Dear FSN Forum members,
I want to say that document on ICN2 Framework for Action is a good attempt to capture all the areas of nutrition. However, the section3 that talks about education and social transfers need some beefing up. Education itself cannot produce the desirable behavioural change that could improve consumption of adequate diets. What I believe we need is emphasis on nutrition education and communication. One of the main gaps between adequate nutrition and agriculture is appropriate communication of nutrition information to farmers, households and the farming communities. Farmers need to know that fruits and vegetable are not meant to be sold but should also be consumed by their households. The positive impact of eating fruits and vegetables need to be demonstrated for effectiveness. Malnutrition indices are highest in rural communities and these are the same communities that produce the food. Nutrition education goes beyond impacting knowledge but passing the information in a manner that will produce behavioural change.
Similarly social transfers should be carried out alongside nutrition education particularly during disasters and famine.
Prof Ignatius Onimawo PhD
Ignatius Akhakhia Onimawo