In 2011 it is estimated 3.1 million children under the age of 5 years died because of malnutrition. Many more were stunted and suffered poor cognitive development. The economic loss from malnutrition is enormous – around 16% of GDP in some countries. Agriculture provides food to a country’s population and comprises a large proportion of the economy in many developing countries. Yet for too long, agronomists have neglected the critical role of diverse diets, adequate income and education in supporting healthy populations and improving nutrition. Instead, many countries’ policies have focused on increasing the productivity of staple crops. The African Union has declared 2014 the year of family farming. The opportunity to seize this moment to transform the way agriculture is managed across the continent should not be missed. Nutrition Sensitivity examines and explores how nutrition can be prioritised within agricultural policies, strategies and investment plans, and demonstrates the power of agricultural bio-diversity, social behavioural change, enterprise diversification, and women’s empowerment in improving nutrition in rural areas. It profiles districtlevel coordination mechanisms, which could result in better communication and coordination – and better nutrition – at a household level.