FAO pub. Case studies of the integration of nutrition in rural development and agricultural projects in Haiti, Kenya, Peru, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Zambia - covers conceptual, methodologycal and practical issues; describes the agricultural area, social structure and economic conditions in each development project surveyed; discusses implications of the nutrition study on project design. Maps and statistical tables.

Abstract: A manual for nutritionists, food economists, and food policy makers is designed to aid planners in integrating food consumption and nutritional considerations into agricultural and rural development projects. The manual: (1) provides guidelines, suggested methods, detailed descriptions, and checklists of steps to be taken; (2) describes the stages and processes in a development project cycle to help nutrition planners coordinate their work with other planners; and (3) stresses the importance of communication among planners, administrators, and recipients involved in development projects to reduce malnutrition and promote nutritional status. The various sections of the manual cover: background information for and relevance of incorporating nutrition planning into agricultural and rural development projects; the stages of project development; initial review and assessments; in-depth project preparation; and project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Additional reference information and guidelines are appended.

A growing number of governments, donor agencies, and development organizations are committed to supporting nutrition-sensitive agriculture (NSA) to achieve their development goals. Although consensus exists on pathways through which agriculture may influence nutrition-related outcomes, empirical evidence on agriculture’s contribution to nutrition and how it can be enhanced is still weak. This paper reviews recent empirical evidence (since 2014), including findings from impact evaluations of a variety of NSA programs using experimental designs as well as observational studies that document linkages between agriculture, women’s empowerment, and nutrition. It summarizes existing knowledge regarding not only impacts but also pathways, mechanisms, and contextual factors that affect where and how agriculture may improve nutrition outcomes. The paper concludes with reflections on implications for agricultural programs, policies, and investments, and highlights future research priorities.

Originally published in 1991. Commissioned by the Task Force on African Famine of the American Anthropological Association, this the second part of a project examining the causes of food system failure in Africa and the effects of attempts to remedy the situation. It evaluates the often-retrogressive results of foreign aid to African nations and offers an anthropological perspective on how to reverse this trend. The contributors emphasize integrating all development programs with the regional customs and traditions already in place that have thus far allowed its people to cope with food and water shortages. In the past, various strategies have failed due to misunderstandings and incorrect assumptions concerning gender roles, food consumption habits, social relations, kinship networks, land use and government function. New understanding of the culture must be complemented with multifaceted programs incorporating education, a concern for grass-roots opinion and control, attention to production and consumption patterns, and various forms of broad-spectrum integrated development. The uniqueness research is recommended for all who are concerned about worldwide malnutrition and those who understand the need to recognize local traditions as resources that must be included in any successful development program.

First Published in 1991. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Agriculture's vast potential to improve nutrition is just beginning to be tapped. New ideas, research, and initiatives developed over the past decade have created an opportunity for reimagining and redesigning agricultural and food systems for the benefit of nutrition. To support this transformation, the book reviews the latest findings, results from on-the-ground programs and interventions, and recent policy experiences from countries around the world that are bringing the agriculture and nutrition sectors closer together. Drawing on IFPRI's own work and that of the growing agriculture-nutrition community, this book strengthens the evidence base for, and expands our vision of, how agriculture can contribute to nutrition. Chapters cover an array of issues that link agriculture and nutrition, including food value chains, nutrition-sensitive programs and policies, government policies, and private sector investments. By highlighting both achievements and setbacks, Agriculture for Improved Nutrition seeks to inspire those who want to scale up successes that can transform food systems and improve the nutrition of billions of people.