Outcomes

Undernutrition remains a highly prevalent and pervasive problem in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly among women and children. The direct or immediate causes of undernutrition include inadequate dietary intake and disease, which can lead to poor growth, micronutrient deficiencies and death. At least 45% of deaths among children younger than 5 years of age in LMICs is attributable to undernutrition.

Nutrition-sensitive agricultural policies and interventions that enhance the availability of and accessibility to nutrient-rich foods, as well as the capacity to generate income at the household, community and national levels, can be a gateway to address malnutrition. A diverse diet anchored on the consumption of traditional and local foods may not only guarantee adequate nutrient intake and safeguard biodiversity, but it can also protect against unintended, adverse health consequences of dietary transition. However, evidence of the nutritional impact of nutrition-sensitive agricultural interventions is inadequate. 

Overall objective

To provide the evidence base of stable isotope techniques to describe and assess the role of nutrition-sensitive agri-food systems in health and nutrition.

Researchers from countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, Europe and North America participating in an IAEA Coordinated Research Project (CRP E43029) investigated the contribution of various nutrition-sensitive agri-food systems on health and nutrition in Bangladesh, Cuba, Haiti, Myanmar, Peru, Senegal and the United Republic of Tanzania.

Specific objectives

1. To assess the role of stable isotope techniques to further the understanding of the effect of agricultural diversity on nutrition
2. To assess the role of stable isotope techniques to further the understanding