The case for improving global nutrition
The following story includes excerpts from two recent pieces drafted by IFPRI researchers as part of the Feeding Development campaign hosted by Devex.
Why nutrition-smart agriculture matters
By Howarth Bouis, Director of HarvestPlus
The focus of agricultural policy should be to increase productivity, provide employment and reduce poverty.
How often have you read or heard statements like this?
I am an economist, and I understand this thinking. It has its place. But I will argue that the reason global food systems are failing is because they have neglected the most fundamental purpose of agricultural systems — to nourish people.
Nutrition for the next generation
By Lawrence Haddad, Senior Research Fellow at IFPRI
“Investing in the next generation” is the powerful theme for next week’s U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. It’s a big moment. Convened by U.S. President Barack Obama, the summit spans three days with around 50 heads of state, a range of African and U.S.businesses leaders, civil society, youth leaders and politicians present. No doubt there will be plenty of announcements, handshakes, deals, pledges and rhetoric.
I hope that one issue has the attention it deserves: Good nutrition is one of the best investments political leaders can make in the next generation. If you want your countries’ kids to maximize their potential in life and to supercharge your demographic dividend, you should invest in child nutrition in the womb and in their early years.
The right nutrition at the right time will not only give your children a head start in life, it will slow down the onset of non-communicable diseases that are now dominating health burdens throughout the world — diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease and obesity. Well-nourished mothers are more likely to give birth to well-nourished babies. This is an investment in the next generation and the next: The investment returns are remarkable.
