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Nutrition-sensitive agriculture: What have we learned and where do we go from here?:

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  • Ruel, Marie T.
  • Quisumbing, Agnes R.
  • Balagamwala, Mysbah

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Ruel, Marie T. & Quisumbing, Agnes R. & Balagamwala, Mysbah, 2017. "Nutrition-sensitive agriculture: What have we learned and where do we go from here?:," IFPRI discussion papers 1681, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    • Handle: RePEc:fpr:ifprid:1681
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    Cited by:

    1. Shankar, Bhavani & Poole, Nigel & Bird, Frances A., 2019. "Agricultural inputs and nutrition in South Asia," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 82(C), pages 28-38.
    2. Abdu, A & Marquis, GS & Colecraft, EK, 2023. "Local Meanings And Perceptions Of Women’S Empowerment: Qualitative Evidence From Female And Male Farmers In Rural Ghana," African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development (AJFAND), African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development (AJFAND), vol. 23(1), January.
    3. Komatsu, Hitomi & Malapit, Hazel Jean L. & Theis, Sophie, 2018. "Does women’s time in domestic work and agriculture affect women’s and children’s dietary diversity? Evidence from Bangladesh, Nepal, Cambodia, Ghana, and Mozambique," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 256-270.
    4. Raghunathan, K., 2018. "Women's self-help groups, decision-making, and improved agricultural practices in India," 2018 Conference, July 28-August 2, 2018, Vancouver, British Columbia 277537, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
    5. Bird, Frances A. & Pradhan, Aliza & Bhavani, R.V. & Dangour, Alan D., 2019. "Interventions in agriculture for nutrition outcomes: A systematic review focused on South Asia," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 82(C), pages 39-49.
    6. Simone Passarelli & Dawit Mekonnen & Elizabeth Bryan & Claudia Ringler, 2018. "Evaluating the pathways from small-scale irrigation to dietary diversity: evidence from Ethiopia and Tanzania," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 10(4), pages 981-997, August.
    7. Olabisi, Michael & Obekpa, Hephzibah Onyeje & Liverpool-Tasie, Lenis Saweda O., 2021. "Is growing your own food necessary for dietary diversity? Evidence from Nigeria," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 104(C).

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    Keywords

    agriculture; diet; impact assessment; nutrition; child nutrition; maternal nutrition;
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