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Let me start by saying that I have not fully followed the discussion on this topic so I may be repeating what has been said already. This notwithstanding, I want to make this comment. Studies in Nigeria and some other African countries showed that malnutrition is more severe in farming communities than non farming communities. The reason being that most rural subsistence farmers sell their farm produce to buy non-food items while they consume what does not meet market value. This scenerio underscores the importance of nutrition education and awareness creation at community level. There is the need to train Nutrition extension workers who will create awareness at the level of farming households on what and how feed adequately. This could make agriculture truly work for nutrition.
Prof. Ignatius Onimawo
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Ignatius Akhakhia Onimawo
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