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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
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
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
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
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.
Proceedings of the workshop ‘Biofortified food - Working together to get more nutritious food to the table in India’
Mitra-Ganguli, Tora; Boyd, Katrina; Uchitelle-Pierce, Benjamin; Walton, Jenny. Article in press
Mitra-Ganguli, Tora; Boyd, Katrina; Uchitelle-Pierce, Benjamin; Walton, Jenny. Article in press
Abstract | View
HarvestPlus is the global leader in biofortification and has been leading biofortification efforts in India for nearly a decade. A workshop hosted by HarvestPlus was held in April 2019 in New Delhi to discuss ways to increase the scale, reach and impact of naturally nutritious (biofortified) foods in India by working in partnership with the food industry. This paper summarizes the output of that 2-day workshop. Harvest Plus is a not-for-profit organization that works with its partners to tackle hidden hunger and malnutrition. It leads the global effort to develop biofortified staple crops, explore their acceptability, efficacy and effectiveness, and scale up their availability to rural and urban populations who may not have access to diverse diet, fortified foods or supplements. Scaling the reach and impact of biofortified food through foods systems is a key strategy for HarvestPlus. In this regard, HarvestPlus has conducted research into the barriers for scale-up and co-created solutions to overcoming those barriers through partnership with the food industry. During this workshop, it emerged that there is significant demand from the food industry who see value in biofortification to both their business and the health of their customers and the country. Small working groups explored specific opportunities around supply chains, food products and composition, and consumers & markets. Several common themes emerged from the deliberations. All three groups identified lack of awareness as a major barrier to scale. More data on the health and nutrition impacts, as well as consumer and market research, is critically needed to build the food industry’s understanding of biofortified foods. Ensuring supply chain integrity, meeting manufacturing product standards, and developing strategic messaging for consumers were also mentioned repeatedly. Ending hidden hunger and managing a profitable food business can be done simultaneously and sustainably. By addressing the barriers to embedding biofortification into the food system, HarvestPlus aims to increase the access that families and communities have to nutritious seeds and foods.
A community-based early childhood development center platform promoting diversified diets and food production increases the mean probability of adequacy of intake of preschoolers in Malawi: A cluster randomized trial
Gelli, Aulo; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Santacroce, Marco; Twalibu, Aisha; Margolies, Amy; Katundu, Mangani. Article in press
Gelli, Aulo; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Santacroce, Marco; Twalibu, Aisha; Margolies, Amy; Katundu, Mangani. Article in press
Abstract | View
Background: Young children in Malawi consume low-quality diets lacking micronutrients critical for their development.
Objective: To evaluate the impact of an agriculture and nutrition behavior change communication (BCC) intervention implemented through community-based childcare centers on the nutrient adequacy of diets of children living in food-insecure settings in Malawi.
Objective: To evaluate the impact of an agriculture and nutrition behavior change communication (BCC) intervention implemented through community-based childcare centers on the nutrient adequacy of diets of children living in food-insecure settings in Malawi.
A double edged sword? Improvements in economic conditions over a decade in India led to declines in undernutrition as well as increases in overweight among adolescents and women
Young, Melissa; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Tran, Lan Mai; Avula, Rasmi; Menon, Purnima. Article in press
Young, Melissa; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Tran, Lan Mai; Avula, Rasmi; Menon, Purnima. Article in press
Multisectoral community development in Nepal has greater effects on child growth and diet than nutrition education alone
Miller, Laurie C.; Neupane, Sumanta; Joshi, Neena; Lohani, Mahendra; Rogers, Beatrice L.; Neupane, Shailes
. Article in press
Miller, Laurie C.; Neupane, Sumanta; Joshi, Neena; Lohani, Mahendra; Rogers, Beatrice L.; Neupane, Shailes
. Article in press
Lipid-based nutrient supplements and all-cause mortality in children 6–24 months of age: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Stewart, Christine P.; Wessells, K. Ryan; Arnold, Charles D.; Huybregts, Lieven; Ashorn, Per; Becquey, Elodie. Oxford Article in press
Stewart, Christine P.; Wessells, K. Ryan; Arnold, Charles D.; Huybregts, Lieven; Ashorn, Per; Becquey, Elodie. Oxford Article in press
Abstract | View
Background: Undernutrition is associated with an elevated risk of mortality among children in low- and middle-income countries. Small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) have been evaluated as a method to prevent undernutrition and improve infant development, but the effects on mortality are unknown.
Affordability of the EAT–Lancet reference diet: A global analysis
Hirvonen, Kalle; Bai, Yan; Headey, Derek D.; Masters, William A.. Article in press
Hirvonen, Kalle; Bai, Yan; Headey, Derek D.; Masters, William A.. Article in press
Abstract | View
The EAT–Lancet Commission drew on all available nutritional and environmental evidence to construct the first global benchmark diet capable of sustaining health and protecting the planet, but it did not assess dietary affordability. We used food price and household income data to estimate affordability of EAT–Lancet benchmark diets, as a first step to guiding interventions to improve diets around the world.
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.
Epidemiology of antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli carriage in sympatric humans and livestock in a rapidly urbanising city
Muloi, Dishon; Kiiru, John; Ward, Melissa J.; Hassell, James M.; Bettridge, Judy M.. Article in press
Muloi, Dishon; Kiiru, John; Ward, Melissa J.; Hassell, James M.; Bettridge, Judy M.. Article in press
Abstract | View
There are substantial limitations in our understanding of the distribution of antibiotic resistance (AMR) in humans and livestock in developing countries. Here, we present the results of an epidemiological study examining patterns of AMR in Escherichia coli isolates circulating in sympatric human (n=321) and livestock (n=633) samples from 99 households across Nairobi, Kenya. E. coli isolates were tested for susceptibility to 13 antimicrobial drugs representing 9 antibiotic classes. We detected high rates of AMR, with 47.6% and 21.1% of isolates displaying resistance to ≥ 3 and ≥5 antibiotic classes respectively. Human isolates showed higher levels of resistance to sulfonamides, trimethoprim, aminoglycosides and penicillins compared to livestock (p<0.01), while poultry isolates were more resistant to tetracyclines (p=0.01) compared to humans. The most common co-resistant phenotype observed was to tetracyclines, streptomycin and trimethoprim (30.5%). At the household level, AMR carriage in humans was associated with human density (p<0.01) and the presence of livestock manure (p=0.03), but livestock keeping on its own had no influence on human AMR carriage (p>0.05). Our findings revealed a high prevalence of AMR E. coli circulating in healthy humans and livestock in Nairobi, with no evidence to suggest that keeping livestock, when treated as a single risk factor significantly contributed to the burden of AMR in humans, although the presence of livestock waste was significant. These results provide an understanding of the broader epidemiology of AMR in complex, and interconnected urban environments.
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
Leveraging an implementation–research partnership to improve effectiveness of nutrition-sensitive programs at the World Food Programme
Olney, Deanna K.; Marshall, Quinn; Honton, Geraldine; Ogden, Kathryn; Hambayi, Mutinta; Piccini, Sarah; Go, Ara; Gelli, Aulo; Bliznashka, Lilia. Article in Press
Olney, Deanna K.; Marshall, Quinn; Honton, Geraldine; Ogden, Kathryn; Hambayi, Mutinta; Piccini, Sarah; Go, Ara; Gelli, Aulo; Bliznashka, Lilia. Article in Press
Progress in reducing child mortality and stunting in India: An application of the Lives Saved Tool
Alderman, Harold; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Menon, Purnima. Article in Press
Alderman, Harold; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Menon, Purnima. Article in Press
Abstract | View
The Lives Saved Tool (LiST) has been used to estimate the impact of scaling up intervention coverage on undernutrition and mortality. Evidence for the model is largely based on efficacy trials, raising concerns of applicability to large-scale contexts. We modelled the impact of scaling up health programs in India between 2006 and 2016 and compared estimates to observed changes. Demographics, intervention coverage and nutritional status were obtained from National Family and Health Survey 2005–6 (NFHS-3) for the base year and NHFS-4 2015–16 for the endline. We used the LiST to estimate the impact of changes in coverage of interventions over this decade on child mortality and undernutrition at national and subnational levels and calculated the gap between estimated and observed changes in 2016. At the national level, the LiST estimates are close to the actual values of mortality for children <1 year and <5 years in 2016 (at 41 vs 42.6 and 50 vs 56.4, respectively, per 1000 live births). National estimates for stunting, wasting and anaemia at are also close to the actual values of NFHS-4. At the state level, actual changes were higher than the changes from the LiST projections for both mortality and stunting. The predicted changes using the LiST ranged from 33% to 92% of the actual change. The LiST provided national projections close to, albeit slightly below, actual performance over a decade. Reasons for poorer performance of state-specific projections are unknown; further refinements to the LiST for subnational use would improve the usefulness of the tool.
Conditional cash transfer and/or lipid-based nutrient supplement targeting the first 1000 d of life increased attendance at preventive care services but did not improve linear growth in young children in rural Mali: Results of a cluster-randomized controlled trial
Adubra, Laura; Le Port, Agnès; Kameli, Yves; Fortin, Sonia; Mahamadou, Tanimoune; Ruel, Marie T.; Martin-Prevel, Yves; Savy, Mathilde. Article in Press
Adubra, Laura; Le Port, Agnès; Kameli, Yves; Fortin, Sonia; Mahamadou, Tanimoune; Ruel, Marie T.; Martin-Prevel, Yves; Savy, Mathilde. Article in Press
Experimental evidence on post-program effects and spillovers from an agriculture-nutrition program
Dillon, Andrew. Article in Press
Dillon, Andrew. Article in Press
Abstract | View
Integrated agricultural-nutrition programs are often implemented under the premise that program effects are durable and spillover. This paper estimates one year post-program effects, three-year aggregate program effects and spillover effects using treated and untreated household cohorts. Two treatment interventions implemented agricultural interventions with behavior change communication strategies varying implementers using either village health committees or older female leaders. In the post-program period, program effects deteriorated relative to program period impacts documented in Olney et al. (2015), but the three-year agricultural, nutrition knowledge, health care practices and severe anemia impacts remained statistically significant. Despite the non-rival nature of nutrition education and promoted production techniques, there is little evidence of agricultural technology or health knowledge spillovers to non-treated households within treatment communities. Spillover effects measured for appropriate treatment of diarrhea (10 pp increase in giving rehydration salts rather than traditional medicine), wasting (20 pp lower probability of wasting) and children’s anemia status (7 pp reduction in severe anemia) significantly improve in later cohorts. The aggregate program effects and spillovers are generally robust to multiple hypothesis testing.
Recent advances in banana (Musa spp.) biofortification to alleviate vitamin A deficiency
Amah, Delphine; van Biljon, Angeline; Brown, Allan; Perkins-Veazie, Penelope; Swennen, Rony; Labuschagne, Maryke. Article in Press
Amah, Delphine; van Biljon, Angeline; Brown, Allan; Perkins-Veazie, Penelope; Swennen, Rony; Labuschagne, Maryke. Article in Press
Abstract | View
Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is one of the most prevalent micronutrient deficiencies that disproportionately affects low income populations in developing countries. Traditional breeding and modern biotechnology have significant potential to enhance micronutrient bioavailability in crops through biofortification. Bananas (Musa spp.) are economically important fruit crops grown throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world where VAD is most prevalent. Some banana genotypes are rich in provitamin A carotenoids (pVACs), providing an opportunity to use bananas as a readily available vehicle for provitamin A delivery. This review summarizes the progress made in carotenoid research in bananas relative to banana diversity and the use of conventional breeding and transgenic approaches aimed at banana biofortification to address vitamin A deficiency. Existing reports on sampling strategies, pVAC retention and bioavailability are also evaluated as essential components for a successful banana biofortification effort. The wide variability of pVACs reported in banana cultivars coupled with recent advances in unraveling the diversity and genetic improvement of this globally important but often-neglected staple fruit crop underscores their importance in biofortification schemes.
Ask me why: Patterns of intrahousehold decision-making
Bernard, Tanguy; Doss, Cheryl R.; Hidrobo, Melissa; Hoel, Jessica B.; Kieran, Caitlin. 2020
Bernard, Tanguy; Doss, Cheryl R.; Hidrobo, Melissa; Hoel, Jessica B.; Kieran, Caitlin. 2020
Abstract | View
Households are sites of both cooperation and contestation. With more data available at the intrahousehold level, development researchers and practitioners have increasingly focused on household dynamics and decision-making and how these relate to outcomes of interest across many domains such as health and agriculture. Many researchers who wish to better understand power dynamics within households have focused on the question of who makes decisions in the household. A woman’s participation in household decision-making is often used both as a proxy for empowerment, an end in its own right, and as a means to achieve better production and consumption outcomes. However, research on this topic pays less attention to why different household members may make different decisions, and whether this matters for individual or household welfare. In this paper, we use an innovative methodology to look beyond the identity of the decision-maker to explore the reasons that may drive patterns of household decision-making. We then assess whether the rationale behind who makes household decisions helps explain variation in household outcomes, above and beyond what is explained by the identity of the decision-maker. Our approach uses vignettes, which are survey instruments used to measure concepts that are more easily defined by examples.1 Vignettes have been used to measure subjective well-being (Ravallion, Himelein, & Beegle, 2016), women’s agency (see Donald, Koolwal, Annan, Falb, & Goldstein, 2017 for a review), bias against women politicians (Beaman, Chattopadhyay, Duflo, Pande, & Topalova, 2009), as well as risk aversion (Barter & Renold, 1999). However, this is the first time that they have been used to analyze the processes of household decision-making.
Experimental evidence on post-program effects and spillovers from an agriculture-nutrition program
Dillon, Andrew; Bliznashka, Lilia; Olney, Deanna K.. 2020
Dillon, Andrew; Bliznashka, Lilia; Olney, Deanna K.. 2020
Abstract | View
Integrated agricultural-nutrition programs are often implemented under the premise that program effects are durable and spillover. This paper estimates one year post-program effects, three-year aggregate program effects and spillover effects using treated and untreated household cohorts. Two treatment interventions implemented agricultural interventions with behavior change communication strategies varying implementers using either village health committees or older female leaders. In the post-program period, program effects deteriorated relative to program period impacts documented in Olney et al. (2015), but the three-year agricultural, nutrition knowledge, health care practices and severe anemia impacts remained statistically significant. Despite the non-rival nature of nutrition education and promoted production techniques, there is little evidence of agricultural technology or health knowledge spillovers to non-treated households within treatment communities. Spillover effects measured for appropriate treatment of diarrhea (10 pp increase in giving rehydration salts rather than traditional medicine), wasting (20 pp lower probability of wasting) and children’s anemia status (7 pp reduction in severe anemia) significantly improve in later cohorts. The aggregate program effects and spillovers are generally robust to multiple hypothesis testing.
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
Abstract | View
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
Abstract | View
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
Abstract | View
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
Abstract | View
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
Abstract | View
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
Abstract | View
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
Abstract | View
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
Abstract | View
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
Abstract | View
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
Abstract | View
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
Abstract | View
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.
The making of a blue revolution in Bangladesh: Enablers, impacts, and the path ahead for aquaculture
Rashid, Shahidur, ed.; Zhang, Xiaobo, ed.. Washington, DC 2019
Rashid, Shahidur, ed.; Zhang, Xiaobo, ed.. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
A rapid increase in aquaculture production in Bangladesh has lowered fish prices, increased protein consumption, and reduced poverty. The Making of a Blue Revolution in Bangladesh offers a valuable case study of how this transformation in the fish value chain has occurred and how it has improved the lives of both fish producers and fish consumers and considers the future potential of aquaculture in Bangladesh.
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.
Future scenarios (projections to 2050)
Dorosh, Paul A.; Comstock, Andrew. Washington, DC 2019
Dorosh, Paul A.; Comstock, Andrew. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
The Bangladesh fish sector has experienced both rapid growth and rapid change over the past several decades. With plentiful waterways, access to the sea, and a subtropical climate, prospects for future production growth are equally bright. Domestic demand for fish products is also increasing as rising incomes and more efficient value chains make fish products more accessible and affordable for both rural and urban households. How fast supply grows relative to demand will determine not only future movements in real prices of fish products but also the feasibility of significant levels of exports. Our analysis of future production trends involves modeling different growth rates of the various fish production systems: inland capture, aquaculture, and marine fisheries. Aquaculture development has recently been stressed by both private and public sector organizations (FAO 2014). Indeed, aquaculture productivity has increased, although this has not been the case for other fishery systems such as inland capture and marine fisheries. All these systems are beset with their own constraints, but each have unique opportunities to contribute to future growth.
Welfare and poverty impacts of aquaculture growth
Rashid, Shahidur; Minot, Nicholas; Lemma, Solomon. Washington, DC 2019
Rashid, Shahidur; Minot, Nicholas; Lemma, Solomon. Washington, DC 2019
Introduction [in The making of a blue revolution in Bangladesh]
Rashid, Shahidur. Washington, DC 2019
Rashid, Shahidur. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
In the last half of the 20th century, food policy in most Asian countries meant ensuring availability of cereals, mainly rice and wheat.1 The rationale for this cereal-centric policy is well understood. Agricultural productivity was low, the world market was volatile, and the national food security depended on, apart from Mother Nature, the relationship with the donor countries, which was not smooth because of ideological differences. By the early 1960s, feeding a rapidly growing population became a daunting challenge for the region’s countries. Many experts viewed these challenges as too big to handle. “Famine 1975” (Paddock and Paddock 1967), “lifeboat ethics” (Hardin 1974), and “triage” (Ehrlich 1971) were the labels commonly applied to these countries. Thanks to Green Revolution technology and concerted policy actions, none of the dire predictions turned out to be true. By the 1980s, countries in the region ensured cereal availability and began to enjoy overall economic growth (Rashid, Cummings, and Gulati 2007).
Summary and implications
Rashid, Shahidur; Zhang, Xiaobo. Washington, DC 2019
Rashid, Shahidur; Zhang, Xiaobo. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
Led by aquaculture, the fishery sector in Bangladesh has been remarkably successful in rapidly increasing production, reducing prices, and meeting rising domestic demand. The trend has defied many earlier predictions, and the success clearly deserves to be labeled a Blue Revolution. In the early 1990s, when the country was celebrating the success of the Green Revolution, per capita annual fish consumption was only 10 kilograms, with widespread concerns that consumption could decline even further because of rising prices (Bouis and Haddad 1992). The policy ambition was not high even in the early 2000s. In 2005 a Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report argued that reaching per capita consumption of 18 kilograms per year would be a big accomplishment. The country far exceeded that target by 2010; and according to the latest estimates, per capita fish consumption in Bangladesh reached 23 kilograms per year in 2016 (BBS 2017). This book has attempted to understand the enablers, impacts, and prospects of this unprecedented growth.
The making of a blue revolution in Bangladesh: Enablers, impacts, and the path ahead for aquaculture: Synopsis
Rashid, Shahidur; Zhang, Xiaobo. Washington, DC 2019
Rashid, Shahidur; Zhang, Xiaobo. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
A rapid increase in aquaculture production in Bangladesh has lowered fish prices, increased protein consumption, and reduced poverty. The Making of a Blue Revolution in Bangladesh offers a valuable case study of how this transformation in the fish value chain has occurred and how it has improved the lives of both fish producers and fish consumers and considers the future potential of aquaculture in Bangladesh.
Value chain transformation
Hernandez, Ricardo; Belton, Ben; Reardon, Thomas Anthony; Hu, Chaoran; Zhang, Xiaobo; Ahmed, Akhter. Washington, DC 2019
Hernandez, Ricardo; Belton, Ben; Reardon, Thomas Anthony; Hu, Chaoran; Zhang, Xiaobo; Ahmed, Akhter. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
The majority of literature on aquaculture in Bangladesh focuses on “microsocioeconomics” and “value chains” (VCs) and tends to have a static perspective. However, this approach is at odds with several important emerging trends (Ali 1997; Ali, Haque, and Belton 2013). First, aquaculture is growing fast in Asia. From 1984 to 2014, Bangladesh’s farmed fish jumped from 124,000 metric tons to 1.96 million metric tons, increasing by 1,580 percent. As a result, aquaculture now accounts for 55 percent of Bangladesh’s fish supply, up from just 16 percent three decades ago (Bangladesh, DoF 1994, 1997, 2006, 2015). Second, there has been a rapid shift from home consumption (from one’s own pond) to purchasing farmed fish from the market—consumers of farmed fish got 92 percent of it via purchase from the market in 2010 versus 79 percent in 2000 (data extracted from BBS 2012). This implies that “commercial aquaculture” (which we define simply as fish farming output that is sold, with no specification of the farm size) has moved to be far more important than subsistence fish farming.
Sector overview and study design
Rashid, Shahidur; Ahmad, Kaikaus; Rosenbach, Gracie. Washington, DC 2019
Rashid, Shahidur; Ahmad, Kaikaus; Rosenbach, Gracie. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
The fisheries sector in Bangladesh is important in terms of both economic and food security perspectives. The sector accounts for about 4 percent of national gross domestic product (GDP), 23 percent of the agricultural GDP, and about 3 percent of total foreign exchange earnings (Bangladesh, DoF 2015). In terms of employment, the sector’s role in the economy is even larger. About 17.8 million Bangladeshis, including 1.4 million women, find jobs (full time and part time) in the sector (FAO 2016), which translates to about 11 percent of the total population and more than 23 percent of the working population.1 Fish also occupies an important place in Bangladeshi diets and culture—so much so that there is a Bengali (both Bangladesh and Indian West Bengal) adage that says mache bhate bangali (meaning “fish and rice is what makes a Bengali”). The role of fish in improving food security of the poor is even greater. Fishing is an important source of livelihood for the poor, and it is often their only source of protein. It is estimated that about 70 percent of the rural population engaged in fishing for subsistence at some point in the year (FAO 2014).
Cluster-based aquaculture growth
Zhang, Xiaobo; Chen, Qingqing; Fang, Peixun. Washington, DC 2019
Zhang, Xiaobo; Chen, Qingqing; Fang, Peixun. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
As shown in Chapter 3, fish production appears to be largely clustered and the number of fish farmers, feed traders, and fish traders have all experienced rapid growth since 2008, roughly in the same magnitude. The first objective of this chapter is to quantify the trend of clustering. Based on the fish value chain survey and mesolevel primary data, we show that fish production has indeed become clustered over time. When a large number of actors work on the same sector in a limited area, the competition is inherently intense. A question arises: Why do people still want to co-locate to work on similar businesses? The cluster must create some collective efficiency, which offsets the adverse effect on profit margin due to strong competition (Schmitz 1995). Better access to market, easy learning from others, and labor pooling are the three most noted features of positive externalities in clusters (Marshall 1920). In developing countries, clustering can help to alleviate entrepreneurs’ financial constraints, a major limiting factor to private sector development, by lowering capital barriers to enter and providing trade credit for operation (Ruan and Zhang 2009; Ali, Peerlings, and Zhang 2014).
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.
Determining key research areas for healthier diets and sustainable food systems in Viet Nam
Raneri, Jessica E.; Kennedy, Gina; Nguyen, Trang; Wertheim-Heck, Sigrid; Do, Ha; de Haan, Stef; Nguyen, Phuong Hong. Washington, DC 2019
Raneri, Jessica E.; Kennedy, Gina; Nguyen, Trang; Wertheim-Heck, Sigrid; Do, Ha; de Haan, Stef; Nguyen, Phuong Hong. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
Vietnamese food systems are undergoing rapid transformation, with important implications for human and environmental health and economic development. Poverty has decreased, and diet quality and undernutrition have improved significantly since the end of the Doi Moi reform period (1986-1993) as a result of Viet Nam opening its economy and increasing its regional and global trade. Yet poor diet quality is still contributing the triple burden of malnutrition, with 25 percent stunting among children under age 5, 26 percent and 29 percent of women and children, respectively, anemic, and 21 percent of adults overweight. Agricultural production systems have shifted from predominantly diverse smallholder systems to larger more commercialized and specialized systems, especially for crops, while the ‘meatification’ of the Vietnamese diet is generating serious trade-offs between improved nutrition and sustainability of the Vietnamese food systems. The food processing industry has developed rapidly, together with food imports, resulting in new and processed food products penetrating the food retail outlets, trending towards an increase in the Westernized consumption patterns that are shifting nutrition-related problems towards overweight and obesity and, with it, an increase of non-communicable disease-related health risks. While regulatory policies exist across the food system, these are not systematically implemented, making food safety a major concern for consumers and policy makers alike. Where data exists, it is not easy to aggregate with data from across food system dimensions, making it difficult for Viet Nam to make an informed analysis of current and potential food system trade-offs. In our research, we reviewed existing literature and data, and applied a food systems framework to develop an initial food systems profile for Viet Nam and to identify a comprehensive set a of research questions to fill current data gaps identified through the review.
Insights on these would provide the comprehensive evidence needed to inform policy makers on how to develop new food systems policies for Viet Nam, and further refine and improve existing policies to achieve better quality diets and more sustainable food systems in Viet Nam. Based on these, we then engaged with stakeholders to develop research priorities in the Viet Nam context and identified 25 priority research questions. This paper aims to stimulate such reflections by clearly outlining key areas for research, government policy, and development programs on priority investment to build the evidence base around inclusive food systems interventions that aim to result in healthier diets and more sustainable food systems for Viet Nam
Insights on these would provide the comprehensive evidence needed to inform policy makers on how to develop new food systems policies for Viet Nam, and further refine and improve existing policies to achieve better quality diets and more sustainable food systems in Viet Nam. Based on these, we then engaged with stakeholders to develop research priorities in the Viet Nam context and identified 25 priority research questions. This paper aims to stimulate such reflections by clearly outlining key areas for research, government policy, and development programs on priority investment to build the evidence base around inclusive food systems interventions that aim to result in healthier diets and more sustainable food systems for Viet Nam
Examining the implementation of multisectoral programs: The SELEVER process evaluation
Gelli, Aulo; Pedehombga, Abdoulaye; Diatta, Ampa Dogui; Sanou, Armande; Becquey, Elodie; Diop, Loty; Eissler, Sarah; Heckert, Jessica; Ganaba, Rasmane. Washington, DC 2019
Gelli, Aulo; Pedehombga, Abdoulaye; Diatta, Ampa Dogui; Sanou, Armande; Becquey, Elodie; Diop, Loty; Eissler, Sarah; Heckert, Jessica; Ganaba, Rasmane. Washington, DC 2019
IFPRI in Asia
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2019
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
Highlights of IFPRI’s current cutting-edge, policy-relevant research in Central, East, South, and Southeast Asia are featured in this brochure. IFPRI works with partners throughout Asia to contribute to effective policies, programs, and investments that help ensure all people have access to safe, sufficient, nutritious, and sustainably grown food across the continent.
Engaging nutrition stakeholders in Poyentanga: A case study on local-level multisector coordination
Billings, Lucy; Wullingdool, Emmanuel. Washington, DC 2019
Billings, Lucy; Wullingdool, Emmanuel. Washington, DC 2019
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Multisectoral coordination and action are recognized as necessary conditions to effec-tively address the multiple drivers of malnutrition. There has been a strong effort in the past decade to establish multisector coordination at the national level among member states of the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement. However, the practice of subnational and commu-nity-level nutrition coordination is still emerging, and literature on the factors related to the formation and success of such coordination bodies is limited (for example, Harris et al. 2017). Understanding contextual factors is particularly important for supporting local-level ena-bling environments, where traditional customs may hold influence over political and social structures. A multisector nutrition committee was formed in Poyentanga, a subdistrict of Wa West District in the impoverished Upper West region of Ghana, where acute child malnutrition is driven by seasonal food insecurity. The committee was launched in November 2018 as a plat-form to coordinate local stakeholders to address the challenges of persistent malnutrition in the communities of Poyentanga. This case study examines the enabling environment for local-level engagement and action on nutrition to understand the context and the key factors that led to the formation of the Poyentanga nutrition committee. The basic policy framework and institutional structures were already in place for multi-sector coordination on nutrition before the committee was established. The National Nutrition Policy specifies the formation of a multisectoral coordination mechanism for nutrition services and programmes at national and subnational levels, and responsibility for resource allocation for the delivery of necessary services sits with the District Assemblies. Yet a strong focus on the treatment of acute malnutrition in Wa West District had left the administration of curative nu-trition services largely to the health sector, with little attention given to preventative ap-proaches or engagement from other sectors. Once attention was drawn to the prevalence and consequences of malnutrition, stakeholders from across sectors demonstrated high commit-ment to addressing the problem.
Accounting for the rapid reduction of child stunting in Tanzania over 2005-2016
Headey, Derek D.; Heckert, Jessica; Ndiaye, Biram; Brero, Mauro; Assey, Vincent. Washington, DC 2019
Headey, Derek D.; Heckert, Jessica; Ndiaye, Biram; Brero, Mauro; Assey, Vincent. Washington, DC 2019
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This research was undertaken in order to understand what factors have been driving stunting reduction in Tanzania over the recent past (2005-2015), and what can further accelerate progress against undernutrition in the near future (2015-2025). Chronic undernutrition in early childhood - often indicated by stunting - has highly detrimental consequences for long-term physical and cognitive development, school attendance and performance, and labor productivity and wages in adulthood. Understanding how countries have been able to successfully reduce stunting prevalence, and how they can accelerate this success in the future, are therefore critically important research questions. During the past decade, Tanzania has experienced rapid change in the nutrition status of children 0-5 years, particularly since 2010. Stunting declining from 44.3% in 2004-05 to 42.0% in 2010, before dropping sharply to 34.4% in 2015-16, a decline of 0.9 percentage points per year. This encouraging trend begs the main research question motivating this paper: what explains this progress? We address this question with a quantitative approach built upon both parametric and non-parametric regression techniques, and a simple linear regression decomposition at means. Previous studies applying this approach in South Asia have demonstrated the paramount importance of improvements in household wealth, parental education, maternal and child health care, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). However, a novel contribution of the study is the consideration of infectious diseases, including malaria and HIV/AIDS: both diseases were very common in 2005, yet both saw dramatic improvements in prevention and treatment efforts in subsequent years. We show that proxies for the prevention/treatment of these diseases account for the largest share of the predicted reduction in stunting over 2005-16, that prevention of both diseases is associated with improvements in early childhood nutrition (suggestive of improvements in birth size and growth in early infancy), and that the apparent effects of these public health efforts are larger in regions where the diseases are more prevalent. In contrast, the apparent effects of household wealth, parental education, maternal and child health care and WASH are more important in explaining stunting reduction among older children. Finally, we go beyond historical decompositions by using the regression results to project alternative stunting reduction scenarios to 2025. If trends over 2005-2015 were to continue, Tanzania would fail to achieve the WHA target of a 40% reduction in stunting by 2025. However, an accelerated socio-economic development scenario - in which Tanzania achieves faster progress in a wide range of sectors, including improved child feeding - could achieve the WHA target and see stunting rates fall by a further 14 percentage points by 2025. These results reaffirm that solving stunting requires rapid and coordinated progress in multiple sectors, including nutrition-specific actions and a wide range of nutrition-sensitive actions.
Analysis of the drivers of change in women’s anemia in Tanzania 2005-2015
Heckert, Jessica; Headey, Derek D.; Ndiaye, Biram; Brero, Mauro; Assey, Vincent. Washington, DC 2019
Heckert, Jessica; Headey, Derek D.; Ndiaye, Biram; Brero, Mauro; Assey, Vincent. Washington, DC 2019
Abstract | View
Although the prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age in Tanzania remains high, there have been documented improvements. It declined from 47.2% in 2004-05 to 40.1% 2010, but by 2016 it has risen again to 44.8%, according to the nationally representative Demographic and Health Surveys from those years. Women’s anemia can lead to many detrimental consequences, including decreased work productivity, mortality, postpartum hemorrhage, and adverse birth outcomes. Thus, it is important to document the factors that may have contributed to improvements in anemia status. Using a regression decomposition approach, which previously has been applied to identifying potential drivers of changes in stunting, we examine which improvements in the underlying determinants of anemia contributed to improvements in the overall prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age in Tanzania. This study is the first known application of this methodology to understanding changes in the prevelance of anemia. Among all adult women, the largest contributers of change from factors we could include in our models were increases in wealth and education, use of hormonal contraceptives, and the decrease in the proportion of women who are currently pregnant or postpartum (i.e., from the decrease in fertility rates). Notably, use of hormonal contraceptives was least common among the poorest quintile. Additionally, change was attributable to reductions in infection, specifically fever and improvements in open defecation. Among older adolescent girls (15-19 years), the largest share in the improvements in anemia were attributable to education and wealth increases. Among postpartum women, we were limited by the sample size, but found that attending all four antenatal care visits and being administered medications to prevent malaria during pregnancy were important determinants of improved hemoglobin levels.
Agriculture and undernutrition through the lens of economics
Headey, Derek D.; Masters, William A.. Washington, DC 2019
Headey, Derek D.; Masters, William A.. Washington, DC 2019
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Agricultural development has historically focused on poverty reduction and food security but is now increasingly asked to help improve nutrition. Despite this strengthened nutritional mandate, agricultural policies and programs have struggled to develop effective, scalable and cost-effective approaches for reducing undernutrition. This study was therefore undertaken to assess more the more strategic issue of how to re-design agricultural development strategies for greater nutritional impact. To do so we review the literature on agriculture-nutrition linkages through an economic lens, focusing on systemic agriculture-nutrition linkages that go beyond the much-explored question of how a farm family’s agricultural activities affect their own household members’ food consumption or nutrition outcomes. To that end we structured this review around three types of linkages between agriculture and nutrition: (i) agricultural income effects (including income stability); (ii) relative food price determination (including the shadow prices involved in consuming one’s own production); and (iii) agricultural livelihood characteristics (encompassing the many neglected dimensions of agricultural activities and rural livelihoods that influence nutrition and health). For each of these literatures we reflect upon relevant economic theory, methodological challenges, and key empirical evidence. We conclude with a brief discussion of the implications of these findings for developing more nutrition-sensitive agricultural development strategies.
Transfers, nutrition programming, and economic well-being: Experimental evidence from Bangladesh
Ahmed, Akhter; Hoddinott, John F.; Roy, Shalini; Sraboni, Esha. Washington, DC 2019
Ahmed, Akhter; Hoddinott, John F.; Roy, Shalini; Sraboni, Esha. Washington, DC 2019
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Interest has grown in leveraging cash transfer programs with nutrition interventions to improve child nutrition at scale. However, little is known about how doing so affects household economic well-being. We study a program providing cash or food transfers, with or without nutrition behavior change communication (BCC), to poor women in rural Bangladesh. We find that adding BCC to cash or food transfers leads to larger impacts on both consumption and assets - an apparent puzzle, given the transfer value is unchanged. Evidence suggests this occurs through the BCC inducing increases in income generation - plausibly by improving households’ social capital and empowerment.
Information, technology, and market rewards: Incentivizing aflatoxin control in Ghana
Magnan, Nicholas; Hoffmann, Vivian; Garrido, Gissele; Kanyam, Faniel Akwasi; Opoku, Nelson. Washington, DC 2019
Magnan, Nicholas; Hoffmann, Vivian; Garrido, Gissele; Kanyam, Faniel Akwasi; Opoku, Nelson. Washington, DC 2019
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Food safety hazards threaten the health and market access of smallholder farming households. Smallholders face a number of barriers to improving food safety and quality, including low awareness, high input costs, and the failure of premium prices to pass through to producers. In this paper we examine how lifting these barriers affects Ghanaian groundnut farmers’ adoption of low-tech, low-cost post-harvest practices that reduce aflatoxin contamination. We conduct a randomized controlled trial in northern Ghana over the course of two seasons to test three interventions: (1) training on aflatoxin and its prevention, (2) distribution of free drying sheets, and (3) a price premium for groundnuts that comply with local aflatoxin regulations. In the first year we test for effects on post-harvest practices and aflatoxin levels, and in the second we test for effects on aflatoxin levels only. We find that training farmers substantially improves post-harvest practices. Drying sheet distribution and to a lesser extent the premium price lead to further improvements. We find substantial corresponding decreases in aflatoxin levels from drying sheet provision in the study region where background aflatoxin levels were highest. Beyond regional differences, benefits are higher for households with higher aflatoxin at baseline, more members, and young children. The estimated impacts of the price premium intervention are of similar magnitude, but not statistically significant.
POSHAN's abstract digest on maternal and child nutrition research - Issue 30
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2019
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2019
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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, we bring to you two salient reports, which have been released recently. UNICEF’s Children, Food and Nutrition: Growing well in a changing world highlights the state of the world’s children in 2019. India’s Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey provides significant information on malnutrition, anemia and micronutrient deficiencies among children and adolescents in India.
Empowerment in agricultural value chains: Mixed methods evidence from the Philippines
Malapit, Hazel J.; Ragasa, Catherine; Martinez, Elena M.; Rubin, Deborah; Seymour, Gregory; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. Washington, DC 2019
Malapit, Hazel J.; Ragasa, Catherine; Martinez, Elena M.; Rubin, Deborah; Seymour, Gregory; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. Washington, DC 2019
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Women’s participation and empowerment in value chains are goals that concern many development organizations, but there has been limited systematic, rigorous research to track these goals between and within value chains (VCs). We use the survey-based project-level Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (pro-WEAI) to measure women’s and men’s empowerment in the abaca, coconut, seaweed, and swine VCs in the Philippines. Results show that most women and men in all four VCs are disempowered, but unlike in many other countries, Filipino women in this sample are generally as empowered as men. Pro-WEAI results suggest that respect within the household and attitudes about gender-based violence (GBV) are the largest sources of disempowerment for both women and men, followed by control over use of income and autonomy in income-related decisions. Excessive workload and lack of group membership are other important sources of disempowerment, with some variation across VCs and nodes along VCs. Across all four VCs, access to community programs is associated with higher women’s empowerment, and access to extension services and education are associated with higher men’s empowerment. Our results show that, despite the egalitarian gender norms in the Philippines, persistent gender stereotypes influence men’s and women’s empowerment and VC participation.
IFPRI publications related to nutrition in Ethiopia
Compact 2025. Washington, DC 2019
Compact 2025. Washington, DC 2019
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The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) began research activities in Ethiopia in the 1980s to assess the root causes of drought-related food-production shortages and support adoption of appropriate policy responses. IFPRI’s rigorous empirical research contributed to a broader understanding of economic development processes in Ethiopia and built capacity to conduct such research on a national scale. Working with many long-standing partners, IFPRI evaluated strategies for achieving sustainable agricultural growth, investment in agricultural research, the provision of safety nets to strengthen resilience, prioritization of nutrition interventions for women and children, property rights, and management of natural resources, among other goals. Evidence from this and other work informed programs and initiatives to improve food and nutrition security for vulnerable people.
Building livelihoods for rural youth: A gendered perspective
Heckert, Jessica; Pereira, Audrey; Doss, Cheryl; Myers, Emily C.; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. Washington, DC 2019
Heckert, Jessica; Pereira, Audrey; Doss, Cheryl; Myers, Emily C.; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. Washington, DC 2019
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Young women and men in rural Africa are coming of age in rapidly changing local and global environments (National Research Council and Institute of Medicine 2005). Across the continent, countries are experiencing structural transformation (ST) as economies shift from labor-intensive and low-productivity activities, such as agriculture, to more productive and skill-intensive ones, such as manufacturing and services. Rural transformation (RT) is also under way in many countries, as rural economies, communities, and social institutions diversify (de Vries, Timmer, and de Vries 2015). Some countries are experiencing the demographic transition, as lags between declines in mortality and fertility rates have led to large youth cohorts (Bloom, Canning, and Sevilla 2003). Against this backdrop, the transition to adulthood has also changed. Compared with their parents, young people are staying in school longer, marrying later, and building their livelihoods from a broader range of economic sectors (Behrman and Sengupta 2005).
2019 Annual trends and outlook report: Gender equality in rural Africa: From commitments to outcomes
Quisumbing, Agnes R., ed.; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela, ed.; Njuki, Jemimah, ed.. Washington, DC 2019
Quisumbing, Agnes R., ed.; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela, ed.; Njuki, Jemimah, ed.. Washington, DC 2019
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Gender-sensitive policy and programming have an integral role to play in fostering inclusive agricultural growth to meet the commitments of African countries to the Malabo Declaration goals. The 2019 Annual Trends and Outlook Report from ReSAKSS applies a gender lens to key issues that must be addressed to fully achieve these goals. Chapters examine the intersections between gender and (1) the context and institutions within which rural people operate; (2) the natural resources that men and women depend on for agriculture, sources of vulnerability, and resilience to shocks; (3) assets and income; and (4) livelihood strategies and well-being. The report serves as the official M&E report for the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), tracking progress on over 30 CAADP indicators.
Beyond access: Gender- transformative financial inclusion in agriculture and entrepreneurship
Njuki, Jemimah; Melesse, Martha; Ng'weno, Amolo; Rappoldt, Anne; Phelane, Comfort; d'Anjou, Jesse; Hassan, Michelle; Ketley, Richard; Vossenberg, Saskia. Washington, DC 2019
Njuki, Jemimah; Melesse, Martha; Ng'weno, Amolo; Rappoldt, Anne; Phelane, Comfort; d'Anjou, Jesse; Hassan, Michelle; Ketley, Richard; Vossenberg, Saskia. Washington, DC 2019
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Acore tenet underpinning financial inclusion is the notion that everyone has access to and usage of affordable financial products and services that meet their needs—whether those are savings, credit, insurance, or transactions or any combination of such services. Fulfilling this aspiration rests on a number of assumptions: that people need a range of financial products and services to fulfill their diverse daily activities; that such services will be worth using only if they are delivered with sufficient quality, including convenience and affordability, that everyone can safely use them; and that a well-functioning marketplace exists within which multiple competing providers operate in an enabling framework set through effective regulation. An increasingly central aspect of the financial inclusion vision involves the financial literacy and capability of the customers, who must have the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that enable them to make sound financial decisions.
Agriculture-nutrition linkages, cooking-time, intrahousehold equality among women and children: Evidence from Tajikistan
Takeshima, Hiroyuki; Akramov, Kamiljon T.; Park, Allen; Ilyasov, Jarilkasin; Ergasheva, Tanzila. Washington, DC 2019
Takeshima, Hiroyuki; Akramov, Kamiljon T.; Park, Allen; Ilyasov, Jarilkasin; Ergasheva, Tanzila. Washington, DC 2019
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Household-level agriculture-nutrition linkage (ANL) tends to be strong in a rural subsistence setting with limited access to the food market. In such a context, markets for food processing services also may be imperfect, and consequently a household’s time-investments in cooking may become important. Using the primary data in Tajikistan, we show that longer periods of time dedicated to cooking by women in the household often significantly enhance household-level ANL. Furthermore, an increase in the diversity, scale, and efficiency of household production, as well as longer cooking time, can also reduce intrahousehold inequality in nutritional outcomes among women and children. These effects are stronger in areas with lower nighttime light intensity and for households with lower values of cooking assets. In a context where household-level ANL is strong, ANL may also depend on households’ self-production of complementary inputs, including cooking services. This dependence reveals both unique opportunities for and vulnerabilities of ANL for the rural poor.
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Abstract | View
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.
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. 2019
Kehoe, Sarah H.; Dhurde, Varsha; Bhaise, Shilpa; Kale, Rashmi; Kumaran, Kalyanaraman; Gelli, Aulo. 2019
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
Abstract | View
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
Abstract | View
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
Abstract | View
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
Abstract | View
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
Abstract | View
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
Abstract | View
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
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.. 2019
Olney, Deanna K.; Leroy, Jef L.; Bliznashka, Lilia; Ruel, Marie T.. 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 Suseela; Seymour, Gregory; Martinez, Elena M.; Heckert, Jessica. 2019
Malapit, Hazel J.; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; 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
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.. 2019
Le Port, Agnès; Zongrone, Amanda; Sessou, Eric; Diatta, Ampa Dogui; Koulidiati, Jean-Louis; Ruel, Marie T.. 2019
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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).
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.. 2019
Raghunathan, Kalyani; Kannan, Samyuktha; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. 2019
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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.
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
Abstract | View
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
Abstract | View
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
Abstract | View
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
Abstract | View
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.
First foods: Diet quality among infants aged 6–23 months in 42 countries
Choudhury, Samira; Headey, Derek D.; Masters, William A.. 2019
Choudhury, Samira; Headey, Derek D.; Masters, William A.. 2019
Abstract | View
Diet quality is closely linked to child growth and development, especially among infants aged 6–23 months who need to complement breastmilk with the gradual introduction of nutrient-rich solid foods. This paper links Demographic and Health Survey data on infant feeding to household and environmental factors for 76,641 children in 42 low- and middle-income countries surveyed in 2006–2013, providing novel stylized facts about diets in early childhood. Multivariate regressions examine the associations of household socioeconomic characteristics and community level indicators of climate and infrastructure with dietary diversity scores (DDS). Results show strong support for an infant-feeding version of Bennett's Law, as wealthier households introduce more diverse foods at earlier ages, with additional positive effects of parental education, local infrastructure and more temperate agro-climatic conditions. Associations with consumption of specific nutrient-dense foods are less consistent. Our findings imply that while income growth is indeed an important driver of diversification, there are strong grounds to also invest heavily in women’s education and food environments to improve diet quality, while addressing the impacts of climate change on livelihoods and food systems. These results reveal systematic patterns in how first foods vary across developing countries, pointing to new opportunities for research towards nutrition-smart policies to improve children’s diets.
Rural food markets and child nutrition
Headey, Derek D.; Hirvonen, Kalle; Hoddinott, John F.; Stifel, David. 2019
Headey, Derek D.; Hirvonen, Kalle; Hoddinott, John F.; Stifel, David. 2019
Abstract | View
Child dietary diversity is poor in much of rural Africa and developing Asia, prompting significant efforts to leverage agriculture to improve diets. However, growing recognition that even very poor rural households rely on markets to satisfy their demand for nutrient-rich non-staple foods warrants a much better understanding of how rural markets vary in their diversity, competitiveness, frequency and food affordability, and how such characteristics are associated with diets. This article addresses these questions using data from rural Ethiopia. Deploying a novel market survey in conjunction with an information-rich household survey, we find that children in proximity to markets that sell more non-staple food groups have more diverse diets. However, the association is small in absolute terms; moving from three non-staple food groups in the market to six is associated with an increase in the number of non-staple food groups consumed by ∼0.27 and the likelihood of consumption of any non-staple food group by 10 percentage points. These associations are similar in magnitude to those describing the relationship between dietary diversity and household production diversity; moreover, for some food groups, notably dairy, we find that household and community production of that food is especially important. These modest associations may reflect several specific features of our sample which is situated in very poor, food-insecure localities where even the relatively better off are poor in absolute terms and where, by international standards, relative prices for non-staple foods are very high.
How trade policies starve healthy diets
Roy, Devesh; Sharma, Manika. 2019
Roy, Devesh; Sharma, Manika. 2019
Drivers of under-five stunting trend in 14 low- and middle-income countries since the turn of the millennium: A multilevel pooled analysis of 50 demographic and health surveys
Argaw, Alemayehu; Hanley-Cook, Giles; Cock, Nathalie De; Kolsteren, Patrick; Huybregts, Lieven; Lachat, Carl. 2019
Argaw, Alemayehu; Hanley-Cook, Giles; Cock, Nathalie De; Kolsteren, Patrick; Huybregts, Lieven; Lachat, Carl. 2019
Abstract | View
Background: Understanding the drivers contributing to the decreasing trend in stunting is paramount to meeting the World Health Assembly’s global target of 40% stunting reduction by 2025. Methods: We pooled data from 50 Demographic and Health Surveys since 2000 in 14 countries to examine the relationships between the stunting trend and potential factors at distal, intermediate, and proximal levels. A multilevel pooled trend analysis was used to estimate the association between the change in potential drivers at a country level and stunting probability for an individual child while adjusting for time trends and child-level covariates. A four-level mixed-effects linear probability regression model was fitted, accounting for the clustering of data by sampling clusters, survey-rounds, and countries. Results: Stunting followed a decreasing trend in all countries at an average annual rate of 1.04 percentage points. Among the distal factors assessed, a decrease in the Gini coefficient, an improvement in women’s decision-making, and an increase in urbanization were significantly associated with a lower probability of stunting within a country. Improvements in households’ access to improved sanitation facilities and drinking water sources, and children’s access to basic vaccinations were the important intermediate service-related drivers, whereas improvements in early initiation of breastfeeding and a decrease in the prevalence of low birthweight were the important proximal drivers. Conclusions: The results reinforce the need for a combination of nutrition-sensitive and -specific interventions to tackle the problem of stunting. The identified drivers help to guide global efforts to further accelerate stunting reduction and monitor progress against chronic childhood undernutrition.
Do agriculture interventions increase aspirations? An examination from the lens of caste and gender
Alvi, Muzna; Ward, Patrick S.; Spielman, David J.; Makhija, Simrin. 2019
Alvi, Muzna; Ward, Patrick S.; Spielman, David J.; Makhija, Simrin. 2019
Abstract | View
We use priming, a concept popular in social psychology, to study the effect of identity salience on aspirations for one’ self and children as part of an impact evaluation in Odisha, India. We measure the effect of an individual’s gender- and caste-identity salience on improving aspirations for their children’s 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 heterogeneity exists and muted in homogenous areas. We find that aspirations for boys are already very high, thus priming has no effect on aspirations for sons.
priming is more apparent in areas where significant heterogeneity exists and muted in homogenous areas. We find that aspirations for boys are already very high, thus priming has no effect on aspirations for sons.
Impact of iron biofortified beans on yields and farmers' incomes: The case of Rwanda
Funes, José; Sun, Laixiang; Benson, Todd; Sedano, Fernando; Baiocchi, Giovanni; Birol, Ekin. 2019
Funes, José; Sun, Laixiang; Benson, Todd; Sedano, Fernando; Baiocchi, Giovanni; Birol, Ekin. 2019
Abstract | View
This paper investigates the economic impact of the adoption of conventionally-bred improved iron biofortified beans (IBB) by smallholder farmers in Rwanda. Created through conventional breeding, these beans contain higher levels of dietary iron as compared to beans more commonly used by smallholder farmers in Rwanda. Using observational studies and spatial econometrics methods, we estimated the treatment effect and heterogeneous impact of IBB production on farmers’ yields and potential incomes. We also used a national representative cross-sectional bean farmer survey collected in season B of 2015. Our results indicate that adoption of IBB has contributed to yield and income gains. IBB bush growers, on average, increased their yields by 23% per hectare equivalent to 152 kg (P < 0.05) due to their adoption of IBB, and their potential income by 24% per hectare, that is about $75 (P < 0.04). Farmers that grew IBB climbing varieties, on average, increased their yields by 22% per hectare equivalent to 194 kg (P < 0.04), and their potential agricultural income by 25% per hectare, equal to $116 (P < 0.04). Nationwide, this represents an additional total production value of $2.5 million for all IBB production in season B 2015. Additionally, we found evidence of negative selection by assessing the impact of IBB adoption on those smallholder farmers who are less likely to adopt—for instance, because of access to resources. Evidence suggests this is typically found among farmers that have small land-labor ratios and are closer to markets. Indeed, our findings suggest substantial gains in yields and incomes resulting from this group of farmers adopting iron biofortified seeds. Therefore, based on these results, policies that support greater access to improved iron biofortified bean seeds should be prioritized in Rwanda, and elsewhere in Africa We expect the adoption of IBB to not only improve yields and incomes, but also the dietary iron intake of household members. This would help to reduce the consequences of iron deficiencies—though these effects are measured elsewhere.
Do grassroots interventions relax behavioral constraints to the adoption of nutrition-sensitive food production systems?
Alvi, Muzna F.; Ward, Patrick S.; Makhija, Simrin; Spielman, David J.. 2019
Alvi, Muzna F.; Ward, Patrick S.; Makhija, Simrin; Spielman, David J.. 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 gain 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 labin-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.
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, Aimee Webb; Avula, Rasmi; Menon, Purnima. 2019
Kachwaha, Shivani; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Defreese, Michelle; Cyriac, Shruthi; Girard, Aimee 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.
What is the effective delivery mechanism of food support in India?
Pradhan, Mamata; Roy, Devesh; Sonkar, Vinay Kumar. 2019
Pradhan, Mamata; Roy, Devesh; Sonkar, Vinay Kumar. 2019
Variance structure of aflatoxin contaminated maize in incoming trucks at commercial mills in Kenya
Fisher, Karen; Herrman, Timothy J. ; Hoffmann, Vivian; Lee, Kyung-Min . College Station, Texas 2019
Fisher, Karen; Herrman, Timothy J. ; Hoffmann, Vivian; Lee, Kyung-Min . College Station, Texas 2019
Abstract | View
Aflatoxin contamination in maize represents a significant food safety hazard in Kenya. To manage this risk, millers need to properly sample incoming bags of maize. In this study, three firms allowed researchers access to sample three incoming trucks each to quantify sources of variability using a hierarchical sampling design. A total of 180 samples consisting of two samples per bag, ten bags per truck, three trucks per mill, and three mills were sampled in April of 2014 and analyzed for aflatoxins using the Romer-FluorQuant test method. Samples from three trucks were analyzed twice for aflatoxin to define intra-bag variability, and extracts were analyzed in duplicate to quantify analytical variability. The variance was partitioned as follows: mill (1.9%), truck (4.1%), bag (60.8%), in-bag (26.6%), analytical error (6.3%) and residual error (0.3%). Using these data, a power study was conducted to optimize the number of bags per truck that should be sampled. The power test, depicted using a power curve, indicated that 20 bags provided a statistical probability of 0.83. This study characterizes the sources of variability in sampling, and the inclusion of a power study highlights the tradeoffs in the number of bags sampled and the ability to detect small effects in estimating the level of aflatoxin contamination in maize.
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
Abstract | View
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
Abstract | View
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.
Mapping the risk of Rift Valley fever in Uganda
Tumusiime, Dan; Kihu, Simon; Mutua, Edna; Bett, Bernard. Uganda 2019
Tumusiime, Dan; Kihu, Simon; Mutua, Edna; Bett, Bernard. Uganda 2019
Effect of isonuclear-alloplasmic cytoplasmic male sterility system on grain yield traits in pearl millet
Pujar, Mahesh; Govindaraj, Mahalingam; Gangaprasad, S.; Kanatti, A. . New Delhi, India 2019
Pujar, Mahesh; Govindaraj, Mahalingam; Gangaprasad, S.; Kanatti, A. . New Delhi, India 2019
Abstract | View
Pearl millet is a nutri-cereal and is grown predominantly by subsistence farmers in semi-arid regions of India and Africa. Considering it’s highly cross pollinated nature and availability of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS), hybrids have become a dominant cultivar type in India. Present study aims to assess the effect of isonuclear alloplasmic A1 , A4 and A5 CMS on agronomic performance of pearl millet hybrids. Five isogenic females each having 3 alloplasmic (A1, A4 and A5) cytoplasm were crossed with 6 male-parents to generate 120 hybrids. All these were evaluated in two contrasting seasons (E) in split-split-plot design. The significant cytoplasm per se and restorer per se indicate the both contribution to most of the traits, however, greater magnitude of contribution arises from restorers significantly (75% grain yield; 95% 1000-grain weight). The significant, hybrids x E shows the mandatory of multilocation testing for yield traits while non-significant of CMS × E interaction reveals the greater stability of CMS. Further, non-significant mean yield differences exhibited in A1, A4 and A5 hybrids (2.84-3.14 t ha–1) indicated no adverse effect of cytoplasm on grain yield and associated traits. Also, diverse genetic backgrounds used in this study displayed significant contributions to grain yield and its component traits. These results imply the prospects for utilization of potential alternative cytoplasm (A4 and A5) to widen the cytoplasm base together with development of counterpart restorers to produce future high-yielding hybrids.
Use of discrete choice experiments in gendered participatory breeding and varietal selection: A case study of biofortified rice varietal selection in Bolivar, Colombia
Garcia, Maria Alejandro; Arora, Diksha. Cali, Colombia 2019
Garcia, Maria Alejandro; Arora, Diksha. Cali, Colombia 2019
Abstract | View
Our work pilots a methodology to conduct gender analysis in participatory plant breeding and varietal selection. We conducted discrete choice experiments to assess men’s and women’s needs and preferences between different agronomic traits of biofortified rice. The first experiment,better nutrition or higher incomes, demonstrated that women in general prefer better nutritional outcomes to a possibility of higher household incomes, which is also evident from their statements, “one cannot do anything if one does not have good nutrition,” “without good nutrition, kids would easily become sick’” and “nutritive food would serve our kids for better growth and development.” Nevertheless, if the incremental income is high enough, as in scenario 3 of this experiment, women are willing to select high yielding variety because they believe that with the additional income they can purchase and feed items in other food groups, which will provide the essential nutrition to their children. Nonetheless, this can work better in places with available markets. Men, however, chose the high yielding variety of rice over biofortified rice even with moderate increase in income. In this case, after considering the preferences of men and women, it would be worthwhile to consider the community wide nutritional outcomes among adults and children to make a final selection between the varieties. The results also show that it is essential to consider the traits of new varieties that relate to demand for labor or workload. As shown by the experiment, most people, especially women, are not able to increase their labor supply in rice production and post-production unless they make trade-offs to meet the competing claims on their time. Without including women’s needs and preferences in the participatory process, it is possible to implement a variety that may impact women’s wellbeing negatively or 6 InfoNote may not be widely adopted by the farmers. Overall, the idea of these experiments using hypothetical scenarios with hypothetical varieties and characteristics is to pilot a methodology, which is adaptable to real combination of traits present in the new varieties and can help facilitate a gendered participatory breeding and selection.
Validation of urinary sphingolipid metabolites as biomarker of effect for fumonisins exposure in Kenyan children
Wangia, Ruth Nabwire; Githanga, David Peter; Xue, Kathy Siyu; Tang, Lili; Anzala, Omu Aggrey; Wang, Jia-Sheng. 2019
Wangia, Ruth Nabwire; Githanga, David Peter; Xue, Kathy Siyu; Tang, Lili; Anzala, Omu Aggrey; Wang, Jia-Sheng. 2019
A cross-sectional survey of practices and knowledge among antibiotic retailers in Nairobi, Kenya
Muloi, Dishon; Fevre, Eric M; Bettridge, Judy; Rono, Robert; Ong'are, Daniel. 2019
Muloi, Dishon; Fevre, Eric M; Bettridge, Judy; Rono, Robert; Ong'are, Daniel. 2019
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Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) driven by antibiotic consumption is a growing global health threat. However, data on antimicrobial consumption patterns in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is sparse. Here, we investigate the patterns of antibiotic sales in humans and livestock in urban Nairobi, Kenya, and evaluate the level of awareness and common behaviours related to antibiotic use and AMR amongst human and veterinary pharmacists. Methods A total of 40 human and 19 veterinary drug store pharmacists were interviewed in Nairobi in 2018 using a standard questionnaire. Data recorded included demographic variables, types of antibiotics sold, antibiotic customers, antibiotic prescribing practices and knowledge of antibiotic use and AMR. Results Our study shows that at the retail level, there is a considerable overlap between antibiotic classes (10/15) sold for use in both human and veterinary medicine. Whilst in our study, clinical training significantly influenced knowledge on issues related to antibiotic use and AMR and respondents had a relatively adequate level of knowledge about AMR, several inappropriate prescribing practices were identified. For example, we found that most veterinary and human drug stores (100% and 52% respectively) sold antibiotics without a prescription and noted that customer preference was an important factor when prescribing antibiotics in half of the drug stores. Conclusion Although more research is needed to understand the drivers of antibiotic consumption in both human and animal populations, these findings highlight the need for immediate strategies to improve prescribing practices across the pharmacists in Nairobi and by extension other low- and middle-income country settings.
Identifying and managing plant health risks for key African crops: Cassava
Toko, M.; Neuenschwander, P.; Yaninek, J.S.; Ortega-Beltran, A.; Fanou, A.. Cambridge, UK 2019
Toko, M.; Neuenschwander, P.; Yaninek, J.S.; Ortega-Beltran, A.; Fanou, A.. Cambridge, UK 2019
When food systems meet sustainability: Current narratives and implications for actions
Béné, Christophe; Oosterveer, Peter; Lamotte, Lea; Brouwer, Inge D.; de Haan, Stef. 2019
Béné, Christophe; Oosterveer, Peter; Lamotte, Lea; Brouwer, Inge D.; de Haan, Stef. 2019
Abstract | View
The concept of food system has gained prominence in recent years amongst both scholars and policy-makers. Experts from diverse disciplines and backgrounds have in particular discussed the nature and origin of the “unsustainability” of our modern food systems. These efforts tend, however, to be framed within distinctive disciplinary narratives. In this paper we propose to explore these narratives and to shed light on the explicit -or implicit- epistemological assumptions, mental models, and disciplinary paradigms that underpin those. The analysis indicates that different views and interpretations prevail amongst experts about the nature of the “crisis”, and consequently about the research and priorities needed to “fix” the problem. We then explore how sustainability is included in these different narratives and the link to the question of healthy diets. The analysis reveals that the concept of sustainability, although widely used by all the different communities of practice, remains poorly defined, and applied in different ways and usually based on a relatively narrow interpretation. In so doing we argue that current attempts to equate or subsume healthy diets within sustainability in the context of food system may be misleading and need to be challenged. We stress that trade-offs between different dimensions of food system sustainability are unavoidable and need to be navigated in an explicit manner when developing or implementing sustainable food system initiatives. Building on this overall analysis, a framework structured around several entry points including outcomes, core activities, trade-offs and feedbacks is then proposed, which allows to identify key elements necessary to support the transition toward sustainable food systems.
Effects of drought and low nitrogen stress on provitamin A carotenoid content of biofortified maize hybrids
Ortiz-Covarrubias, Yadhira; Dhliwayo, Thanda; Palacios-Rojas, Natalia; Ndhlela, Thokozile; Magorokosho, Cosmos. 2019
Ortiz-Covarrubias, Yadhira; Dhliwayo, Thanda; Palacios-Rojas, Natalia; Ndhlela, Thokozile; Magorokosho, Cosmos. 2019
Abstract | View
Maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids with enhanced provitamin A (proVA) content have been deployed in sub-Saharan Africa, where low soil nitrogen and drought stress are common. The objectives of this study were to assess: (i) the effects of drought and low-N stress on grain proVA content of hybrids with enhanced proVA content, and (ii) the inheritance of proVA carotenoids under these stress conditions. An 11-line diallel cross (55 F1 crosses) was evaluated for carotenoid content and grain yield under optimum conditions, drought, and low-N stress. Compared with the optimum treatment, mean proVA was lower under both stress treatments. The consistency of genetic effects across stress treatments suggested that hybrids with improved proVA content can be developed for a broad range of environments, provided they are sufficiently adapted. General combining ability (GCA) was significant (P < 0.01), and accounted for >85% of the variation among hybrids, whereas specific combining ability (SCA) effects were generally weak (P < 0.05), accounting for 5 to 15% of hybrid sums of squares across the three treatments. These results indicated that the inheritance of proVA was not affected by stress treatments. A negative correlation between grain yield and proVA carotenoids was detected, but the data suggested that it was caused by the genetic background of the germplasm used rather than pleiotropy. Our results provide insights that may help breeders design effective breeding strategies to develop proVA-enriched cultivars for resource-limited farming systems.
Translational research for climate resilient, higher yielding crops
Reynolds, Matthew P.; Borrell, Andrew; Braun, Hans; Edmeades, Gregory; Flavell, Richard. 2019
Reynolds, Matthew P.; Borrell, Andrew; Braun, Hans; Edmeades, Gregory; Flavell, Richard. 2019
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Investment in scientific research is generally asymmetrical: it depends on precedents, current trends in science and technology, and economic, political and social agendas. However, asymmetry occasionally leads to bottlenecks that limit delivery of valuable technologies. This review considers the case of translating plant research to crop genetic improvement. Considerable progress has been made in basic plant science in recent decades fueled largely by the revolution in genetics. Meanwhile, human population has continued to grow exponentially, the natural resource base upon which agriculture depends has diminished significantly, and the climate is becoming less conducive to agriculture in general, especially in already food insecure regions. However, although basic research has delivered promising outputs using model crop species, relatively few new ideas have been tested in a mainstream breeding context. Past successful translational research projects—including enhancing the vitamin A content of maize, increasing the ability of rice to tolerate flooding, approaches for improving the yield potential of spring wheat, and traits for increasing the climate resilience of maize and sorghum—required interdisciplinary and often international collaboration to deliver adequate proofs of concept. They were also driven by a visionary approach and the necessary time commitment from the research institutions and funding bodies involved. These attributes are prerequisite for capitalizing on basic plant research and harnessing it to food security.
Estimation of involuntary excreta ingestion rates in farmers during agricultural practices in Vietnam
Vu, Tu Van; Pham, Phuc Duc; Winkler, Mirko S.; Zurbrugg, Christian; Zinsstag, Jakob. 2019
Vu, Tu Van; Pham, Phuc Duc; Winkler, Mirko S.; Zurbrugg, Christian; Zinsstag, Jakob. 2019
Rift Valley fever virus-How and where virus is maintained during inter-epidemic periods
Njenga, M. Kariuki; Bett, Bernard. 2019
Njenga, M. Kariuki; Bett, Bernard. 2019
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Purpose of Review Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus is associated with recurring disease epidemics among livestock and humans in sub-Saharan Africa and Middle East, where the virus is endemic in certain ecosystems. Since the mechanisms of its maintenance during the long (4–10 year) inter-epidemic periods (IEPs) are poorly understood, we reviewed the latest findings that shed light on this, and identify ecological factors unique to the endemic areas. Recent Findings Recent studies reported acute RVF cases in humans and livestock, and significant disease prevalence during IEPs, indicating low-level cycling of the virus in wildlife, livestock, and humans. Niche modeling identified ecological factors that seem important in supporting the mosquito vector and virus maintenance, and the occurrence of RVF epidemics. Summary The virus is primarily maintained by circulating at low levels among wildlife, livestock, and humans, transmitted by mosquito vectors in ecosystems characterized by low annual rainfall during non-El Niño climatic periods and certain soil types. The findings indicate that prolonged survival of the virus in mosquito eggs, suggested in previous studies, may not be required for its maintenance.
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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