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With research staff from more than 60 countries, and offices across the globe, IFPRI provides research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition in developing countries.

Erick Boy

researcher spotlight

Erick Boy

Erick Boy is the Chief Nutritionist in the HarvestPlus section of the Innovation Policy and Scaling Unit. As head of nutrition for the HarvestPlus Program since 2008, he has led research that has generated scientific evidence on biofortified staple crops as efficacious and effective interventions to help address iron, vitamin A, and zinc deficiency in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and South Asia.

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Food Policy: Lessons and Priorities for a Changing World

2025 Global Food Policy Report

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IFPRI at 50

What’s New

Invest in climate adaptation – before disaster strikes
IFPRI Blog
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June 06, 2025

Invest in climate adaptation – before disaster strikes

By Kalle Hirvonen and Olli-Pekka Kuusela

Approaches to build resilience amid global aid cuts.

The gendered response to farmer-herder violent conflict in Nigeria
IFPRI Blog
 | 
June 03, 2025

The gendered response to farmer-herder violent conflict in Nigeria

By Jeffrey Bloem, Amy Damon, David C. Francis, and Harrison Mitchell

A study shows how smallholder households deal with disruptions.

The role of explainability in AI for agriculture: Making digital systems easier to understand for farmers
IFPRI Blog
 | 
May 30, 2025

The role of explainability in AI for agriculture: Making digital systems easier to understand for farmers

By Mengisti Berihu Girmay

Centering user needs in precision livestock monitoring.

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Journal Article

A comparison of the effects of local and EAT-Lancet dietary recommendations on selected economic and environmental outcomes in India

2025Singh, Vartika; Stevanović, Miodrag; Bodirsky, Benjamin Leon; Mishra, Abhijeet; Ghosh, Ranjan Kumar; Popp, Alexander; Lotze-Campen, Hermann

A comparison of the effects of local and EAT-Lancet dietary recommendations on selected economic and environmental outcomes in India

The global discourse is nearly unanimous that dietary transitions are crucial to achieve sustainability goals. In this context, healthy dietary recommendations offer demand-side solutions towards minimizing environmental impacts from food production. However, these guidelines have also faced some criticism for their blanket approach and limited consideration of regional preferences. Using a validated food-economy-environment integrated modelling framework, we compare between two types of healthy diets − the globally recommended EAT-Lancet diets and Indian government’s National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) local diets − by examining their impacts on agricultural production, agricultural commodity prices, food expenditures, trade impacts, Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and water withdrawals. Our results suggest that the adoption of regional recommendations (NIN diets) lead to better outcomes for select economic and environmental indicators. When India shifts to NIN diet, its domestic demand for cereal crops decreases, leading to a 36 % reduction in cereal crop production by 2050 and change in demand for sugars and animal-sourced foods (ASFs). This has the potential to reduce commodity prices of food by upto 24 % by 2050. A shift to the NIN diet in India reduces methane (CH4) emissions by 36 % and N2O by 35 % compared to business-as-usual, performing better than the EAT-Lancet diet, which reduces CH4 emissions by 13 %. Water withdrawals reduce almost by the same value under both the dietary scenarios primarily due to lesser dependence on cereal crops and livestock products. These findings remain consistent in our sensitivity analysis, with varying global trade scenarios, offering greater benefits of food systems transformation through liberal trade policies. Our analysis underscores the pivotal role of regional inclusivity in global assessments, enhancing our comprehension of how food systems can be reimagined to align with both food security and environmental sustainability.

Year published

2025

Authors

Singh, Vartika; Stevanović, Miodrag; Bodirsky, Benjamin Leon; Mishra, Abhijeet; Ghosh, Ranjan Kumar; Popp, Alexander; Lotze-Campen, Hermann

Citation

Singh, Vartika; Stevanović, Miodrag; Bodirsky, Benjamin Leon; Mishra, Abhijeet; Ghosh, Ranjan Kumar; Popp, Alexander; and Lotze-Campen, Hermann. 2025. A comparison of the effects of local and EAT-Lancet dietary recommendations on selected economic and environmental outcomes in India. Food Policy 134(July 2025): 102898. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2025.102898

Country/Region

India

Keywords

Asia; Southern Asia; Agricultural Production; Capacity Development; Environment; Food Systems; Healthy Diets; Sustainability; Water

Language

English

Access/Licence

Open AccessCC-BY-4.0

Links

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2025.102898 Source record

Record type

Journal Article

Journal Article

Accuracy of using weight and length in children under 24 months to screen for early childhood obesity: A systematic review

2025Boncyk, Morgan; Leroy, Jef L.; Brander, Rebecca L.; Larson, Leila M.; Ruel, Marie T.; Frongillo, Edward A.

Accuracy of using weight and length in children under 24 months to screen for early childhood obesity: A systematic review

The global increase in early childhood overweight and obesity has prompted interest in early prediction of overweight and obesity to allow timely intervention and prevent lifelong consequences. A systematic review was conducted to assess the accuracy and feasibility of predicting overweight and obesity in individual three to seven-year-old children using data available in healthcare and community settings on children under 24 months of age. This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024509603) and followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. From 7,943 unique articles identified through PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Google Scholar, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria, 13 from high-income countries and one from a middle-income country. These studies evaluated the accuracy of predicting childhood overweight or obesity in individual children using anthropometrics-alone or multiple-predictor models. Anthropometrics-alone models yielded areas under the curve (AUCs) ≥0.56 with expert guidance and ≥0.77 with machine learning. Multiple-predictor models yielded AUC ≥0.68 with expert guidance and ≥0.76 with machine learning. The inclusion of child, parental, and community predictors improved predictive accuracy but led to greater variation in performance across models. Models were more accurate when children were older at the initial assessment, multiple assessments were made, and the time between assessment and outcome prediction was shorter. Prediction models with an AUC ≥0.70 used machine learning to optimize variable selection, limiting their practicality for broad-scale implementation in healthcare or community settings. There is insufficient evidence on the accuracy of overweight and obesity prediction models for children in low- and middle-income countries. Existing prediction models are not well-suited for broad-scale screening of individual children for risk of early childhood overweight or obesity.

Year published

2025

Authors

Boncyk, Morgan; Leroy, Jef L.; Brander, Rebecca L.; Larson, Leila M.; Ruel, Marie T.; Frongillo, Edward A.

Citation

Boncyk, Morgan; Leroy, Jef L.; Brander, Rebecca L.; Larson, Leila M.; Ruel, Marie T.; and Frongillo, Edward A. Accuracy of using weight and length in children under 24 months to screen for early childhood obesity: A systematic review. Advances in Nutrition. Article in press. First published online May 24, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advnut.2025.100452

Keywords

Anthropometry; Children; Infants; Length; Obesity; Screening; Weight

Language

English

Access/Licence

Open AccessCC-BY-4.0

Links

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.advnut.2025.100452 Source record

Record type

Journal Article

Journal Article

Effect of intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine on maternal gestational weight gain in low-income and middle-income countries: A systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials

2025
Liu, Enju; Partap, Uttara; Shinde, Sachin; Wang, Dongqing; Costa, Janaína Calu; Cliffer, Ilana R.; Wang, Molin; Nookala, Sudeer Kumar; Subramoney, Vishak; Briggs, Brittany
…more Hamer, Davidson H.; Akurut, Hellen; Argaw, Alemayehu; Ashorn, Ulla; Chinkhumba, Jobiba; Desai, Meghna; Divala, Titus H.; Elliott, Alison M.; Gutman, Julie R.; Hien, Alain; Huybregts, Lieven; Kajubi, Richard; Kakuru, Abel; Kariuki, Simon; Lachat, Carl; Laufer, Miriam K.; Luntamo, Mari; Maleta, Kenneth; Mathanga, Don P.; Ochieng, Teddy; Ome-Kaius, Maria; Patson, Noel; Roberfroid, Dominique; Rogerson, Stephen J.; Toe, Laéticia Céline; Unger, Holger W.; Webb, Emily L.; Fawzi, Wafaie W.

Effect of intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine on maternal gestational weight gain in low-income and middle-income countries: A systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials

Background Studies have consistently demonstrated beneficial effects of intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (IPTp) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) on reducing malaria infection and improving birth outcomes among pregnant women in endemic areas. However, data on its impact on maternal gestational weight gain (GWG) are very limited. We aimed to conduct a two-stage meta-analysis of individual participant data to examine the effect of IPT with SP on GWG compared to other antimalarial regimens. Methods In this systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis, we conducted electronic literature searches of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library to identify eligible RCTs among pregnant women. We did not apply any language or publication date restrictions in the search. The initial search was conducted on August 4th, 2021, and updated on February 15th, 2025. The study-level inclusion criteria were as follow: 1) the studies must be randomised controlled trials (RCTs), which could be individually randomised, cluster randomised, or a combination of both; 2) study participants were pregnant at enrollment or enrolled before pregnancy and followed up in pregnancy; 3) studies were conducted in a low-income, lower-middle-income, or upper-middle-income economy defined by the World Bank country classification for the 2021 fiscal year; 4) antimalaria and/or antibiotic interventions were provided during pregnancy; and 5) the intervention was provided alone or in combination with a co-intervention that was similar across arms. Since we focused on the intervention’s effect on GWG in generally healthy pregnant women, we applied the following study-level exclusion criteria: 1) studies without any measures of maternal weight during pregnancy; and 2) studies conducted exclusively among women with pre-existing health conditions, such as anemia, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, or diabetes. Within each eligible trial, we further applied individual-level criteria to identify eligible individual participants, including 1) singleton pregnancies, 2) at least one weight measurement in the second or third trimesters, 3) known gestational ages at the time of weight measurements, and 4) availability of maternal height measure. Risk of bias for each trial was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool, version 2 (RoB 2). GWG percent adequacy (%) and total weight gain (gram) at delivery were calculated according to the Institute of Medicine 2009 guidelines. Linear regression models were used to estimate mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in GWG percent adequacy and total weight gain across intervention arms. Results from individual trials were pooled using fixed-effects inverse-variance meta-analysis models. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42023428794. Findings A total of 97 trials were identified in the search and sough for IPD, of them eight trials including 8550 pregnant women were included in the current analysis. Women who received IPTp with only 2 doses of SP had a greater GWG percent adequacy (MD: 5.61%; 95% CI: 2.61%, 8.60%; P = 0.0002; I2 = 84.26%), and total GWG in grams at delivery (MD: 702; 95% CI: 321, 1083; P = 0.0003; I2 = 83.78%) than those who received weekly chloroquine as prophylaxis. No significant differences in GWG percent adequacy (MD: −0.53%; 95% CI: −2.89%%, 1.83%; P = 0.66; I2 = 0.00%) or GWG grams (MD: −80; 95% CI: −380, 221; P = 0.60; I2 = 0.00%) were found between IPTp with 2-dose SP and monthly IPTp-SP (3-dose or more). Compared to women who received monthly IPTp-SP, those who received monthly IPTp with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (IPTp-DHA + PPQ) had a lower GWG percent adequacy (MD: −5.56%; 95% CI: −8.22%, −2.90%; P < 0.0001; I2 = 13.47%) and total GWG in grams (MD: −723; 95% CI: −1037, −410; P < 0.0001; I2 = 46.29%). Adding azithromycin to an antimalarial regimen was associated with a greater GWG percent adequacy (MD: 2.75%; 95% CI: 0.46%, 5.05%; P = 0.19; I2 = 0.00%) and total GWG in gram at delivery (MD: 485; 95% CI: 210, 760; P = 0.0005; I2 = 75.66%). Interpretation Our findings suggest that monthly IPTp-SP has superior effect on GWG compared to weekly chloroquine or IPTp-DHA + PPQ in malaria-endemic areas. The result provides further evidence indicating that IPTp-SP improves maternal weight gain, an important determinant of fetal growth beyond its antimalarial effects. Due to the limited number of trials with weight and height measures available for the IPD meta-analysis we were likely underpowered to detect any significant difference between 2-dose SP and monthly IPTp-SP. More efforts are warranted to examine the potential beneficial effect of adding azithromycin or DHA + PPQ to the standard antimalarial regimens.

Year published

2025

Authors

Liu, Enju; Partap, Uttara; Shinde, Sachin; Wang, Dongqing; Costa, Janaína Calu; Cliffer, Ilana R.; Wang, Molin; Nookala, Sudeer Kumar; Subramoney, Vishak; Briggs, Brittany; Hamer, Davidson H.; Akurut, Hellen; Argaw, Alemayehu; Ashorn, Ulla; Chinkhumba, Jobiba; Desai, Meghna; Divala, Titus H.; Elliott, Alison M.; Gutman, Julie R.; Hien, Alain; Huybregts, Lieven; Kajubi, Richard; Kakuru, Abel; Kariuki, Simon; Lachat, Carl; Laufer, Miriam K.; Luntamo, Mari; Maleta, Kenneth; Mathanga, Don P.; Ochieng, Teddy; Ome-Kaius, Maria; Patson, Noel; Roberfroid, Dominique; Rogerson, Stephen J.; Toe, Laéticia Céline; Unger, Holger W.; Webb, Emily L.; Fawzi, Wafaie W.

Citation

Liu, Enju; Partap, Uttara; Shinde, Sachin; Wang, Dongqing; Costa, Janaína Calu; Cliffer, Ilana R.; et al. 2025. Effect of intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine on maternal gestational weight gain in low-income and middle-income countries: A systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. eClinicalMedicine 84(June 2025): 103279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103279

Keywords

Data; Experimentation; Less Favoured Areas; Pregnancy; Weight Gain

Language

English

Access/Licence

Open AccessCC-BY-4.0

Links

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103279 Source record

Record type

Journal Article

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2024 Year in Review

Explore highlights from IFPRI’s 2024 research and outreach, including our work on food security and healthy diets, responding to conflicts and building resilience, and major outputs from our regional and country programs. Click through the interactive review to view videos, blogs, events and more.

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IFPRI and CGIAR

IFPRI is a Research Center of CGIAR,  the world’s largest global agricultural innovation network. IFPRI researchers collaborate closely with researchers from other CGIAR Centers, and our work contributes to the CGIAR mission of delivering science and innovation that advance the transformation of food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis.

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Experts in Our Field

IFPRI’s experts work around the world to provide the evidence that supports effective policies to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition.

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Meet a Researcher

Moira Angel is a senior researcher at IFPRI.

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From our video channel

Faces of IFPRI: Tigist Gedeb

This video features Tigist Gedeb, Senior Finance Manager.

“Faces of IFPRI” is a new series of interviews with IFPRI colleagues around the world, showcasing the diversity of talent, geographies, and research interests across the Institute.

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Our Events

China Agricultural Sector Development Report 2025 and IFPRI 2025 Global Food Policy Report Launch
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June 16, 2025, 9:00 – 11:30 am

China Agricultural Sector Development Report 2025 and IFPRI 2025 Global Food Policy Report Launch

The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) and IFPRI warmly invite you to attend the China Agricultural Sector Development Report 2025 (CASDR) and IFPRI 2025 Global Food Policy Report (GFPR) hybrid launch event on June 16, 2025, in Beijing, China. The event will feature keynote speakers as well as presentations on the overview of the GFPR’s and […]

From Relief to Resilience in Somalia: Harnessing Research to Inform Social Protection Policy and Practice
IFPRI Program/Country Event

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June 16, 2025, 3:30 – 5:00 pm

From Relief to Resilience in Somalia: Harnessing Research to Inform Social Protection Policy and Practice

Policymakers and program implementers in Somalia are increasingly recognizing the importance of complementing short-term support in the form of cash or in-kind transfers with interventions targeting longer-term development goals and poverty exit, a goal that cuts across both more traditional social protection systems and programming targeting internally displaced people. This webinar will bring together representatives […]

4th International Conference on Financing for Development
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June 30 to July 3, 2025

4th International Conference on Financing for Development

IFPRI is pleased to participate in the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4). This conference provides a unique opportunity to reform financing at all levels, including to support reform of the international financial architecture and addressing financing challenges preventing the urgently needed investment push for the SDGs. FFD4 Conference will be held in […]

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Making a Difference Blog Series

West Africa faces significant problems with various forms of malnutrition, especially among women and children. In 2017, the region had the highest rate of under-five wasting (low weight-for-age) in Africa—8.5% compared with the continent’s mean of 7.4%. The rate of stunting (low height-for-age) waw also extremely high at 31.4%. In 2017, 52% of women ages 15-46 suffered from anemia.

In response, IFPRI, with funding from the Gates Foundation, established Transform Nutrition West Africa (TNWA)—a regional knowledge platform to facilitate effective policy and action on maternal, infant, and young child nutrition in West Africa with a focus on four countries: Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal. TNWA ran from 2017 to 2021.

Tamsin Zandstra, Roos Verstraeten, Ampa Dogui Diatta, Loty Diop, and Mariama Touré explore TNWA’s research, work, and long-term impact in West Africa.

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