorne-Lyman, Andrew L.; Ahmed, Akhter. 2018
Opinion: From 'Look East' and 'Act East', India must 'think big' and 'act big'
Ajmani, Manmeet; Roy, Devesh. 2018
Ajmani, Manmeet; Roy, Devesh. 2018
Low level aflatoxin exposure associated with greater linear growth in southern Mexico: A longitudinal study
Leroy, Jef L.; Sununtnasuk, Celeste; Garcia-Guerra, Armando; Wang, Jia-Sheng. 2018
Leroy, Jef L.; Sununtnasuk, Celeste; Garcia-Guerra, Armando; Wang, Jia-Sheng. 2018
Understanding the geographical burden of stunting in India: A regression‐decomposition analysis of district‐level data from 2015–16
Menon, Purnima; Headey, Derek D.; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong. 2018
Menon, Purnima; Headey, Derek D.; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong. 2018
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India accounts for approximately one third of the world's total population of stunted preschoolers. Addressing global undernutrition, therefore, requires an understanding of the determinants of stunting across India's diverse states and districts. We created a district‐level aggregate data set from the recently released 2015–2016 National and Family Health Survey, which covered 601,509 households in 640 districts. We used mapping and descriptive analyses to understand spatial differences in distribution of stunting. We then used population‐weighted regressions to identify stunting determinants and regression‐based decompositions to explain differences between high‐and low‐stunting districts across India.
Biofortification in underutilized staple crops for nutrition in Asia and Africa
Pfeiffer, Wolfgang; Andersson, Meike S.; Govindaraj, Mahalingam; Parminder, Virk; Cherian, Binu; Illona, Paul; Magezi, Sylvia; Mulambu, Joseph. Bangkok, Thailand 2018
Pfeiffer, Wolfgang; Andersson, Meike S.; Govindaraj, Mahalingam; Parminder, Virk; Cherian, Binu; Illona, Paul; Magezi, Sylvia; Mulambu, Joseph. Bangkok, Thailand 2018
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Malnutrition is one of the biggest public health challenges of the century with about 2 billion people affected by it globally. Biofortification is the process of breeding micronutrients traits into staple food crops, which is bioavailable to make a positive measurable impact to the population that eats such staples on a daily basis. It is a cost-effective, sustainable strategy and complementary in nature to the existing market interventions. Iron pearl millet, iron beans, vitamin A cassava and orange sweet potato can contribute to increase household nutrition in the Asia and Africa. Over the years evidences gathered by partners in crop breeding, nutrition studies and delivery experiences will help to build the foundation for scaling out further to reach millions who need the most.
Effectiveness of food subsidies in raising healthy food consumption: Public distribution of pulses in India
Chakrabarti, Suman; Kishore, Avinash; Roy, Devesh. 2018
Chakrabarti, Suman; Kishore, Avinash; Roy, Devesh. 2018
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This paper provides evidence on the effectiveness of one of the most common policies to improve nutrition among the poor, that is, a food subsidy. We study the case of subsidies on pulses in select Indian states and their impact on consumption and ultimately nutrition (protein intake). As a natural experiment, we use the introduction of pulses into India’s Public Distribution System (PDS) where the variations in prices were brought about by the inclusion of pulses in the PDS in some states and not in others.
Engagement of husbands in a maternal nutrition program substantially contributed to greater intake of micronutrient supplements and dietary diversity during pregnancy: Results of a cluster-randomized program evaluation in Bangladesh
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Frongillo, Edward A.; Sanghvi, Tina; Wable, Gargi; Mahmud, Zeba; Tran, Lan Mai; Aktar, Bachera; Afsana, Kaosar; Alayon, Silvia; Ruel, Marie T.; Menon, Purnima. 2018
Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Frongillo, Edward A.; Sanghvi, Tina; Wable, Gargi; Mahmud, Zeba; Tran, Lan Mai; Aktar, Bachera; Afsana, Kaosar; Alayon, Silvia; Ruel, Marie T.; Menon, Purnima. 2018
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A nutrition-focused MNCH program that promoted and facilitated husbands’ engagement during their wives’ pregnancies significantly improved husbands’ awareness, knowledge, self-efficacy, and support. These improvements substantially explained the program's impact on women's intake of micronutrient supplements and dietary diversity. Targeting wives and husbands and designing activities to engage men in maternal nutrition programs are important to maximize impact.
Does contract farming improve profits and food safety? Evidence from tomato cultivation in Nepal
Kumar, Anjani; Roy, Devesh; Tripathi, Gaurav; Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Adhikari, Rajendra Prasad. 2018
Kumar, Anjani; Roy, Devesh; Tripathi, Gaurav; Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Adhikari, Rajendra Prasad. 2018
Strengthening and evaluating the preventing malnutrition in children under 2 years of age approach: Guatemala follow-up report
Heckert, Jessica; Leroy, Jef L.; Bliznashka, Lilia; Olney, Deanna K.; Richter, Susan. Washington, DC 2018
Heckert, Jessica; Leroy, Jef L.; Bliznashka, Lilia; Olney, Deanna K.; Richter, Susan. Washington, DC 2018
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This report presents the findings from the impact evaluation of Programa Comunitario Materno Infantil de Diversificación Alimentaria (PROCOMIDA) (Community Maternal and Child Food Diversification Program), a Preventing Malnutrition in Children under Two Years of Age (PM2A) program that was implemented in Alta Verapaz region, Guatemala, from 2011 to 2015. The report assesses the impact of PROCOMIDA on mothers and their children at key time points from early gestation until the child reached 24 months old.
Does women's time in domestic work and agriculture affect women's and children's dietary diversity? Evidence from Bangladesh, Nepal, Cambodia, Ghana, and Mozambique
Komatsu, Hitomi; Malapit, Hazel J.; Theis, Sophie. 2018
Komatsu, Hitomi; Malapit, Hazel J.; Theis, Sophie. 2018
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There are concerns that increasing women’s engagement in agriculture could negatively affect nutrition by limiting the time available for nutrition-improving reproductive work. However, very few empirical studies provide evidence to support these concerns. This paper examines the relationship between women’s time spent in domestic work and agriculture and women’s and children’s dietary diversity. Using data from Bangladesh, Nepal, Cambodia, Ghana, and Mozambique, we find that women’s domestic work and cooking time are positively correlated with more diverse diets. We also find differential effects depending on asset poverty status. In Mozambique, working long hours in agriculture is negatively associated with women’s dietary diversity score in nonpoor women, but is positively associated with poor women’s dietary diversity and poor children’s minimum acceptable diet. This suggests that agriculture as a source of food and income is particularly important for the asset poor. Our results reveal that women’s time allocation and nutrition responses to agricultural interventions are likely to vary by socioeconomic status and local context.