Linking agriculture and nutrition: potential of value chain approaches Dr Corinna Hawkes Addressing ACP nutrition security: the key role of agriculture: 23rd Brussels Development Briefing, June 15 20211

What is a value chain approach?

…to value chains for nutrition From agricultural production for nutrition… …to value chains for nutrition $

Farmers Farmers Processors Wholesalers Traders Retailers Consumers 4

What do value chain approaches add to existing efforts to leverage agriculture for nutrition?

Activities Actors 3) Enables identification of coordinated, multisectoral solutions which we know are needed to address malnutrition in all its forms 4) But also can help meet agricultural goals by identifying leverage points where economic value for agriculture and value for nutrition can be created, while assessing the trade-offs Crop breeders; extension services Inputs into production Food production Farmers, agricultural laborers, Primary food storage and processing Packers, millers, crushers, refiners Secondary food processing Processed foods manufacturers Food distribution, transport, and trade Importers, exporters, brokers, Food retailing and catering Informal retailers, supermarket chains, Food promotion and labeling Advertising agencies 1) Focus on meeting nutrition goals through supply 2) … and demand Food availability affordability quality acceptability Food consumption and diet quality

Examples

Creating economic and nutritional value from OFSP, Mozambique Source: Coote et al. In: Hawkes and Ruel, IFPRI 2020 Conference Background Paper #4, 2011

Enhancing nutritional value & marketability of beans (Uganda) Value Chain Steps Activities Inputs into production Field trials with new varieties Soil & terrain analysis Farmers trainings Production Technologies to  losses (insects) Nutrient retention analysis Post-harvest handling/storage Test sequencing + duration of different processing techniques (nutrient retention, anti-nutrients) Processing Analyze main market channels Drivers of market decisions Presence of nutrient-enhanced foods Marketing Increase productivity, nutrient content, demand for nutritious beans Consumer surveys Cooking trainings, Education, Behavior chance communications Source: Mazur et al. In: Hawkes and Ruel, IFPRI 2020 Conference Background Paper #4, 2011 9

Why should we be developing and implementing value chain approaches now?

The current focus on value chain development for agriculture provides an opportunity to build in nutrition goals Now more accepted that malnutrition in all its forms will only be solved through actions beyond the health sector “Value chains can be developed to improve nutrition outcomes while also providing solutions to development challenges in other sectors, not least, in agriculture”

Thank you