Value chains for nutrition

Changes in diets, physical activity patterns, and food markets are leading to the paradoxical coexistence of over- and undernutrition in low- and middle-income countries.

As lack of diet diversity is likely to lead to micronutrient deficiencies, this trend contributes to increased child and maternal mortality, as well as the underdevelopment of young children.

However, the problem of malnutrition cannot be solved by economic growth alone, as growing incomes may lead to other health problems such as obesity.

One way to sustainably improve the quality of diets and nutrition-related behaviors is by promoting policy-, market- and food-based approaches to increase access to high-quality diets.

Considering the key role that value chains play in determining food availability, affordability, quality, and acceptability, they provide opportunities to promote better nutrition. Increasing access to affordable high-quality diets through value chains for nutrition is an eligible approach for dealing with the results of the “nutrition transition” taking place in low- and middle-income countries.

What we do: Deploying value chains for nutrition gains

The overall aim of CIAT’s value chain for nutrition approach is to increase the production and consumption of more diverse, safe and nutrient-dense foods for improved food security, nutrition and income of smallholder farmers, peri-urban, and urban consumers.

How we do it: Pushing all the buttons, at once

CIAT’s work on value chains for nutrition is only made possible through the efforts of a multidisciplinary team, working in partnership with national and international development organizations and partner institutions. Together they deploy a holistic, demand-driven, impact-oriented action research approach, assessing sustainable food availability, food access, food use, food quality, food safety and food utilization. In this approach, particular attention is given to gender equality, inclusive business relationships and the sustainability of agricultural production.

CIAT’s research on value chains for nutrition is supported by the LINK methodology, a value chain research instrument developed by CIAT.