Download - Biodiversity, Dietary Diversity and Quality
Biodiversity, Dietary Diversity and QualityEmile Frisson, Director General, Bioversity InternationalFood Security in Africa – Bridging Research and PracticeSydney, Australia 29 – 30 November 2012
Context
The Current Situation
- 870 million undernourished and 2 billion micronutrient deficiencies
- 1.4 billion adults overweight and childhood obesity rising
- Of the 50,000 edible plants only a few hundred significantly contribute to food supplies
- 3 (Maize, Rice and Wheat) provide 60% of world’s food energy intake
Necessary Actions
Innovative strategies for sustainable and resilient food systems, emphasizing biodiversity
Rethink how food is produced, stored, processed, distributed, marketed and consumed
Some Key Issues are:
- Focus on productivity increases of staples
- Dietary Transition
- Value Chain and Food System Approach
- Habitat loss, resource depletion, population, climate change
Nutrition, Biodiversity & Agricultural Interventions
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Food security
- Breastfeeding- Complementary feeding - Vitamin A supplementation- Zinc, Iron, Folate supplementation- Hygiene
INSTITUTIONS
POLITICAL & IDEOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK
ECONOMIC STRUCTURE
RESOURCESENVIRONMENT, TECHNOLOGY,
PEOPLE
Food/nutrientintake Health
Health,Water/
Sanitation Services
Interventions
Immediate causes
Underlying causes at
household/family level
Basic causes at societal
level
SHORT
ROUTES
LONG ROUTES
-Agricultural intensification-- Biodiversity- Poverty reduction- Income generation- Education- Health systems strengthening- Womens’ empowerment
Care Resource
sHousehold
Food Access
Adapted from Ruel (2008) & UNICEF (1990)
Nutritional Status
Care Resources
Agricultural biodiversity and nutrition - pathways
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Sustainable Diets and Food Systems
Staple food production essential for macronutrients but must be…..
Complemented with foods that provide essential nutrients, livelihoods and ecosystem services
Recognizing agricultural biodiversity decreases risk (diversification) and increases resilience while avoiding natural capital depletion
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2
3
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Where does agricultural biodiversity fit?
We know it is critical as:• a safety net against hunger• a basis to strengthen local food
systems and environmental sustainability
• a rich source of nutrients for improved diet diversity and quality
The EconomistFeeding the World – Africa ConferenceJohannesburg15-16 November 2012
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The EconomistFeeding the World – Africa Conference
The crucial role of women
Importance of investment in research
Innovative public/private partnerships
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Greater focus on and use of the diversity of African crops5
Food and NUTRITION security4
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Re-introducing green leafy vegetables in Kenya
Thank you
For more info:www.bioversityinternational.org