GLOBAL FORUM ON FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION
right4889500Call for examples and good practices on investments for health food systems Collection of contributions receivedTable of Contents TOC \o "1-2" Topic note PAGEREF _Toc484675561 \h 4Contributions received PAGEREF _Toc484675562 \h 81.Diana Sietz, Wageningen University, Netherlands PAGEREF _Toc484675563 \h 82.Dr. Amanullah, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan PAGEREF _Toc484675564 \h 93.Christoph Lindinger, Yumi Milling Ltd, Zambia PAGEREF _Toc484675565 \h 114.Morgane Danielou, Private Sector Mechanism, France PAGEREF _Toc484675566 \h 135.Elizabeth Mpofu, Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers Forum (ZIMSOFF), Zimbabwe PAGEREF _Toc484675567 \h 136.Ray-yu Yang, World Vegetable Center, Taiwan Province of China PAGEREF _Toc484675568 \h 167.Katarina Eriksson, Tetra Laval, Sweden PAGEREF _Toc484675569 \h 198.Katarina Eriksson, Tetra Laval, Sweden (second contribution) PAGEREF _Toc484675570 \h 219.J.B. Cordaro, Private Sector Consultant, Food Security, Nutrition and Food Safety and Quality, United States of America PAGEREF _Toc484675571 \h 2210.African Orphan Crops Consortium PAGEREF _Toc484675572 \h 2611.Nadim Khouri, Global Agriculture and Food Security Program PAGEREF _Toc484675573 \h 2712.Nelissa Jamora, Global Crop Diversity Trust, Germany PAGEREF _Toc484675574 \h 3013.Maria Agnese Dau, Federalimentare, Italy PAGEREF _Toc484675575 \h 3214.Maria Agnese Dau, Federalimentare, Italy (second contribution) PAGEREF _Toc484675576 \h 3315.Maria Agnese Dau, Federalimentare, Italy (third contribution) PAGEREF _Toc484675577 \h 3416.Living Farms, India PAGEREF _Toc484675578 \h 3517.Kim Assael, International Network of Eco-regions – IN.N.E.R, Italy PAGEREF _Toc484675579 \h 3818.Marie Diongoye Konate, Entreprise PROTEIN KISSEE-LA S.A alias PKL, C?te d’Ivoire PAGEREF _Toc484675580 \h 4119.Lal Manavado, University of Oslo affiliate, Norway PAGEREF _Toc484675581 \h 4520.Hamadoun A. Haidara, Association d’Appui au Développement Communautaire du Mali, Mali PAGEREF _Toc484675582 \h 4921.Mostafa Jafari, TPS for LFCCs, Iran PAGEREF _Toc484675583 \h 5122.Kuruppacharil V. Peter, World Noni Research Foundation, India PAGEREF _Toc484675584 \h 5223.Laura Rossi, Centre of Research on Food and Nutrition, Italy PAGEREF _Toc484675585 \h 5224.Al-Anoud Mohammed Al-Thani, Ministry of Public Health, Qatar PAGEREF _Toc484675586 \h 5425.Marlene Heeb, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Switzerland PAGEREF _Toc484675587 \h 5926.Denise Giacomini, Ministry of Health, Italy PAGEREF _Toc484675588 \h 6327.Helen Medina, Nestlé, Switzerland PAGEREF _Toc484675589 \h 6528.Laurence Rycken, International Dairy Federation, Belgium PAGEREF _Toc484675590 \h 6729.Quinn Marshall, World Food Programme, Italy PAGEREF _Toc484675591 \h 6930.Hans Brand, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Netherlands PAGEREF _Toc484675592 \h 7131.Hans Brand, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Netherlands (second contribution) PAGEREF _Toc484675593 \h 7432.Cristina Grandi, IFOAM, Italy PAGEREF _Toc484675594 \h 7633.Sergio Laguna Bretel, FAO, Bolivia PAGEREF _Toc484675595 \h 8034.Sandy Gershuny, World Foundation for Prosperity and Autonomy, Canada PAGEREF _Toc484675596 \h 8535.Adewale Oparinde, HarvestPlus, United States of America PAGEREF _Toc484675597 \h 8736.Taryn Barclay, Cargill, United States of America PAGEREF _Toc484675598 \h 9137.Food and Nutrition Department, Ministry of Health, Chile PAGEREF _Toc484675599 \h 95Topic note4856480734400The Committee on World Food Security invites you to share experiences and examples to help identify lessons learned and good practices on investments promoting healthy food systems, including those implemented through south-south and triangular exchanges. Taking stock of existing country-level experiences and lessons learnt on how to improve nutrition is a powerful way to stimulate stakeholders to adopt, adapt and scale up proven and effective practices that are both country- and context- specific. The results of this exercise will inform CFS policy development work on nutrition to align CFS efforts to foster global policy convergence with identified gaps, country needs and realities, and contribute effectively to the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition.A selection of the submitted experiences and examples will be compiled in a background document for discussion in the CFS 44th Plenary meeting (CFS44) in Rome on 10 October 2017. In the selection process, we will consider diversity in terms of geography, actors and perspectives, food systems, investments and nutrition issues addressed. We will also consider the lessons learnt in terms of their relevance for policy making, the evidence of how nutrition outcomes changed or are expected to change alongside the extent to which the examples present lessons (positive and negative) that could inform future investments. Examples jointly submitted by stakeholders are encouraged.To make your contributions as relevant as possible, we would like to invite you to focus on: Food systems: describe the food system your example belongs to, the nutrition challenges and inter-linkages and complementarities among the system’s components;Nutrition: describe how the example addresses nutrition issues in the context of the food system considered;Investments: describe the investments and their objectives, as well as their intended and unintended outcomes, on nutrition in particular;Inclusiveness: describe to which extent the investment considered was developed through a multi-stakeholder and participatory approach;Learning: describe the lessons (positive and negative) that can be learned from your case and whether these could be replicable in contexts having the same/similar characteristics and how gaps, obstacles and any other adverse conditions were addressed;Diversity: describe the geographic scope and the different stakeholders involved in your example;South-south or triangular collaboration: If applicable, describe whether the example has benefitted from a south-south or triangular cooperation approach.The call will be hosted on the FSN Forum where all submissions will be made available. The selected experiences and examples and the resulting background document will then be published on the CFS website. The deadline for submissions is 5 May 2017. Please use the submission form to share your examples and experiences. You can download it here: HYPERLINK "" fsnforum/sites/default/files/files/139_investments_healthy_food_systems/Template_EN_CFS_Nutrition.docx For more information on CFS’ engagement in advancing nutrition please see: right403225The Committee on World Food Security (CFS) is the foremost inclusive international and intergovernmental platform for all stakeholders to work together to ensure food security and nutrition for all. The Committee reports to the UN General Assembly and to FAO Conference. With a membership of 135 countries and using a multi-stakeholder, inclusive approach, CFS develops and endorses evidence-based policy recommendations and guidance on a wide range of food security and nutrition topics. CFS holds an annual plenary session every October in FAO, Rome. 00The Committee on World Food Security (CFS) is the foremost inclusive international and intergovernmental platform for all stakeholders to work together to ensure food security and nutrition for all. The Committee reports to the UN General Assembly and to FAO Conference. With a membership of 135 countries and using a multi-stakeholder, inclusive approach, CFS develops and endorses evidence-based policy recommendations and guidance on a wide range of food security and nutrition topics. CFS holds an annual plenary session every October in FAO, Rome. for submissions (approximately 1000 words in total)Please use this?submission form?to share your examples and experiences on investments promoting healthy food systems for improved nutrition. ?For the necessary background and guidance, please refer to the topic note: fsnforum/activities/open-calls/investments_healthy_food_systems You can upload the completed form to the FSN Forum fsnforum or send it via email to fsn-moderator@.Proponent Date/Timeframe and locationMain responsible entityNutrition context Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredKey characteristics of the investment madeKey actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any) Key changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/s Challenges facedLessons/Key messagesContributions receivedDiana Sietz, Wageningen University, NetherlandsProponentDate/Timeframe and location1980–2012, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and NigeriaMain responsible entityNational governments, International Fund for Agricultural Development’s (IFAD) , Nigerian Forestry Department, National Agricultural Research Institute of Niger, Maradi Integrated Development Project, Aguie Desert Community Initiative and othersNutrition contextHigh undernourishment in dryland farming systems due to limited agricultural productivity, on-going land degradation, highly variable climate and lack of enabling institutional environment to improve nutrition conditionsKey characteristics of the food system(s) consideredSmallholder farming systems in the drylands of western Africa where land degradation and severely limits agricultural productivity and remoteness from decision-making challenges sustainable food production. Food systems are highly vulnerable to climate variability/change and price fluctuations demanding urgent action to improve local production of nutritious food through soil and water conservation.Key characteristics of the investment made- Direct investments and food-for-work based initiatives to improve soil and water conservation as a key strategy for improved food and nutrition security.- Multi-stakeholder and participatory approaches used to design and implement soil and water conservation practicesKey actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)Multi-stakeholder process involving local smallholder farmers, NGOs, national governments, international development agencies.Key changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sSoil fertility improved, erosion controlled, agroforestry systems establishedChallenges faced- Partially limited continuity of investments.- Local natural resources, agro-ecology, institutions and market impacts often not differentiates according to pronounced diversity of local farming contexts. However soil and water conservation depends largely on the suitability of specific practices in a given biophysical and socio-economic context. Limited knowledge of biophysical and institutional pre-conditions has restricted comparative analysis on agricultural intensification.- It remains largely unknown/under-investigated in which ways farmers creatively fine-tune and combine trade-offs in space and time to find the best possible way of integrating the high variability in natural resources, markets and institutions with the scarce resources they have available.- The perceived importance of particular factors that facilitate soil and water conservation can vary significantly between farmers, extension staff and other stakeholders.Lessons/Key messagesFour principles?are proposed to advance future implementation and research on soil and water conservation as a land-based adaptation strategy:Assess socio-ecological drivers of soil and water conservation:?The fundamentally interwoven biophysical and socio-economic drivers need to be fully captured to improve our understanding of soil and water conservation. Scale issues and critical thresholds need to receive particular attention.?Investigate farmers’ management of resource variability:?Due consideration needs to be given to assessing the ways in which farmers manage biophysical and socio-economic variability in the context of soil and water conservation and how they balance trade-offs in the input of labour, organic material and other scarce resources, based on their local knowledge. This requires an in-depth understanding of the relation between local and scientific knowledge.?Understand the key dynamics of soil and water conservation:?In framing soil and water conservation as a dynamic process, major efforts are required to go beyond static assessments of factors that drive the uptake of particular practices. Gaining insight into the motivation, rate and time of intensification, modification, abandonment and replacement would provide the missing links in order to better understand crucial dynamics in soil and water conservation.?Test and integrate diverse research methods:?It is imperative for future studies to systematically test the role of different methods of analysis, including quantitative and qualitative approaches, in determining the dynamic socio- ecological drivers of soil and water conservation. Besides statistical methods such as Tobit models, which offer valuable opportunities to account for the intensity of adoption, configurational comparative methods such as Qualitative Comparative Analysis should be explored more systematically to support the assessment of conjunctural causation and other complex causal relations.Reference:?Sietz, D. and Van Dijk, H. (2015) Land-based adaptation to global change: What drives soil and water conservation in western Africa? Global Environmental Change 33: 131-141.Dr. Amanullah, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, PakistanDr. Amanullah,?The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan21.04.2017ProponentPhosphorus and zinc fertilization improve food and feed nutrition under rice-wheat cropping systemDr. Amanullah* (Associate Professor Agronomy, The University of Agriculture Peshawar) &Dr. Inamullah (Agriculture Officer, Department Agriculture Extension, Batkhela, Malakand)Date/Timeframe and locationTwo years: 2011-2012 (year one) & 2012-2013 (year two). Conducted on smallholder field at Batkhela, Malakand (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) in Northwest Pakistan.Main responsible entityThree factors experiments under rice-wheat cropping system:Factor A: Three Genotypes:G1 = Basmati-385 (fine)G2 = Fakhr-e-Malakand (coarse)G3 = Pukhraj (coarse)Factor B: P levels (kg P/ha):P0 = 0P1 = 40P2 = 80P3 = 120Factor C: Zn Levels (kg Zn/ha):Zn0 = 0Zn1 = 5Zn2 = 10Zn3 = 15Subsequent wheat crop = (cv. Siren-2010)Cropping System: Rice-Wheat Cropping SystemNutrition contextFood (grains) and feed (straw) quality improve i.e. zinc concentration in rice and wheat grains (human food in Asia) and rice & wheat straw (animal feed in Asia) increase significantly with proper P and Zn nutrition under the dominant rice-wheat cropping system in Asia. Significant increase in Zn concentration in both grains and straw was recorded with higher zinc rates (10 or 15 kg Zn/ha) as compared with lower rate (5 kg Zn/ha) and control (Zn not applied).Significant variation among rice genotypes i.e. Pukhraj (coarse hybrid rice), Fakhre-Malakand (coarse rice) and Basmati-385 (fine rice) was also observed. Interaction between years and rice genotypes (Y x G) indicated that Zn concentration in grain and straw of all three rice genotypes was higher in year two than year one of the experiment. The increase in Zn concentration was more in case of coarse rice genotypes (Pukhraj & F-Malakand) than fine rice genotype (B-385).Interaction between phosphorus and zinc (P x Zn) indicated that increase in Zn level increased both grain and fodder quality (with higher Zn concentration) in plots having higher phosphorus level in the soil. The increase in phosphorus level reduced zinc concentration in both grain and straw with a correspondence decrease in Zn level in the soil.The two higher rates of phosphorus (80 and 120 kg P/ha) and zinc (10 and 15 kg Zn/ha) application in combination had significantly improved crop productivity, profitability, food (grain) and feed (straw) quality as compared to the control plots (where no P and Zn applied) under rice-wheat cropping system.Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredZinc content is low in food (grains) and feed (straw) of rice and wheat crops in Asia especially under rice-wheat cropping system. As the rice-wheat cropping system has been in practice in Asia for more than 1000 years. Therefore, the continuous cropping of rice-wheat system for several decades has resulted in depletion of plants nutrients (major and micro nutrients) which have negative effect not only on crop yield but also on grain (food) and straw quality (feed).Key characteristics of the investment madeIntegrated nutrients management under rice-wheat cropping system in Asia is key to improve food and feed quality. Our two years field experiments confirmed that proper phosphorus and zinc fertilization under rice-wheat cropping system improve crop productivity and its quality as well as growers income under cereal based cropping systems.Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)University (faculty & students)Agriculture Extension (officers & field assistants)Smallholders (growers, farmers)Key changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sRice yield is very low (2000 kg/ha) in northwest Pakistan. Growing hybrid rice and proper nutrients management not only improve rice yield (more than 6000 kg/ha) and its quality but also improve yield of subsequent wheat crop under rice-wheat cropping system. The rice growers in the area appreciated our efforts and like to grow rice hybrid rice than the old low yielding rice cultivars in the area.Challenges facedGrowers or smallholders in the area are very poor.Unavailability of chemical fertilizers.High cost of chemical fertilizers & farmers can’t purchase.Unavailability of good quality and high yielding rice hybrids/cultivars.Farmers do not accept the modern production technology of field crops due to lack of eduction.Small land holding and high population.Transport & Market problems (dominant middle man).Government polices?Lessons/Key messagesThe donor agencies like FAO and others must focus on the smallholders in developing countries of Asia and Africa. Big or small, long- or short-term projects need to be sponsored by the donor agencies in the backward area. Most of the international and national experts are not ready to go and train the smallholders in these areas. The local experts from universities, research system and agriculture extension department need funding to disseminate the modern production technology of field crops cultivation in these areas, thanks.Dr. AmanullahAssociate Professor of AgronomyThe University of Agriculture Peshawar-Pakistan Christoph Lindinger, Yumi Milling Ltd, ZambiaProponentChristoph LindingerDate/Timeframe and location23/04/2014 up to date, Choma District, Southern Province , ZambiaMain responsible entityYumi Milling LtdPO Box 630683, Choma, ZambiaNutrition contextYumi Milling Ltd aims to develop an agricultural cluster in a rural community in Southern Zambia. Built around the milling of maize, we aim to integrate as many local farmers and their families into our value chains. We promote crop diversification and we aim to increase the availability and affordability of nutritious food products to schools and private persons.right63563500We aim to help small scale farmer to venture in more profitable agricultural value chains, such as poultry and dairy, which will also help to ensure food security and the nutritional standard of the surrounding community.Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredThe core of our food system is the integration of smallholder farmers into our value chains, therefore increasing their income and their nutrition.The by-products of the processing of maize and oil seeds will ensure affordable feed and short distances will ensure optimum efficiency.We plan to implement a community feedlot which will work similar to a warehouse receipt system. Farmers will be given the opportunity to access short term loans for farming inputs.Key characteristics of the investment madeOur efforts are so far financed solely privately. We haven?t received any support form NGO?s or other institutions.We are currently in the process of applying for a grant from Innovations Against Poverty (IAP) since we reached a stage where we would need support to grow YUMI and serve even more farmers in the community.Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if anyChristoph Lindinger (German) – Founding DirectorNickson Ndawa (Zambian) – Director and AdministratorEnock Siankwilimba (Zambian) – Advisor, MUSIKAKey changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sDairy farmers can access affordable local feed and increase their milk output. Poultry businesses are thriving in the surrounding.Challenges facedWorking capital is very expensive in Zambia. We are competing with some big milling companies and we do not have the financial muscle to stock up enough maize during the marketing season. In order to grow sustainably and reach more farmers we will need to come up with solutions to buy enough maize between June and November in order to work throughout the rainy season.Lessons/Key messagesPrivate investments can start development initiatives in the food sector, but any company faces a point where it needs external sources in order to exploit given growth opportunities. Food processing is capital intense and it needs to be supported.Morgane Danielou, Private Sector Mechanism, FranceDear FSN Forum,?Last year, the Private Sector Mechanism hosted a Partnership Forum on Nutrition where a diversity of examples and case-studies on Investments for Healthy Food Systems were made. I would like to share the final report of this Forum in which all the case-studies are summarized. I hope this collection will be helpful.?Best regards,?MorganeAttachment: Mpofu, Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers Forum (ZIMSOFF), ZimbabweDear FSN Forum,Find below my contribution on the lessons and good practiceson investments for healthy food systems.Best regardsElizabeth?ProponentStrengthening small holder farmers’ local initiatives on good practices on investments for health food systems through agro-ecology and food sovereignty in Zimbabwe rural areas.Date/Timeframe and locationJuly 2017-July 2018 and Located in Shashe Area, Masvingo ProvinceMain responsible entityZimbabwe Small Holder Farmers’ Forum (ZIMSOFF)Nutrition contextSince 2002, when it was formed ZIMSOFF has over the years been practicing food sovereignty and agro-ecology as well promoting production of small grains (Pulses) such as ground nuts, round nuts, cow peas, rapoko, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, sesame, millet and sorghum including agro-forestry of fruit trees. This has been practiced in Shashe area In Masvingo and other areas in Matebeleland North, Mashonaland and Manicaland province. This provides a diversified nutrition system and small grains have proved to be highly nutritious to improve dietary concerns of rural small holder farmers especially women. At the forefront of this local initiative is Mrs Elizabeth Mpofu from Shashe and resulted in United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) recognizing her role in promotion of Pulses and appointing her the Special Ambassador for Pulses in Africa in August 2016.Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredFood sovereignty: a concept that recognizes the right of local peoples to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through sustainable methods and their right to define their own food and agriculture systems.Prioritizes local food production and consumption giving a country the right to protect its local producers from cheap imports and to control production.Agro-Ecology: the practice of applying ecological concepts and principles to the design and management of sustainable production systems (agro-ecosystems).Agro-ecology and production of small grains is the best agricultural practice that rural people can adopt to adapt and be resilient to harsh climatic conditions and have a stable nutrition system and provides diversified and sustainable nutrition systems as compared to conventional type of agricultural systems.Key characteristics of the investment madeEstablishment of the Shashe Agro-Ecology School that promotes farmer to farmer training or extension services whereby farmers visit the school, share experiences and learn from each other on agro-ecology. It is referred to as farmer-to-farmer training or extension services on agro-ecology and food sovereignty and sustainable nutrition practices.It is part of the La Via Campesina’s network of over 40 Agro-ecology schools around the world, and promotes the exchange of experiences through horizontal learning, to disseminate agro-ecological and sustainable peasant agriculture practicesExamples include organic farming, diversified crop rotations, biological pest control, extensive agro-pastoral systems and agroforestry.Investments in climate change resilient practices such as sustainable land and water management through building of earth dams, pit holes, contours, veet grass that holds moistures and mulching and organic farming through use of manure, compost and conservation agriculture. One ZIMSOFF member, Mr Mawara from Murowa has won an award for good water harvesting practices in light of uncertainties in rainfall patterns in Zimbabwe.Local seed multiplication of small grains and seed banking for future use by farmers including exchanging and selling among themselves in promotion of food sovereignty and production of small grains.Construction of grain storages in each home stead, drying places and processing centers for value addition including packaging to prevent post-harvest losses.?Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)ZIMSOFF cluster members around the country organized into small holder farmers’ organisations at household levels, district and national levels.ZIMSOFF local network members such as PELUM Zimbabwe and regional members such La Via Campesina (an international movement which brings together millions of peasants, small and medium-size farmers, landless people, women farmers, indigenous people, migrants and agricultural workers from around the world. It defends small-scale sustainable agriculture as a way to promote social justice and dignity), Eastern and Southern Africa Small Scale Farmers (ZIMSOFF being one of the founding member of this regional network), Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), Third World Network and African Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) all these organisations promoting agro-ecology and food sovereignty and local small holder farmer initiatives on sustainable agricultural practices that promote a diversified nutrition in the region and South-South cooperation.ZIMSOFF also works with the Ministry of Agriculture and local extension services as well as other international organisations such FAO, Action and Oxfam.Key changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sSome of the intended key changes include a diversified food and nutrition system among ZIMSOFF members, scaling up of agro-ecology and food sovereignty among ZIMSOFF members around the country, climate change resilient agricultural practices, sustainable water and soil management practices and strengthening leadership skills among women farmers and their engagement with policy makers through learning from the Shashe school. This has also resulted in improved income generation from farming practices by selling to other communities and the entire nation and other peoples from the South-South cooperation initiatives.? The other changes are turning once a non-productive land that was reserved for cattle ranching into productive land for food production and also ensuring that international organisations such as FAO to have a buy in and promote production of small grains (Pulses).Some of the unintended changes include some backlashes from seed companies competing with small holders for seed supply as farmers exchanging and selling their seed among themselves.? Other changes include criticisms from some sections of the society who claim that indigenous seeds are not productive ignoring that the seeds are resilient to harsh climate conditions and are freely available within communities. ?Some sections of society allege that agro-ecology is expensive for small holder farmers ignoring that agro-ecology is based on use of available ecological resources and that it conserves the available ecological resources as compared to conventional agricultural practices.Challenges facedThe Agro-ecology school is located in agro ecological region IV that a very dry area receiving an average of 400mm of rainfall per year. Dry land agriculture has failed sometimes due to the current droughts.One of the goals of ZIMSOFF is to scale up the agro-ecology schools and build more school around the country to meet the high demand of farmer to farmer training but funding constraints have hampered this and ZIMSOFF hope that this award will help in scaling up the practices.Conventional agriculture is the more dominant and powerful alternative to food production at this stage, it is pushing for an industrial agricultural approach,? which over the years has vested more and more power and profit into the hands of fewer and fewer corporationsOf recent the Government of Zimbabwe has committed to implementing the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development program (CAADP), the 2014 Malabo Declaration and the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy of 2014 and its Investment Plans which are a threat to local solutions towards food sovereignty. These policies and programmes promote conventional forms of agriculture and do not recognize the importance of food sovereignty and agro-ecology that have been the backbone of sustainable nutrition practices by small holder farmers in rural areas especially women farmers.Lessons/Key messagesSome of the lessons learnt so far include the following:The need for national and regional policy makers to support local farmers’ initiatives in food and nutrition by promoting agro-ecology, food sovereignty and production of small grains (Pulses).Need for a policy on agro-ecology and food sovereignty.Farmer to farmer training is the best way of extension services as farmers learn from each other and coping and scaling up the knowledge gained in other communities and neighboring countries.There is need to upscale initiatives by farmers in seed multiplication and seed banking and retain seeds for future use that are climate change resilient.Ray-yu Yang, World Vegetable Center, Taiwan Province of ChinaProponentDr. Ray-yu Yang, Nutritionist, World Vegetable CenterDate/Timeframe and locationYears: 2014-2015Countries: Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Indonesia, NepalMain responsible entityVegetables Go to School (VGtS) is a multidisciplinary, school-based project developed and overseen by a team of international researchers from The World Vegetable Center, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Freiburg University, and members from each countries’ Ministries of Agriculture, Education, and Health. It is funded by Swiss Agency for Development and CooperationNutrition contextFood security and nutrition are basic human rights and fundamental to a healthy and productive life, yet critical hunger and malnutrition persists in developing countries1. Enhancing children’s education is one of the key investments that can contribute to breaking the vicious cycle of poverty and malnutrition and bring positive social in the next generation. The VGtS project used multi-intervention school garden programs that incorporates agriculture, nutrition and WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) education, and community outreach to improve community food security and nutrition.Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredA school garden program is an educational tool used to teach students on agriculture, nutrition and health to equip them with the critical and holistic thinking to face today and future challenges in environmental changes, and food security and nutrition. The school garden program serves as an entry point for children to learn about food systems, as well as an entry point for interactions between students, parents, teachers, and community members.A school garden can be regarded as a small food system; and a healthy garden can include the production of plant and animal food and be designed to address biodiversity, healthy diets and eco-friendly environments. A healthy garden can produce fruits and vegetables that can be consumed by students and their families through school meals or the distribution to children to bring home to their families. Key characteristics of the investment madePre-intervention:?Training of Trainers on School Garden Program for four country project teams, and in-country training of teachers on implementation of school garden program and data collection in four countriesInterventions at schools:Implementation of School Garden Program:School garden curriculum integrating agriculture, nutrition and WASH concepts and practicesSchool garden setup and management for handson learningSchool garden demonstration and promotion events for intergenerational learning, community outreach and encouraging the linkage with other food, nutrition and health initiatives at schools Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)The inclusion of project country team members from multiple government ministries (Ministry of Agriculture, Education, and Health) promoted coordination within government and ensures government ownership. South-South Coordination was done by exchanging knowledge and technology through regular team meeting and study tours.VGtS involves school administrators, teachers, and agriculture extension workers in building school gardens, and cooperates with existing programs already in place. For instance, In Bhutan VGtS partnered with National School Agriculture Programme to enrich the curriculum and activities by incorporating nutrition and WASH principles, and involved local parents. The beneficiaries were primary school children and parents. Although the analysis only targeted children, improving children’s education and diet would also have influences on their parents and household.Key changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sThe project used randomized control trials (RCT) and measured the program’s nutritional impact on school children in developing countries. The data from school children for two years showed that the program significantly increased students2-5: Agriculture, nutrition and WASH knowledgeFruits and vegetable awarenessHealthy food and snack, and fruits and vegetables preferencesLikelihood to consume vegetablesChallenges facedThe challenges VGtS school garden program faced include:Lack of resources in developing countries. Ex) WASH practices in Burkina Faso were constrained by lack of WASH facilities and latrines. Sustainability and success is reliant on financial motivation for agriculture extension workers, school administration, and teachers for continuous monitoring. Proper fencing is required for preventing wild animals from destroying gardens in BhutanEnvironmental factors such as low water availability in Nepal, Indonesia, and Burkina Faso affected gardensLessons/Key messagesThe success of the VGtS school garden program in improving students’ nutritional behavior and influencing household food security is largely due to multi-ministry participation, government support, international partnerships, comprehensive teaching curriculum and garden demonstrations, and motivated communities.RecommendationsForm the evidence and experiences learnt from the VGtS project, we recommendInvestment in a multi-intervention school garden program with (a) school garden, (b) agriculture, nutrition and WASH education and practices, and (c) community outreach in schools with access to water and latrines.Incorporate the school garden program in the national curriculum to ensure program quality and sustainability.National Government Recommendations: Increase financial and technical support to implement school garden programs in schools with access to water and latrines, for monitoring and evaluation, training of teachers, teacher incentives, program materials, and promotional activities. Collaborate with ministries of agriculture, education and health in implementing and supervising the program to ensure government ownership and pulling resources from different ministries for the school garden program. School Garden Program Implementation: Incorporate agriculture, nutrition and WASH education, inter-generational learning and community outreach in school garden programs to effectively achieve food and nutrition goals. Link school garden programs with home and community garden or food production programs to improve household food security and nutrition. Government support for agricultural extension and training for home gardeners is needed. Combine school garden program with a school-feeding program to more effectively increase students’ intake of nutritious fruits and vegetables and balanced meals.Give incentives to school staff to motivate their participation in the school garden program. Teachers in the school garden program are important resource persons for training other teachers and parents on agriculture, nutrition and WASH. Provide quality seeds, stable water sources or water-saving technologies to ensure school garden operationKatarina Eriksson, Tetra Laval, SwedenProponentTetra Laval Food for Development OfficeKatarina Eriksson, Senior Project and Partnership Development ManagerDate/Timeframe and locationProject name: Dairy Hub and? Dairy Academy Development? in BangladeshTimeframe: 2011 and onwards. From 2014, donor funding has co-funded the development of 3 dairy hubs (no 3,4,5) in a 3.5 year partnership project.Location: BangladeshMain responsible entityPRAN Dairy in Bangladesh (part of PRAN-RFL Group)Nutrition contextThe Dairy Hub model, as implemented in Bangladesh, was developed by Tetra Pak and its Food for Development Office together with Tetra Pak’s sister company DeLaval. The Dairy Hub project in Bangladesh started as a private sector initiative in 2011 as a response to the dairy processor’s need to source more locally produced milk for processing.In 2008, as a response to the food crisis, when prices of globally traded milk powder more than doubled, and when Tetra Pak realised that many dairy processing customers in developing countries had problems to cope with these cost increases, Tetra Pak took the initiative to develop the “Dairy Hub model” as a way to help customers in developing countries get access to more locally produced milk and better quality milk.?The model rests upon the idea of linking smallholder farmers to a dedicated dairy processor in a selected area, and providing hands-on practical knowledge transfer.? By setting up sufficient infrastructure with appropriate technology and cooling facilities, providing knowledge transfer, and offering the farmers advisory services, the supply of locally produced quality milk will increase and the dairy processor can establish a more stable supply chain.In Bangladesh, the market for safe, nutritious and affordable dairy products is increasing and milk, being a very nutritious food, should be made available to all consumers. This project links smallholder dairy farmers in Bangladesh to the dairy industry. Small holders increase volumes and quality of locally produced milk and the dairy processor puts safe, nutritious dairy products on the market at affordable prices. Dependence on imported milk powder is reduced and milk is available and affordable also to consumers with low incomes.In addition to milk being available to more consumers, farmers benefitting from the project increase their incomes and invest some of their additional income on improving their diet. Safe, affordable milk can now also be made available for school feeding and other social programs.Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredBangladesh is a country depending on import of milk and dairy products. The demand for milk and dairy products is increasing. This project has reduced the need for imported milk powder and made more products based on locally produced milk available in the market.The introduction of milk in aseptic packaging has made it possible to distribute milk without the need for cooling. Safe milk and dairy products are now available to more consumers, not only through retail but also through “traditional trade”, i.e local markets and kiosks etc.Key characteristics of the investment madeA Dairy Hub project requires investments in:Pre-project assessments of milk production potential, identification of strategic locations for collection centers, project feasibility etcInfrastructure such as collection/cooling centers, milk quality control and milk transporting equipment/vehiclesMilk reception, processing and packaging equipmentFarmer and staff training in milk production incl. animal health and breeding, milk quality, feed production and feeding, farm management etcFarmer services such as veterinary services, input supplies etcProject managementAll investments in “hard ware” are made by the private sector. Some of the investments in training and project management has been co-funded by donor funds (Sida) in a 3.5-year Private Public Development Partnership project implemented by Unido.Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)PRAN Dairy in BangladeshTetra Pak BangladeshTetra Laval Food for Development OfficeSwedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)Unido (implementer of partnership co-financed by Sida)Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock- Department of Livestock ServicesKey changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sThe middle men that used to buy farmer’s milk on irregular basis are no longer involved. The milk reaches the dairy faster and with better quality. Farmers benefit from a secure market for all milk they produce and get a fair price. Farmers’ incomes increase.Examples of impact after 60 months (Dairy Hub no 1):Average milk yield per cow per day increased from 4.45 to 10.8 litres (+143%)Average income per smallholder farmer (2006 farmers) increased from USD 100 to USD 244 (+144%)Daily milk collection in Dairy Hub 1 area increased from 2,000 litres to 41,000 litresWhen the five Dairy Hubs are completed and fully operational, more than 10,000 farmers will be covered by the project. ?Challenges facedStaff trained by the project is attractive on the labor market and many leave for other employment.Partnership projects are complex and stakeholders different internal processes sometimes lead to delays.Lessons/Key messagesSmallholders can be effectively integrated into formal industrial value chains.Project results and impact must be carefully monitored, in this case on a per cow and per farm basis.Project feasibility should be demonstrated by private sector first, and donor funding used to scale up and increase outreach.The PRAN Dairy Hub case is described in HYSTRA’s report “Smallholder farmers and business” “ Katarina Eriksson, Tetra Laval, Sweden (second contribution)ProponentTetra Laval Food for Development OfficeKatarina Eriksson, Senior Project and Partnership Development ManagerDate/Timeframe and locationProject name: ?From powder to liquid improving food safety – Development of? ready-to-drink Bienestarina?Timeframe: Starting with product development trials in 2008, first aseptic (UHT) packages reached children in school feeding programme in October 2010.Location: ColombiaMain responsible entityICBF – Colombian Institute of Family Well-BeingNutrition contextBienestarina? is a dietary supplement produced by the ICBF since 1976 and delivered to the beneficiaries of the Family Welfare programmes and the most vulnerable in Colombia. Bienestarina? can be consumed from the age of 6 months.Bienestarina? is made with fortified wheat flour, milk, cornstarch, soy flour and vitamins and minerals. The product was initially a powder product to be mixed with water, but is since 2010 also available as a ready-to-drink product, aseptically packed in 200 ml UHT portion packages. Product development started in 2008.A 200 ml portion of Bienestarina? gives 170 calories and a large share of the daily need for a number of vitamins and minerals (Protein 40%, Vitamin A 90%, Vitamin C 70%, Calcium 60%, Iron 25%, Folic Acid 80%, Vitamin B?? 90%,? Vitamin B?? 75%,? Vitamin B?? 100%, Vitamin B6 100%,? Zinc 100%, and Niacin 90%).Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredBienestarina? is produced from locally produced milk and cereals. The government is promoting nutrition through the ICBF programmes and is since 1976 distributing Bienestarina? free of charge through thousands of distribution points.Bienestarina? is also distributed to school children through school feeding and pre-school programmes. The local dairy industry is since 2010 engaged in processing and packaging the ready-to-drink version in Tetra Brik? Aseptic 200ml. Slim packages. Aseptic packages (UHT) do not need refrigeration for transport and storage and have a shelf life of 6-12 months.This is an example of a government funded feeding programme that improves nutrition at the same time as it creates demand for and develops local food production and industry. ?Key characteristics of the investment madeProduct development to develop the powder form of the nutrition product Bienestarina? (ICBF)Product development to develop the ready-to-drink, portion packed version of Bienestarina?. The ready-to-drink version was developed in new flavors and the product is now available in vanilla, cinnamon and strawberry flavors. (Tetra Pak)Government subsidies for free distribution of Bienestarina? to children, pregnant and lactating women and other vulnerable people.Tetra Pak and Tetra Laval Food for Development provided technical assistance in school feeding best practices and implementation.Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)ICBFTetra PakTetra Laval Food for Development OfficeDairy processing companies in ColombiaKey changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sThe idea behind the development of the ready-to-drink version of Bienestarina? was to make it easier and safer to distribute the nutrition product, also in areas with a lack of refrigeration and access to clean water. It was also a way to secure that the nutrition product was used the way it was intended – as a nutrition supplement to improve the diet of children and vulnerable people.The ready-to-drink version has also been introduced as a commercial product available in supermarkets and food stores.Challenges facedSeveral product trials were made before the perfect liquid formulation was established. Lessons/Key messagesThe distribution of safe food and nutrition can pose many challenges in rural areas, where inadequate infrastructure and potable water are concerns.Developing public-private partnerships are key to building sustainable value chains which prioritize local production.?World-class technology and knowledge sharing are essential to ensure that the children in Colombia have access to safe nutrition.? J.B. Cordaro, Private Sector Consultant, Food Security, Nutrition and Food Safety and Quality, United States of AmericaOn behalf of Mars Incorporated?we are pleased to submit the attached description to the Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition. The attachment describes how Mars is addressing the challenges that unsafe foods present to food security through a network of partnership which are integral components of our comprehensive global food safety strategy.We welcome the opportunity to participate in the planned panel discussion in October at CFS 44 to further elaborate on these unique partnership activities that are having positive impacts on nutrition and that will enhance the likelihood that the Decade of Action on Nutrition and other initiatives will be achieved.Likewise we are prepared to provide additional information or resource material that is mentioned in this document.Regards,J.B. Cordaro?ProponentMars, IncorporatedDate/Timeframe and locationMars Incorporated’s food safety strategy recognizes that food safety is global, impacts all food systems and is a fundamental of food security and nutrition. The food safety challenges faced by the world today are complex and multifaceted. While Mars believes that industry has a key role in helping find solutions, no single entity can do this alone.? Mars’ has employed a precompetitive and collaborative approach to food safety for more than a decade and recently opened the Mars Global Food Safety Center in China in 2015 to drive and support ongoing and new partnerships, collaborations, research and key food safety commitments. These additional partnerships are referenced below in Main responsibility entity.Main responsible entityMars partnerships address food safety challenges in food systems as follows: (1) Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) to help mitigate the harmful impacts of aflatoxins since 2015; (2) IBM on new approaches to address pathogen management, ?“Sequencing the food Supply Chain” since 2014; (3) creating capability through training ?with the World Food Programme (WFP) since 2015; (4) addressing aflatoxin and other food safety challenges, such as low moisture foods, with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) since 2015; (5) working with the Global Food Safety Partnership at the World Bank since 2014; (6) collaborating with the US Grocery Manufacturer’s Association since 2015); (7) working with the China Children’s and Teenager Fund since 2016);? (8) helping with regulatory capability building and connectivity with the China Food and Drug Association and China AQSIQ since 2016;? (9) The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition- Business Platform for Responsible Nutrition (GAIN-BPNR) since 2013; and (10 several academic and university partnerships,? such as ?Cambridge University; UC Davis; Cornell University, University of Maryland / JIFSAN, University Laval, Canada and Queens University, Belfast.Nutrition contextEnsuring all people access, safe and nutritious foods is one of the key global challenges being pursued within the United Nations communities to implement the ICN2, achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, especially SDG 2 and pursue a Decade of Action for Nutrition.There is no dispute that the safety of foods we consume influences nutrition, health and well-being, cognitive capability and economic opportunities which shape national and global development. Unsafe foods have debilitating human, economic and social consequences. The significance of food safety and its relationship to nutrition within food systems cannot be overstated. Unfortunately, this link has not been fully appreciated by decision and policy makers when they address food security and emphasize production perspectives.Mars addresses safety and nutrition simultaneously to achieve all components of the UN definition of food security and to fulfill the aspirations of the UN global initiatives to help ensure safe and nutritious foods.? Over the past decade, Mars has made several commitments to create greater awareness of the linkages among food security, nutrition and food safety to: (1) help mitigate the existence of mycotoxins, including aflatoxins with prevention and mitigation expertise; (2) enhance quality control and safety processes; and (3) enable good manufacturing practices.These commitments require building additional partnerships, new technologies and forever commitments to make positive impacts. Such collaborations cannot be viewed as one and done as new threats continue to emerge, such as food fraud.Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredMars positions food safety and quality initiatives across every element of a food system where risks to safety and quality can occur. ?A snapshot of a key compelling global statistics from WHO, FAO, PACA and the USA’s CDC align to paint a gloomy picture of the negative health, social and economic impacts of contaminated foods:4.5 billion people a year are exposed to mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, which contaminate 25% of the world’s food supply1 in 10 people on our planet suffer from eating unsafe foods; 600 million people fall ill; 420,000 die; and 33 million “healthy life years” are lost40% of foodborne disease incidents occur among children under 5, mostly in Africa and SE Asia, with 125,000 deaths; survivors suffering from chronic infections and stuntingSub-Sahara Africa has highest rates of aflatoxin-related liver cancers, especially in womenSmall scale farmers cannot break the poverty cycle; incomes remain depressed from unmarketable, rejected, contaminated commodities600 million to $1bn in lost earnings are aflatoxin-related.These facts underscore the significant and pervasive nature of the food contamination throughout food systems. Vigilance must be maintained from agricultural production- harvesting, post-harvest handling, storage and transportation-- to processing, packaging, storage and distribution within the manufacturing sector and the end user- consumers, and how they store, handle and consume food products.????Key characteristics of the investment madeMars utilizes a combination of monetary and in-kind resources to support a global network of uncommon partnerships and collaborations to address global food safety challenges.? At the core Mars: (1) utilizes its tools, capabilities, scientific expertise as well as food safety and quality management expertise of internal associates that help raise the food safety bar; (2) targets partnerships in regions at high risk with associated aspects of food safety challenges and networks these pieces together; and (3) Global Food Safety Center (GFSC) provides a focal point for research, knowledge generation, scientific dissemination, information exchanges and capability building through training. ????The Mars Global Food Safety Center (GFSC) which opened in Huairou, China in September 2015 is a global hub and state-of-the-art research and training facility designed to drive a global focus on addressing food safety challenges through partnerships and collaborations on a pre-competitive basis. This reach extends beyond the knowledge generated and shared on site to a far reaching global network of food safety research partnerships and collaborations, sharing knowledge from global experts and collaborators as well as operational insights from Mars facilities around the world. The intent of the GFSC is to build food safety capability leading to better food access, availability and nutrition, reduced food waste and increased overall quality of life. ?The GFSC represents Mars’ ongoing commitment to working with world-leading experts to improve food safety and security through a diverse network of academia and global relationships.Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)Mars Global Food Safety Center provides a one-of-a kind focal point for Mars’ partners and other researchers, listed above in “Main responsible entity,” to share information, internship programs, training, scientific conferences, technical exchanges and talent development for industry and regulatory agencies. These relationships support food safety activities through our partners in numerous countries such as Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Malawi, Senegal, Gambia, Thailand, Uganda, India and China to achieve positive impacts that enhance food safety and quality. ?Key changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sThe cumulative effect of the numerous Mars food safety investments can be observed in these areas: (1)? research findings for using data to identify risks and trends in the global food supply chain; understanding food safety in the context of forensics and next generation sequencing; valuing food safety opportunities offered by next generation sequencing versus traditional culture methods; (2) significant increased awareness of the challenges from food safety problems and exploration for new solutions; and (3) highlighting the willingness for business to commit resources and operational insights to food safety and public health problem solving and to be recognized as an inclusive partner among other stakeholders.Challenges facedSuccess often comes with challenges faced and overcome. Mars partnerships attest with these examples: (1) building internal capacity to nurture and support partnerships; (2) unlocking and resolving intellectual property matters; (3) matching internal expectations with external realities and expectations; (4) managing the complexity and magnitude of the interdependencies related to these issues; and (5)? appreciating the complexity of the shifting landscape.??Lessons/Key messagesFood safety is an essential element of food security and must be embedded within policy and decision making related to food security and its performance. ??New food safety threats are emerging and exacerbating known issues.?Harmful human, social and environment and economic impacts of unsafe foods are significant and pervasive.?Food safety is a global public health issue with an unsustainable status-quo that requires urgent action and transformative thinking. ?Food safety is:Both a developing country problem and a developed country challengeFood supply chains are no longer restricted by regional boundaries as issues in one part of the chain can have far reaching impacts ?More than an occasional problem, but a forever problem that must be addressed every daySolutions must be sustainable and contribute to access to safe nutritious foodSince no single entity can address the global food safety challenges, collaboration and pre-competitive partnerships are essential to problem solving.Business plays key problem solving roles by, among other things sharing data, unique expertise, and experiences that can have a very positive influence on the quality and safety of the world’s food supplies. ???Proof of concept is critical for synergy between “In-kind” and monetary contributions for partnerships to be fully realized. ???Improving food safety globally requires the development of new technologies, sustainable commitments and human and institutional capacity development.Clarity and focus of purpose is best obtained by addressing a limited number of foundational challenges to advance food safety capabilities the fastest.If food is not safe, it is not food—all our lives depend on safe, nutritious food! African Orphan Crops ConsortiumProponentAfrican Orphan Crop Consortium (AOCC) founders Ibrahim Mayaki, Chief Executive Officer of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Planning and Coordinating Agency; Tony Simons, Director General of the World Agroforestry Centre; Howard Shapiro, Chief Agricultural Officer of Mars, Incorporated.Date/Timeframe and location2011–present and beyond; global players; focus on all of sub-Saharan AfricaMain responsible entityAfrican Orphan Crops Consortium (AOCC)Nutrition contextEffort to sequence the genomes of 101 key sub-Saharan African food crops and teach 250 African plant scientists to resequence and use the results to breed more nutritious, hardier, more productive food crop varieties, mainly the sort already grown in the back gardens of the 600 million people who live in rural Africa. This effort will complement efforts to improve availability of nutrient-dense foods, improve dietary diversity, enhance small scale farmer’s incomes and reduce reliance on imports.?Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredGarden food crops, “orphan” in the sense that they have not been a focus of scientific investigation because they are not internationally traded commodities. Yet these are the crops that Africa grows and eats. Give poor transportation, infrastructure, storage and marketing systems in much of rural Africa, improving the crops already on the farms will radically improve nutrition.Key characteristics of the investment madeSome $40 million raised in cash or in kind for transport and training of scientists at the AOCC’s African Plant Breeding Academy (AfPBA) at the World Agroforestry Center, Nairobi; reagents and equipment for the AOCC’s genomics lab at the Center, now the best equipped in Africa.Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)African governments, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, Agricultural Research Council (Pretoria), Biosciences eastern and central Africa- International Livestock Research Institute, BGI (Shenzhen, China), Google (Mountain View, USA), Illumina Inc., Cyverse (Tucson, USA),? LGC (Hoddesdon, UK), Mars, Incorporated (Maclean, USA) New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD),? Thermo Fisher Scientific (Waltham, USA,) UNICEF, University of California at Davis (USA), VIB and Plant Systems Biology at the University of Gent (Belgium): Wageningen University (Netherlands, World AgroForestry Centre ICRAF (Nairobi), World Wildlife Federation (DC)The AOCC also works through a network of other organizations involved in the agriculture and horticulture of Africa, from the African Bean Consortium to the World Vegetable Centre.Key changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sBy the end of 2017, more than 80 plant scientists will have been trained and 44 species sequenced. Graduates continue to have access to the equipment in the (AfPBA) lab in Nairobi. AOCC had not foreseen that some of these students (six so far) would go back to their home countries such as Ethiopia and raise money to start national orphan crop consortiums (OCCs). There has also been interest in developing OCCs in countries such as India and China. Given that the FAO has become a Consortium collaborator, the AOCC seems to have given “orphan crops” their rightful and important place in any nutrition strategy.Challenges facedCoordinating a consortium with members all over the globe.; bringing scientists from what is all over Africa to Nairobi for classes, importing lab equipment and reagents. Future challenges will be distributing the improved cultivars and providing education in their use to farmers, but partners are available for this.Lessons/Key messagesTeaching African scientists to improve the crops that Africans already grow and eat is a powerful tool for improving nutrition. It can work elsewhere in the developing world. It is essentially the way that more developed countries developed their agriculture. Nadim Khouri, Global Agriculture and Food Security ProgramPlease find, attached, the FSN form in response to the Call for lessons and good practices on investments for healthy food systems.As you know, the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) has two levels of support to food and nutrition security: (i) a global (SDG17-type) level that promotes the finding, funding and implementation of areas of "policy convergence" in food security (including nutrition); and (ii) a country/local level of support to interventions where on-the-ground results are obtained and shared.The attached submission highlights both these levels and the various areas where GAFSP is contributing to the funding of the transformation of food systems toward improved food and nutrition security. Additional details could be provided as we get closer to the CFS annual meetings and depending on FSN's needs.With best regardsNadim KhouriConsultant to GAFSP?ProponentGAFSP—The Global Agriculture and Food Security Program Coordination Unit.Joint experience of a multi-stakeholder funding mechanism for food security and nutrition in the poorest countries.\Date/Timeframe and location2009-Present; “IDA-Only” Countries.CFS may be interested in one or both of the dual/mutually-reinforcing aspects of GAFSP: (i) a global program that leads to policy convergence and on-the ground investments in nutrition; and (ii) specific experience and lessons learned from one or the other of the nutrition-sensitive interventions in selected countries (e.g. Rwanda, Nepal) as briefly presented and grouped in this form.Main responsible entityGAFSP Coordination Unit, based in Washington DC—in partnership with Governments, CSOs and Supervising Entities.Nutrition context?At project preparation stage, all GAFSP projects that have nutrition components establish a baseline that includes the nutrition context of the particular investment that is envisaged;Depending on the specific interest of CFS, GAFSPCU will be able to put some of the data that is available at the disposal of CFS and its members.Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredGlobally, GAFSP supports the continuum of traditional, intermediary and modern food systems.? As a matter of routine procedure for all investments—including the ones with specific nutrition objectives—social, environmental, and governance assessments are undertaken in order to give a holistic view of the food system being addressed;In Rwanda, the GAFSP project supports traditional food systems that rely on small gardens for nutritious food;The Nepal GAFSPsupported project is working to enhance the traditional diets of vulnerable communities. The project commissioned a study to analyze the nutritive value—including moisture, ash, fat, protein, carbohydrate, crude fiber, energy, iron, phosphorus, and vitamin C content—of locally available foods.Key characteristics of the investment madeGlobally, GAFSP focuses assistance on the poorest countries—where poverty and malnutrition and hunger are, in general, correlated;To date, GAFSP has invested about US$1.5 billion (Public and Private Sector Windows combined) in countries with average rates of poverty at 40 percent (compared with 22 percent for all developing countries) and where the incidence of hunger is 27 percent;More than half of the GAFSP Public Sector Window projects include nutritionrelated activities, totaling $158 million;GAFSP investments include many of the sectors that support rural smallholders (onfarm and off-farm) and that lead, directly or indirectly to improved nutrition.?Country specific examples can be provided on the various types of investment, including the cases cited below;In Rwanda: GAFSP support included the upgrade of kitchen gardens to increase the availability of nutritious foods for selfconsumption, the production of fruits and vegetables, seed multiplication for iron-enriched beans, and training about growing and consuming nutritious foods, especially by children;In Nepal: GAFSP support is contributing to increasing food availability and the productivity of highnutrient crops and livestock. Based on the findings of the nutritive value study, nutritious recipes from locally available, underutilized, food were developed and disseminated through the project. This included the preparation of weaning food for infants.Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)The governance of GAFSP is innovative and multistakeholder.? Its structure supports southsouth learning and triangular exchange amongst its representatives, who comprise: recipient governments; donors; CSOs (northern and southern); Supervising Entities (including the African Development Bank; the Asian Development Bank; FAO; the Inter-American Development Bank; the International Fund for Agricultural Development; the World Bank and WFP for its Public Sector Window; and IFC for its Private Sector Window); a foundation (BMGF); and the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Food Security.One of the innovations of GAFSP is also to have both public and private sector funding under one overarching structure via two operational windows.? This has enabled coordination and investment along the value chain at the country level. For example, in Rwanda, the IFC, the government of Rwanda and private sector actors are involved in investments supported by both GAFSP Windows – public and private sector that help malnourished children by giving them access to fortified nutrients that will allow them to reach their full potential. ?It also means that farmers in Rwanda can gain access to new market opportunities, higherquality inputs, and better farm management practices.Key changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sGlobally, GAFSP is, by design, contributing to changes in the architecture of development financing (including for improved nutrition) through: (i) increased alignment of external support with national strategies and related investment plans; (ii) combining private and public investments; (iii) attracting private investments into riskier markets;? (iv) knowledge and results exchange that has encouraged MDBs and other Supervising Entities to internalize crosscutting themes such as nutrition in their respective portfolios of assistance to smallholders.What follows are specific examples that can be supplemented with other countries or further detailed and clarified:In Bangladesh: The GAFSPsupported investments have led, directly or indirectly, to improved nutritional outcomes including: (i) the diversification of crop production (introduction of wheat, maize, pulses, oilseeds in addition to rice improvement as staple crops; diversification into horticultural crops); (ii) the improvement of fish production; (iii) enabling the establishment of kitchen gardens through rainwater harvesting.? The efforts included the promotion of governance support such as: seed sector quality assurance (in partnership with the private sector and seed producers); nutrition (how to optimize the impact of crop, livestock and fisheries activities on nutrition outcomes); inclusiveness and participation of stakeholders in the design and implementation processes;In Ethiopia: GAFSP support contributed to improved human and organizational capacities to incorporate sustainable, intensified livestock production into integrated watershed development;In Senegal: GAFSP investments is contributing to improved yields and production diversification through extension, better water and other infrastructure; improved access to diversified food through better marketing of produce;In Honduras: GAFSP support was recently initiated to support food production—including the introduction of crop biofortification to enhance nutritional content, the diversification of food production. Investment support includes: matching grants for small irrigation infrastructure and equipment; post-harvesting and food conservation techniques ; introduction of higher-value or more nutritive crops; processing of food to increase its shelf life and adding value including nutritive elements to be sold in local markets (e.g. school lunches); TA and training for nutrition education. Investments also are improving family hygiene;In Kenya: As an example of GAFSP support through its Private Sector Window, this project is in the form of a debt facility to help a private manufacturer expand its readyto-use therapeutic food (“RUTF”) production. RUTF is a high calorie fortified peanut paste based food product, which is consumed directly from the pouches in which it is supplied. This support significantly helps UNICEF globally, which offtakes 80-85% of the company’s production capacityChallenges facedGlobally, one major challenge that GAFSP faced and addressed was the harmonization of M&E policies and procedures among the various actors, to ensure full alignment with the 2030 SDGs and to highlight the “Theory of Change” of food security that ultimately needs a systematic assessment of the impact of various investments on nutrition.? One of the ways in which this issue was addressed by the selection of FIES as an indicator of food security for the Program going forward (see also discussion of indicators below);(Note: In each of the GAFSPsupported operations, there were specific challenges that can be highlighted.? At the request of CFS, GAFSPCU could further detail one or two of the project experiences with respect to their specific challenges and how they were addressed.)Lessons/Key messagesGAFSP is demonstrating that it is possible to have an “SDGready” funding mechanism to promote nutrition through demand-driven investment in a variety of food systems and with a supporting architecture that promotes sharing of the experience amongst various actors;For example, on measurement of nutritional impact, at present a number of approaches and indicators are being used and results will be compared and help in ensuring evidencebased policy recommendations: (i) Number and proportion of malnourished, as defined by underweight, stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiency, disaggregated by gender (Bangladesh and Kenya); (ii) Chronic malnutrition rate in children under five (Benin, Burundi, Mali, and Zambia); (iii) Delivery of nutrition, health awareness, and access to micronutrient-rich foods to pregnant and nursing women and to children (Benin, Bhutan, Cambodia, Kenya, the Kyrgyz Republic, Nepal, and Nicaragua); (iv) Improved food security and nutritional status of vulnerable groups and households measured by wasting prevalence (The Gambia); (v) Food Consumption Score (Kyrgyz Republic and Mongolia); (vi) Dietary Diversity Score (Honduras, Nicaragua, Rwanda, Uganda, and Yemen). ?Going forward, all GAFSP investments with nutritionrelated objectives will utilize either FCS or MDD-W or C to track impacts.? In addition,, GAFSP will be using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) across all its public sector projects and most of its private sector investments and will be able to explore the relationship between the above nutritional indicators and this broader food security measurement.There are, in addition, projectspecific lessons learned that can be teased out, depending on the interest of CFS in one or the other of the types of projects supported by GAFSP to promote nutrition.? Nelissa Jamora, Global Crop Diversity Trust, GermanyProponentGlobal Crop Diversity TrustDate/Timeframe and locationOn-going, GlobalMain responsible entityGlobal Crop Diversity Trust, CGIAR, FAONutrition contextThe fight to achieve food security and end hunger is one of the greatest global challenges. Food and nutritional security depends on crop diversity, both at the species and genetic levels. Maintaining the diversity of crops and their related wild species and promoting access to plant genetic resources are requisites to advances in plant breeding.But all breeding breakthroughs start in the genebank. A greater diversity of genetic resources in genebanks, available to all, is a global safety net that ensures a secure food supply at more stable prices. Such a system provides the raw genetic material to breed for a more nutritious and varied food supply, increasing poor populations’ access to more affordable and healthier food to fight malnutrition.Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredDiversity in farming system and food optionsKey characteristics of the investment madeThe Global Crop Diversity Trust (Crop Trust), in partnership with CGIAR, and under the policy framework provided by International Treaty on PGRFA, is working to ensure the conservation and availability of the crop diversity essential for food and agriculture, forever. Through the Crop Diversity Endowment Fund, the Crop Trust provides financial security to collections of crop diversity by guaranteeing funding at agreed levels, year in and year out. Currently, the Crop Trust has agreements to provide such long-term funding to some of the world’s most important international collections of key crops. It has also extended and supported the global system of crop diversity conservation in other ways, including the construction of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, an ultimate failsafe backup for the world’s seed collections. As the endowment grows, the Crop Trust will be able to secure more crops in more countries through fully funded long-term grants.Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)Global Crop Diversity Trust, CGIAR, FAO (IT PGRFA)International, regional, & national genebanks and breeding programsKey changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sSecuring the diversity base for the continued development of new and improved varieties that are not only high-yielding and resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses, but also nutrient-dense and climate-smart, contributing to improved crop productivity, more resilient farm households, increased family incomes, and improved nutrition of family members.Challenges facedThe progress in biofortification and the overall development of new and improved varieties are made possible by the genetic variation preserved in the international genebanks. Yet, the importance of crop diversity stored in genebanks in the development of more nutritious food crops, that are also high-yielding and climate-smart, has often been overlooked.Lessons/Key messagesCrop diversity contributes to a stable, sustainable, and diverse food production system and plays an important role in improving nutritional outcomes for the consumers.However, crop collections require constant maintenance, and even brief disruptions or variations in funding can leave material at risk of permanent loss. The conservation of crop diversity in genebanks is by nature a very long-term task. Only stable, predictable support from an endowment fund can guarantee a global system of conservation for a shared resource that is too important for anything less than perpetual care. Maria Agnese Dau, Federalimentare, ItalyDear FSN Forum,on behalf of Federalimentare, the Italian Food&Drink Industry?Federation, please find enclosed?our submissions to the call for examples and good practices on investments for healthy food systems.Thank you for your attention.Kind regards,Maria Agnese Dau, Responsible for Nutrition Policies,?FederalimentareProponentFederalimentare – Italian Food and Drink Industry FederationDate/Timeframe and locationItaly 2008 – 2018Main responsible entityNutrition contextItaly has been recently rewarded by Bloomberg as the healthiest country in the world. This is also due to the nutritional context whose policies are characterized by a strong collaboration between private and public sectors.Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredThe food and drink industry plays a crucial role – along with governments, international organizations and civil society - in the growing global challenges for sustainable food systems and healthy diets.The Italian food and beverage industry is fully aware of its responsibilities not only to provide healthy and safe food products, but also supporting the wide adoption of a nutritionally balanced diet.Key characteristics of the investment madeIn 2015 Federalimentare signed with the Italian Ministry of Health a voluntary agreement “Shared objectives for improving the nutritional characteristics of food products, with a particular focus on children (3-12 years)”, focused on food product reformulation in 2008-2018 and aimed at improving the nutritional characteristics of food products (see Annex 1).The Italian Ministry of Health has set up an ad hoc group to identify monitoring initiatives.Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)1.?Italian Ministry of Health2. Italian Food and Drink Industry FederationKey changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sTargets for reformulation have been shared for three different categories of foods (not only specifically children’s products):1) cereal & sweet (breakfast cereal, biscuits, salted snacks, potato chips, crackers, cakes)2) beverage (soft drink, nectars/juices and fruit pulp)3) dairy products and ice creams (yogurt, fermented milk, ice cream)Challenges facedOverweight and obesity are a public health issue whose solution cannot be entrusted exclusively to the health care system: the potential recipe for success requires cross-cutting, multi-sector interventions, with close cooperation between health authorities and the food industry.Lessons/Key messagesObesity and other nutrition-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have many causes – including unbalanced diet, sedentary lifestyles, environment, consumer knowledge and genetics – and require a coordinated approach. Therefore, prevention and treatment requires a whole-of-society approach and consistent and coordinated multi-sectoral, multi-stakeholder approaches.Responsiveness on the part of the food industry – which is aware of the problem and considers itself part of the solution – is essential and includes not only awareness of the relationship between health and various nutrients, but also consciousness of a proper lifestyle model combining physical activity and balanced diet, taking into account of the portions size and the frequency of consumption.This will allow consumers to choose to modify their dietary habits by selecting reformulated products, eating smaller portions and doing physical exercise. Maria Agnese Dau, Federalimentare, Italy (second contribution)ProponentFederalimentare – Italian Food and Drink Industry FederationDate/Timeframe and locationItaly 2015Main responsible entityNutrition contextItaly has been recently rewarded by Bloomberg as the healthiest country in the world. This is also due to the nutritional context whose policies are characterized by a strong collaboration between private and public sectors.Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredThe food and drink industry plays a crucial role – along with governments, international organizations and civil society - in the growing global challenges for sustainable food systems and healthy diets.The Italian food and beverage industry is fully aware of its responsibilities not only to provide healthy and safe food products, but also supporting the wide adoption of a nutritionally balanced diet.Key characteristics of the investment made“Commercial Communications Guidelines relating to food products and beverages, for the protection of children and their proper nutrition”, focused on commercial communication concerning food products and aimed at encouraging the adoption of responsible advertising practices.Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)1.?Italian Ministry of Health2.?Italian Food and Drink Industry FederationKey changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sThis agreement states that commercial communication concerning food products intended for children, or likely to be received by them, should:always be recognized as such;be honest, truthful and accurate and should not be misleading for children;not encourage the belief that non-possession of the product that is the focus of the commercial communication might imply inferiority, or parental failure to fulfil their roles;not diminish the role of the parents or other educators in providing valuable dietary indications;not induce the adoption of unbalanced dietary habits or behaviors or overlook the need to lead a healthy lifestyle;encourage educational messages aimed at promoting careful use of the product, the adoption of a healthy and balanced diet and more physical exercise.Challenges facedOverweight and obesity are a public health issue whose solution cannot be entrusted exclusively to the health care system: the potential recipe for success requires cross-cutting, multi-sector interventions, with close cooperation between health authorities and the food industry.Lessons/Key messagesObesity and other nutrition-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have many causes – including unbalanced diet, sedentary lifestyles, environment, consumer knowledge and genetics – and require a coordinated approach. Therefore, prevention and treatment requires a whole-of-society approach and consistent and coordinated multi-sectoral, multi-stakeholder approaches.Responsiveness on the part of the food industry – which is aware of the problem and considers itself part of the solution – is essential and includes not only awareness of the relationship between health and various nutrients, but also consciousness of a proper lifestyle model combining physical activity and balanced diet, taking into account of the portions size and the frequency of consumption.This will allow consumers to choose to modify their dietary habits by selecting reformulated products, eating smaller portions and doing physical exercise. Maria Agnese Dau, Federalimentare, Italy (third contribution)ProponentFederalimentare – Italian Food and Drink Industry FederationDate/Timeframe and locationItaly 2016-2019Main responsible entityNutrition contextItaly has been recently rewarded by Bloomberg as the healthiest country in the world. This is also due to the nutritional context whose policies are characterized by a strong collaboration between private and public sectors.Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredThe food and drink industry plays a crucial role – along with governments, international organizations and civil society - in the growing global challenges for sustainable food systems and healthy diets.The Italian food and beverage industry is fully aware of its responsibilities not only to provide healthy and safe food products, but also supporting the wide adoption of a nutritionally balanced diet.Key characteristics of the investment madeIn 2016 Federalimentare has renewed its partnership with the Italian Ministry of Education signing an Official Agreement for the triennium 2016-2019 relating to issues of primary importance for the Italian food industry:Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)Italian Ministry of EducationItalian Food and Drink Industry FederationKey changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/snutrition education, combined with adequate physical activity, as the only way to deal with the phenomena of overweight and obesity;the promotion of talent, the prevention of dropouts in education and training paths, through opportunities combined school / work in the agro-food sector;the definition of program lines in the national research and innovation policies, with the support of the National Agrifood Technology Cluster.Challenges facedOverweight and obesity are a public health issue whose solution cannot be entrusted exclusively to the health care system: the potential recipe for success requires cross-cutting, multi-sector interventions, with close cooperation between health authorities and the food industry.Lessons/Key messagesObesity and other nutrition-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have many causes – including unbalanced diet, sedentary lifestyles, environment, consumer knowledge and genetics – and require a coordinated approach. Therefore, prevention and treatment requires a whole-of-society approach and consistent and coordinated multi-sectoral, multi-stakeholder approaches.Responsiveness on the part of the food industry – which is aware of the problem and considers itself part of the solution – is essential and includes not only awareness of the relationship between health and various nutrients, but also consciousness of a proper lifestyle model combining physical activity and balanced diet, taking into account of the portions size and the frequency of consumption.This will allow consumers to choose to modify their dietary habits by selecting reformulated products, eating smaller portions and doing physical exercise. Living Farms, IndiaProponentLiving FarmsDate/Timeframe and location2008 onwards and Rayagada and Kalahandi districts of Odisha , IndiaMain responsible entityMr. Debjeet SarangiNutrition contextOdisha, in Eastern India, is home to 9.6 million Adivasis (Indigenous communities) ?constituting about 22% of the entire state’s population. Under nutrition is prevalent on a large scale among these communities. According to UNICEF, in Odisha, 57 per cent of Adivasi children under five years of age suffer from chronic malnutrition. The situation among rural Adivasi children aged 18-23 months is even more serious with prevalence of stunting as high as 83 per cent.A 2013 study by the same organization, shows that the proportion of chronically undernourished Adivasi children increased with increasing age – one-fourth in the age group 0-5 months, which doubled in 6-11 months period and at 18 months, 75% children were already chronically undernourished. This is compounded by repetitive attacks of illness and lack of access to quality health care due to many structural barriers. Every time a child falls sick her/ his growth falters without a proper catch up of growth. So, repeated illnesses contribute to under nutrition of children. However, this being a state average data, it does not provide disaggregated information about such children in underserved blocks. The nutritional status of such children will vary across the communities.According to a baseline done by Living Farms in 2011, in 46 villages in two blocks of Rayagada district based on anthropometric measurement of 693 children under 5 years of age, in a time frame of 12 months, 23 deaths of children below one year out of 171 live births was reported. This roughly amounts to 131 deaths per 1000 live births, which is much higher than the reported district level IMR of 83/1000 while state level IMR is recorded to be 69/1000. 41 newborn deaths were reported out of 1000 live births. Of the 138 pregnant women 13.8% were found to be malnourished with a MUAC less than 21 cm. In the category of mothers of children below 2 years, 53 percent women were in the category of under nutrition with BMI less than 18.5. In 79% of the cases complementary food is given for only 3 times a day.Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredHistorically, Adivasi communities live immersed in the forest-fields and all living and non-living things in this space are a part of the food system. The cultivation of food co-exists with a great respect for the land. Dongria kondh adivasis may or may not have a small piece of land of their own, but traditionally have co-depended on forest-lands in a mountain or hill surrounding their villages. In these forests, they have practiced shifting cultivation, leaving the lands fallow for long periods of time. ?In scattered small patches of land, one will encounter a mixed cropping of 50-70 varieties of cultivated foods: grains, millets, pulses, oil seeds, tubers, greens and other vegetables.? In addition, people have great knowledge of wild foods, collecting close to 275 varieties, from different depths of the forest.However, there has been an alarming level of shrinking of farm level crop diversity and the availability of forest foods (quantity and diversity) is on the decline. It is because the focus of the most of the agriculture programs in Odisha has been on increasing yields of rice and that of forestry to raise revenue generation through plantation of industrial monocultures and / or converting the forests for development projects. It results in non-availability of diverse, safe and nutritious foods throughout the year for the Adivasi and other forest dependent rural communities. It is largely because agriculture, forestry, food and nutrition are seen independent of each other, even though what food is grown and how it is grown determines its nutritional value. Similarly, most of the nutritional programmes are divorced from agriculture, forestry and food security.While the latter situation describes a system where food is a mere object to be produced, in the Adivasi communtiy, the foods, soil, fruits, insects, trees all co-exist and are not divorced from other parts of life. ?Key characteristics of the investment madeWe are choosing a non techno-scientific approach, an approach that chooses to partner instead of instruct, which challenges the very notion of ‘investments’ or interventions from the outside. Instead, we believe that Adivasi communities, such as the kondhs, have lessons to benefit all of humanity in their communitarian ethos, respect and co-existence with the forests.?As an organization with respect for the abilities and wisdom of local communities, especially women, Living Farms has been partnering with them in understanding the underlying ethos of their perspectives, and to further strengthen their preparedness to not only recognize and analyze the nature and causes of the issues in the context of food, and nutrition security that affect them, but also to evolve locally appropriate empowering solutions through action research and / or adapt successful models to address household food insecurity, reduce maternal and child under nutrition and contribute to wellbeing of communities. We help in development of local leadership, horizontal networking amongst villages and deepening and widening the impact of the change process. In addition, together we mobilize community to assert their rights over resources and demand accountability from the system while the organization works with the government to improve the effectiveness of its delivery mechanism.Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)In our approach, we are trying to break down the dichotomy of “actor-stakeholder” and instead we are trying to generate a feeling of belonging, involvement and one-ness. We believe in the agency of a community to dream and transform their community.Here, we present the various actors:Living farms has a team of around 250 field workers: district coordinators, block coordinators and gram panchayat facilitators, most of who belong to the same administrative block in which they are working. At the same time, in each village there is a nutrition or peer educator who works along with government voluntary health and crèche workers. It is believed that, women are the leaders of this team of village educators.At the same time we collaborate with researchers and other social networks to take forward a component of action-research. This action-research will be always conducted along with the community, and then utilized to propose policy changes at the level of the State. Contrary to many social methods, in our method we choose to see the local community as the biggest actors who transform their own lives, while making demands to the State, who we see as essentially a worker of the community.Therefore, in our work relations we wish to transform both internally and externally the dichotomies and hierarchies that have existed in the face of “issues” such as malnutrition.We have been working closely with the State Governments of Odisha and Chattisgarh and UNICEF on promoting Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture.Key changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sTo contribute to improved nutrition of children aged under 2 of Adivasi and other under served and / or unreached rural communities in Odisha.i) A reduction of .5 standard deviation on height for age growth for Adivasi children aged under two .In other words if the median malnutrition status is -1.9 Height-for- Age Z Score (HAZ) of children aged under two in 2016 then it will be -1.4 Height-for- Age Z Score (HAZ) in 2025 if the program achieve its goal .It implies there will be less number of under two children in Red and more in Green category in a height for age growth chart for boys and girls separately.ii) A mechanism is incorporated within the Government of Odisha regulatory framework to ensure convergence between and amongst related departments, (women & child development, health, agriculture, education, rural development and scheduled tribe & scheduled caste etc.) and coherence in policy formulation, planning and implementation to address under nutrition of children aged under 2 of Adivasi and other under served and / or unreached rural communities.iii) Enabled and empowered rural communities are leading and taking responsibility in decentralized planning, monitoring and implementation based on the principles of equity and justice and public ~public partnership (citizens and government), to facilitate governance reforms to make their villages free from under nutrition.Challenges facedIn the current scenario, we found that within our own team we often faced the challenge where as facilitators we remained on the outside, i.e. it was a struggle to break down the duality between “actor and stakeholder.”A big challenge was to take this on, therefore, the first step in our process is to build our sensitivity towards the ethos of Adivasi communities with a focus on deep listening, reflection that guides action and continues in a repeated cycle.? In this process, inspired by Paulo Freire’s praxis, we try and break down the notion of actors and stakeholders, but instead begin to transform ourselves into co-actors. It is important to mobilize ourselves internally and emotionally sensitivize ourselves to the people and issues we are walking with, so that we are motivated to act above and beyond our jobs, and begin to dream of a different story and society.Lessons/Key messagesOne of the key learnings has been that stakeholders, actors or a system are not external to the humans living in it. In that sense, a system is not something outside of us, but we are immersed within it. In that sense, one of the biggest lessons from the Adivasi communities has been that of an “ethos”, one that is lived as well as practiced at the same time, therefore it is alive.Another key message has been that of complementarity. In the capitalist world, competition is encouraged in “healthy” or “unhealthy” forms as something that makes us more efficient, but in the course of such behavior we rarely stop to question what happens to the relationship between things in such a situation.Adivasi communities practice complementarity: sharing seeds, foods, joys and sorrows, and therefore are most able to take care of themselves in dire circumstances. This complementarity when nurtured and strengthened to live with dignity and demand what is necessary, is what is key in creating a healthy Adivasi society, one that is free from malnutrition or other systemic evils. Kim Assael, International Network of Eco-regions – IN.N.E.R, ItalyThe International Network of Eco-Regions - IN.N.E.R is pleased to present the Bio-district's model as a good practice on investments for healthy food systems.?ProponentIN.N.E.R. – International Network of Eco Regions, established in 2014 and coordinating experiences of territorial development based on principles and methods of organic agriculture and agro-ecology, in Italy and abroad, encourages exchanges of experience and know-how among bio-districts and facilitates their communication and cooperation.Date/Timeframe and location2009-2017 - present and beyond, National Park of Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni, Province of Salerno, Campania Region, Italy. In this land, where the first bio-district was established, farmers, citizens and public administrators adopted a methodology to enhance organic food production signing a pact for sustainable management of local resources: a social innovation in governance.Food product in these areas becomes cultural heritage and local identity mark with a social responsibility in management of natural and environmental resources of several sectors (agriculture, tourism, commerce, etc.).A Bio-district adopts an integrated approach of sustainable development shared by different actors are involved: improvement quality of life, higher employment opportunities for local population and the reduction of population’s decrease in rural areas, the quality of agro-food productions and local livestock premises.Main responsible entityBio-district Cilento Association, 10 San Silvestro Square, Ceraso Salerno, Italy.?Nutrition contextThe Bio-district Cilento is located in the area where the Mediterranean Diet was born. The ongoing nutritional transition is affecting also that area resulting in an increase of the rates of overweight and obesity. Scientific studies have recently shown that consumers who regularly consume organic food exhibit healthier dietary patterns, more adherent to the Mediterranean Diet, than consumers who do not buy organic at all or buy it occasionally. In the context of a Biodistrict, the combination in a sustainable food system both of the organic production and consumption ways and ethics is expected to provide sounded sustainable solutions for the present and future.Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredThe preminent role of local actors in giving value to the territorial local resources alongside the logic of sustainability.Building up of territorial pacts between producers and consumers as innovative and efficient answer to main development problems.Valorisation of territorial traditional culture and related ancient know-how (cultural value).Reinforcement of farms and businesses dedicated to organic productions can highly increase their income and encourage others to convert to organic produce (economic value).Reduction of pesticides and polluting substances in agriculture besides promoting the culture of respect for the environment and landscape with also an important impact on human health and local tourism (environmental value).Key characteristics of the investment madeThe diversification of business activities according to the multifunctional paradigm, initially through local supply chain initiatives.Strengthened "green public procurements" strategies and consolidation of local markets (GAS purchasing groups, school canteens and hospital meals, etc.) have valorised the production.Widening of the organic producers and operators.Private and public co-funding in the framework of Rural Integrated Project and Rural Development Program.Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)AIAB Campania and the National Park providing financial support at the early stages of biodistrict tested the ground for the bio-district concept in the park area; Besides them the Cilento B-D involved different key actors along the way providing an enabling environment:? producers, committed to produce according to the principles of organic farming and to develop short supply chain and multifunctional initiatives on their farms (didactic farms, farm tourism, social farming), contributed with marketing the bio-district territory? consumers, supporting through their food and services purchases? citizens who benefit of a better quality of life thanks to the adoption of green solutions in the bio-district area? local institutions, committed to promote organic farming in the area, apply the principles of organic philosophy and sustainability to the management of urban green areas, waste, renewable energies,other eco-friendly technologies and collaborate with AIAB in the conversion to organic of public farmlands fostering social farming initiatives;? operators of the agro-food supply chain can make profit from the concentration of organic producers in the territory; tourist operators qualify their offer through organic menus and trails;? local training, research centres, associations and education actors developing an analytical framework for the classification and performance monitoring of bio-districts;Today the agricultural department at the Campania Regional Authority is responsible for the Integrated Territorial Development Plan and the provision of multi-year financial support for organic extension services and IFOAM EU is the European umbrella organisation for organic food and farming facilitating triangular exchanges.Key changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/s1.650 organic ha in total (including organic ha and those already in conversion); 50 enterprises adopted a multifunctional organisational (agricultural and zootechnical production besides didactic farms);68 businesses with their own brand managing a direct on-line commercialization;Mayors of 36 municipalities signatories of the Cilento Bio-district Pact involved in organic public canteens in the schools and green procurements; a consistent network of local organic businesses, producers, municipalities, eco-tourism operators, restaurants, consumers with frequent relations through the GAS - purchasing groups with a big impact on the whole territory; the constitution of few innovative leader- enterprises.The establishment of other 26 "bio-districts" in other 18 Italian regions, while 23 new territories are underway.Major milestones include the Mediterranean Diet within the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during 2010 and the introduction by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture of the agro-ecological approach and the biodistricts experiences in the National Action Plan for organic farming, approved in 2016. For the first time it has just been approved in Italy a unified law text on organic districts.Challenges facedIn the Cilento Bio-district story patchy funding sources contribute to the lack of coherent communication campaigns, while limited amounts of local produce due to a low number of farms and their small size also affect the capacity to supply local public canteens. Other faced challenges:Increasing quality of organic production through further use of research and innovation;strengthening multilevel governance policies, participated by the citizens;involving all territorial actors in measurements of undertaken processes that increase the consumer’s confidence, allow an easier access for small workers to the organic system, within rigorous contexts of products certification's rules;implementing actions of international cooperation to spread of the Bio-districts' network.Lessons/Key messagesBio-districts facilitates funding strategies being a flexible structure but also stable organisation for the territorial governance and the local economy, with a methodological correspondence with the EU approach of local participatory development.Value chain creation: alliances and networking for a quality production where consumers are directly involved.The recognition of bio-districts as virtuous areas of agro-ecosystem interest in order to protect and enhance their establishment and development, through their promotion at national and regional institutional level. Marie Diongoye Konate, Entreprise PROTEIN KISSEE-LA S.A alias PKL, C?te d’IvoireOriginal contribution in FrenchPromoteurMarie Diongoye KONATE - CEODate/échéancier et lieu1994 à ce jour – Abidjan – C?te d'IvoirePrincipale entité responsableEntreprise PROTEIN KISSEE-LA S.A alias PKLContexte nutritionnelLa C?te d’Ivoire est un pays de 20 millions d’habitants, riche de son agriculture. Cependant les taux de malnutrition infantile y sont trop élevés : 30% des enfants de moins de 5 ans souffrent de malnutrition chronique. Cette malnutrition n’est pas due à une pénurie alimentaire mais à de mauvaises pratiques alimentaires. Les facteurs de morbidité et de mortalité sont également liés à la consommation d’aliments impropres.?Principales caractéristiques du (des) système(s) alimentaire(s) considéré(s)Protein Kissèe-La (PKL), est une entreprise privée créée à Abidjan en 1994 avec un triple objectif : offrir à des prix abordables aux familles de C?te d’Ivoire et de la région des produits à base de soja, de valeurs nutritionnelles et de qualité hygiénique conformes aux recommandations des nutritionnistes ; apporter aux producteurs agricoles locaux un débouché fiable ; offrir une alternative originale et économique au riz et autres produits importés.Dans les années 90, les familles ivoiriennes des milieux urbain et suburbain n’ont ni le temps ni les moyens d’offrir une alimentation adéquate à leurs jeunes enfants. L'offre se limitait : soit à des farines simples de ma?s, de riz ou de mil, de faibles valeurs nutritionnelles, souvent de faible qualité hygiénique et exigeant une cuisson longue et co?teuse ; soit à des farines infantiles importées par les Majors de l'alimentation et vendues à des prix très élevés.Par conséquent, PKL a imaginé son développement autour de cinq idées-forces :la conception d'aliments enrichis correspondant aux habitudes alimentaires locales pour en faciliter l'adoption et la consommation, de préparation simple et rapide pour limiter les risques de contaminationla valorisation des matières agricoles 100% locales, selon les critères suivants : grande disponibilité, qualité nutritionnelle, transformation relativement simple, modicité du prix de base et complémentarité avec des recettes et modes alimentaires traditionnelsle partenariat avec les paysans et les coopératives rurales producteurs de céréales et de légumineusesla mise en marché d’une céréale infantile instantanée, composée d’une céréale (ma?s ou riz) et de soja, dont le process de cuisson-extrusion optimise l’assimilation par l’organisme du jeune enfant dès 6 mois, fortifiée en micronutriments couvrant spécifiquement les carences couramment observées en Afrique de l'Ouestl’accessibilité la plus large possible pour les populations vulnérables urbaines (capitale et villes de l’intérieur)Dès sa commercialisation en 1998, la céréale infantile FARINOR? a connu un grand succès gr?ce à ses qualités organoleptiques, nutritionnelles et hygiéniques très supérieures à celles des farines traditionnelles d’une part, et d’autre part gr?ce àson packaging très "couleur local" et attractif et à son prix de 50% moins cher que celui des produits importés.?Principales caractéristiques de l’investissement consentiLe premier investissement était de 600 euros : un broyeur de soja et la location d'un petit atelier de 30 m2 au beau milieu d'un marché populaire. Puis des équipements de production d'occasion ont été acquis par le rachat et la réfection de matériels déclassés par de grosses usines de la place. Ayant opté pour une technologie européenne intermédiaire peu sophistiquée, de bonne qualité et robuste, PKL dispose aujourd'hui de trois principales unités de production : celle qui transforme le soja en farine cuite ou crue, celle qui transforme le ma?s en semoule et farine et la troisième qui, par procédé d'extrusion, permet d’obtenir des farines cuites instantanées. PKL a acquis également des unités d’ensachage et de conditionnement.Les lignes de fabrication ont une capacité de production entre 1 et 2MT/H. En amont sont installés les équipements de nettoyage, d'épierrage et de concassage des matières agricoles livrées à l'usine par les représentants des paysans. La valeur des investissements en matériel de production dépasse les US$ 2,5 millions.Principaux acteurs et parties prenantes impliqués (y compris, le cas échéant, moyennant des échanges sud-sud/triangulaires)Les paysans et coopératives agricolesLa Fondation GAIN – Global Alliance for Improved NutritionIntéressée l'activité de production d'aliments infantiles enrichis de PKL, GAIN a développé un partenariat avec PKL pour produire et lancer un nouvel aliment pour nourrissons, mieux enrichi et plus abordable, un sachet de 50g vendu à 0,32$.L’investissement de GAIN en C?te d’Ivoire a été appelé "Projet de Promotion de l’Alimentation de Complément Enrichie du Jeune Enfant", PACE. En bénéficiant de l’expertise nutritionnelle et des investissements de GAIN à hauteur de US$ 2 millions, PKL a modernisé son outil de production, s'est conformé au Code OMS et a nettement amélioré la qualité et l'image de ses produits. En parallèle GAIN a travaillé avec Helen Keller International dans le domaine du marketing social pour favoriser l'amélioration des pratiques alimentaires. PACE est un modèle de partenariat riche en enseignements.?Principaux changements (escomptés et inattendus) résultant de l’investissement/des investissementsPKL est un acteur apprécié des filières ma?s et soja, un opérateur reconnu (plusieurs fois primé), capable d’innover (10 aliments mis sur le marché), et un fournisseur fiable (Certification ISO)Les majors ont nettement revu leurs prix à la baisse pour concurrencer FARINOR? qui était 50% moins cher. Les consommateurs ivoiriens ont gagné une plus grande accessibilité à une offre plus variéeFARINOR est un produit très populaire au sein des classes moyennes à pauvresDéfis rencontrésFaire la promotion et le marketing des aliments infantilesTrouver des équipements de taille moyenne et de qualité adaptés aux PMELa concurrence controversée des produits de l’aide alimentaireMaintenir un prix abordable et concurrentiel dans un marché peu respectueux de la règlementation et dans un contexte de hausse des facteurs de productionRentabiliser une activité basée uniquement sur la production d'une céréale infantile de qualité, nécessité de la coupler avec la vente d'un produit plus facile à produire. PKL fourni une brasserie locale en semoule de ma?s.Le?ons/messages clésImpossibilité démontrée de commercialiser un produit de grande qualité à un prix abordable pour les consommateurs situés au pied de la pyramide. La qualité nutritionnelle et la sécurité alimentaire ont un co?t qui ne peut être amorti que par la vente de gros volumes. Cela implique nécessairement le financement de campagnes publicitaires et de moyens de distribution conséquents, deux volets trop souvent négligés par les bailleurs. Les investissements réalisés au niveau de la production, de la distribution et de la promotion doivent être équilibrés afin que le produit atteigne les cibles.Le modèle de partenariat développé par la Fondation GAIN a été crucial pour la survie d'une PME telle que PKLEnglish translationProponentMarie Diongoye KONATE - CEODate and placeFrom 1994 to-date, Abidjan, Ivory CoastMain responsible entityPROTEIN KISSEE-LA S.A. (PKL)Nutritional contextIvory Coast has 20 million inhabitants and abundant agriculture. However the rate of infant malnutrition is very high: 30% of children under 5 years old suffer from chronic malnutrition. This malnutrition is not due to a shortage of food but to bad eating habits. The rates of morbidity and mortality are also linked to consumption of insanitary food.Main characteristics of the food systems consideredProtein Kissèe-La (PKL) is a private business created in Abidjan in 1994 with a triple objective: to offer families, in Ivory Coast and in the region, affordably priced soya based products, of nutritional value and hygienic quality conforming nutritionists’ recommendations; to provide a reliable market for local agricultural producers; to offer a novel and economic alternative to imported rice and other imported products.During the 1990s Ivorian families in urban and suburban areas did not have the time nor the means to provide adequate food for their young children. The supply was limited to: either maize, rice or millet flour of little nutritional value, often unhygienic, and needing to be cooked for a long and costly time; or to food items for children imported by large suppliers and sold at very high prices.Therefore, PKL conceived its development based on five main ideas:The concept of enriched food in harmony with local feeding habits, so as to facilitate its adoption and consumption, and of easy and fast preparation to limit the risks of contamination.The favoring of locally produced agricultural products, according to the following criteria: widespread availability, nutritional quality, relatively simple transformation, low basic price and compatible with traditional food recipes and customs.A partnership with peasants and rural cooperatives of cereals and pulses producers.The introduction of instant children's cereal, made up of a cereal (maize or rice) and soya, where the cooking-extrusion process optimizes assimilation by the body of the 6 months old child, fortified by micronutrients that cover the specific deficiencies observed commonly in West Africa.The highest possible accessibility for the vulnerable population (in the capital and cities upcountry).From its commercialization in 1998, the infant cereal FARINORO has had a great success thanks to its very superior organoleptic, nutritional and hygienic qualities compared with traditional flour, on the one hand, and on the other hand to the attractive “local colors” packaging and to its price, 50% cheaper than that of the imported products.Main characteristics of the agreed investmentThe first investment was 600 euros: a grinder for soya and the hire of a small shop of 30m2 at the centre of a popular market. Later, second-hand production equipment, which had been decommissioned from large local factories, was acquired and refurbished.? Having opted for intermediate, less sophisticated, good quality and robust European technology, PKL has today three main production units: one which transforms soya into cooked or raw flour, another which transforms maize into semolina and flour, and the third that, using extrusion processes, produces instant cooking flours. PKL has also acquired bagging and packing units.The production lines have a capacity of between 1 and 2 mt/hr. Upstream ?equipment has been installed for cleaning ,destoning and grinding? agricultural products delivered to the factory by the peasants representatives. The value of investments in production equipment is more than US$2.5 million.Main actors and parties involved (which includes, unless otherwise stated interchanges south-south/triangular exchanges)Peasants and agricultural cooperatives.The GAIN – Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition - foundation.Interested in PKL’s operations in the production of enriched children's food, GAIN has developed a partnership with PKL to produce and launch a new product for infants, further enriched and ??affordable, a 50g sachet sold at US$0.32The GAIN investment in Ivory Coast has been called Projet de Promotion de l'Alimentation de Complément Enrichie du Jeune Enfant, PACE [Project for the promotion of enriched supplement food for young children]. Benefitting from GAIN’s nutritional expertise and investments up to US$2 million, PKL has modernized its production machinery, has complied with the WHO Code and has clearly improved the quality and image of its products. In parallel, GAIN has worked with Helen Keller International in the social marketing area to promote the improvement of food habits. PACE is a partnership model full of lessons.Main changes (expected and unforseen) resulting from the investment(s)PKL is an appreciated actor in the maize and soya areas, a recognized operator (with many awards), capable of innovation (10 different food products in the market), and a reliable supplier (ISO Certification).The wholesalers have clearly revised their basic prices to compete against FARINORO which was 50% cheaper. Ivorian consumers have gained greater access to a more varied offer.FARINOR is a very popular product among the middle and poor classes.Challenges foundCarrying out the promotion and marketing of children?s products.Finding the medium size and quality equipment adapted to a SME [Small Medium Enterprise].The controversial competition of food aid products.Maintaining an affordable and competitive price in a market that does not always respect the regulations and in a context of increased production costs.Making profitable an activity based mainly on the production of a quality infant cereal, by pairing it with the sale of a product easier to produce. PKL supplies a local restaurant with maize semolina.Lessons/key messagesDemonstrated imposibility of marketing a good quality product at an affordable price for consumers located at the foot of the pyramid. Nutritional quality and food safety are costs that cannot be absorbed except by the sale of large volumes. This inevitably means the funding of publicity campaigns and sources of distribution, two aspects often overlooked by the backers. The investments made at production, distribution and promotion levels must be balanced so that the product reaches its targets.The partnership model developed by GAIN has been crucial for the survival of a SME such as PKL. Lal Manavado, University of Oslo affiliate, NorwayA Novel Financing Mechanism to Start and Sustain Rural Agriculture ProjectsIn a considerable number of areas, how to finance and sustain rural agricultural projects is a major stumbling block to providing a decent livelihood to rural youth, and to moving towards better nutrition and greater food security. This proposal presents a financing mechanism that may be used to attain those objectives.All available evidence suggests that the success rate among local agricultural projects is greater than that among the larger regional and national ones. Moreover, wide-spread poverty and unemployment in the rural areas continue to drive the rural youth to cities exacerbating the already considerable urban problems, and greatly threatening the most important food supply in developing countries by depopulating the village farms.It is envisaged to cover three main areas of rural food production, viz., cultivation, animal husbandry, fishing and aquaculture. Moreover, it may be profitably used in any suitable processing, transport and storage, and marketing activity on a cooperative basis. However, before we proceed any further, it is important to outline the conditions absolutely necessary for its success and sustainability.General Requirements:Very often, rural unemployment rates are high. Therefore, projects ought to be labour-intensive to benefit the maximum number of people.Potential project participants often do not have the agricultural competence, i.e., knowledge and skills relevant and appropriate for the area. Therefore, a suitable on-the-job training programme should form an integral component of each project. While its range may depend on the relevant background knowledge and skills of the participants, its relevance and appropriateness to the local conditions must be strictly ensured. As a general rule, use of the ‘latest methodology’ is a sure road to failure.Relevance and appropriateness of what is chosen to produce should be ascertained with reference to the local food culture. Not only does it ensure bio-diversity in food production, but also indicates what is best produced under the local geographic and climatic conditions. It is always a mistake to introduce cultivars or animal breeds whose introduction and use is expensive relative to the local living conditions. Our aims are providing a decent living to the rural youth and better local nutrition and greater food security.It follows from the arguments above that the cost of the methods and implements used in projects should be compatible with the local cost of living, and repair and maintenance of tools in use must take into account that cost as well as the level of local knowledge and skills.It is essential that no project results in environmental degradation, and it is highly desirable that every project contributes to environmental regeneration as much as possible. This would ensure that the local ecosystems services could satisfy a greater part of some needs of projects like water, soil fertility, etc.? This in turn would reduce cost of the projects.It is important to site a project at a place conveniently near to existing water, rail or road transport so that its produce may be quickly sent to where it is needed. But if this is not available, select a place from which the produce may be transported at the least possible cost and the fastest possible speed.One of the greatest obstacles to the sustainability of these projects is corruption at national, regional or at the local level. Its source may be the authorities, bureaucrats or the field officials involved in agriculture. One of the realistic ways of combating corruption is to make projects not lucrative enough to tempt the corrupt, but enough to enable the rural youth make a decent living. At the same time, judicious use of publicity to combat corruption may be used after careful consideration.The mechanism proposed below represents an evolutionary approach to a world-wide problem. At the start, it will be very labour-intensive to provide as many employment opportunities as possible, and use materials and methods best suited to local capabilities, climate, geography, etc. As a certain minimum number of projects are established in an area and become sustainable, they may be expanded and/or improved as required in an environmentally sustainable way. However, it would be difficult to use this mechanism where the security of the civil population is under any physical threat.A major difficulty most rural agriculture projects face is how to dispose of their produce at a fair profit, i.e., fair to both the producer and the end-user. As the commonest selling systems are only motivated by gain for themselves, it would be best to link the projects envisaged here to cooperative outlets, family-run restaurants/cafes, etc. Providing quality food stuffs at a fair price is the best way to ensure a sustained demand without resorting to expensive and mendacious advertising.It is essential that the law of the land is able to guarantee a secure land tenure, grazing, biased fishing or forest harvesting rights to the participants of a project. Moreover, it should guarantee them significant tax benefits and protection of their investment.Meanwhile, regardless of how it provides food for sale, success of a project is closely tied up with the extent to which the following local requirements may be met:I.?Good will and the willingness of the local leaders, elders and authorities to help and encourage the local youth to participate in such projects, and their willingness to share their knowledge and skills with the project participants.???????II.?Having adequate resources to establish and run local training centra to provide a sound on-the-job training to rural youth in agriculture, animal husbandry, fisheries or stewarding and harvesting forest products. It would be highly desirable to reward the participants during their training period in some suitable way, which may vary considerably.???????III.?While a training centre may serve trainees from several areas, it is crucial that the training is relevant and appropriate, and totally practical with respect to a specific type of a project.???????IV.?It would be wise to ensure the availability of arable land, access to grazing, fishing grounds, forests, etc., well before training programmes end.??????????????V.?It is necessary to establish the support services needed for the next phase well in advance. These may include seed, animals, fish for aquaculture, some fertilisers, guidance en route, etc.My reason for this longish preamble is quite simple. Unless its organisers ensure those two sets of requirements are met in advance, no financial mechanism could make a project a success. In the real world where the rural youth everywhere is tempted to migrate into cities in the belief that they have a better chance there,? their retention at home calls for full and honest cooperation among all age groups there to help them to earn a decent living. In many instances, not enough ground work is done locally to obtain a truly inclusive approach.The Financing Mechanism:The mechanism proposed here is neither a loan nor a grant, but it combines a loan’s capacity to motivate a person to work well in order to repay it, and the freedom a grant offers by removing the need to worry about whether a person will be able to pay the next instalment of a loan. As it will be seen, it offers an additional incentive by enabling a person to convert the amount received for a project into a personal saving with no strings attached.Here, the first step is to establish a fund for the exclusive use of rural agriculture projects and their adjuncts as outlined earlier. It would be desirable to open contributions to the fund to anyone provided that its administration remains solely in the hands of a suitable international organisation like the FAO. However, it is envisaged to be administered by a small number of people in order to cut costs. What means may be used to raise funds will have to be worked out in detail.It would be advisable to entrust FAO’s country offices to administer financing the projects undertaken in a country as it entails less administrative organisation and expenditure. As the first step, an FAO country office may open an account in a reliable bank in a target country specifically for this purpose. The amount deposited for the purpose will depend on the number and nature of the projects involved.Before the operations could commence, it is important to map out the food products for which there is a sustained need, the areas best suited for their production/harvesting, etc. One of the most important criteria of this suitability is how little ecosystem supplementation would be necessary for the success of a project, i.e., irrigation, use of fertilisers and biocides, etc.The next step would be to obtain the necessary agreement and guarantees from the local authorities, and to form groups of skilled field workers with relevant knowledge and skills to?? organise and run the local projects. Each group may need a person with appropriate managerial skills, but the emphasis should be on people with skilled in relevant food production/harvesting.Before selected personnel are engaged, it would be useful to make dependable arrangements to establish and run the training units, land tenure, fishing, grazing and forest harvesting rights, etc. It is crucial to recall at every stage that time is of the essence, and those who migrate out of their rural homes are difficult to bring back. Therefore, a rapid start to projects based on rough and ready data is much more preferable to those that require precise data before they begin.How the rural youth and their elders may be motivated to act in unison for mutual benefit varies widely, and ought to be left to the discretion of the local field workers who have an insight into local socio-cultural norms. These additional remarks, though not related to financing are given to ensure that one may obtain the best possible results under circumstances that do not make life easy for most rural populations.Once the cost of a set of local projects has been ascertained by its manager and the field workers, the amount of money each project participant would need to carry on the work and to live reasonably?? relative to the local living conditions for one year will be calculated. The latter amount will be called the individual cost of participation (ICP). As a participant begins to work on his/her own project after a suitable training, his/her ICP will be deposited in a nearby bank, post office savings account, or some such.A participant will have the right to draw on ICP funds provided that it is approved by one’s mentor who helps and supervises the participant. A mentor should be acceptable to all parties and possess demonstrable skills in the area covered by the project concerned. Money may be drawn for two specific purposes, viz., project expenditure and one’s personal cost of living. What percentage of ICP should be used for each purpose has to be determined by the participant and the mentor with reference to local living conditions.Using the money drawn on required items through a local cooperative might prove to be the way to avoid unnecessary complications and over-spending that would surely arise when it comes to purchasing items needed for a project and things required for personal use. Such cooperative shops/bulk purchasing units may be financed either by a donor organisation, or by the project participants themselves.A similar approach is highly recommended with regard to agricultural machinery, repair and maintenance facilities, fuel dumps, etc. Not only do these cut costs, but they also encourage engaging in cooperative activities for mutual benefit without leaving someone behind.When a participant is able to dispose of one’s produce, the participant will be required to inform the local paying unit how much one has earned by the transaction and place back in one’s account about 90% of it. This percentage is open to negotiation.? The small percentage one is allowed to keep may be used for anything as an incentive to the participant to work more efficiently.Here is a simple example to illustrate the principle involved:A participant’s ICP at the local bank, etc at the commencement of a project =?? $1000.00Amount assigned for the completed part of the project =?? $300.00Assigned as living expenses for 6 months =?? $200.00Now, let us assume the participant has used up $75.00 from the quota of living expenses.So, the remainder of the ICP = 1000 - 300 - 75 = 625.Thus, there is $625.00 left in the ICP for one to fall back on if that should become necessary.Let us say that at this point the participant has managed to earn $150.00 by selling produce. Then, keeping $15.00 for personal use (10% of the earnings), one needs to put back $135.00 into one’s ICP account, so that now one has access to $770.00. While ICP withdrawals will not be charged interest, the amount will be revised should the local cost of living increase.In this example, the participant has only used $75.00 of the $200.00 assigned to him for his living expenses. So, he still has $125.00 which may be drawn for food, clothes, etc. It would be very useful if all parties could agree right at the beginning what percentage of an ICP should be set aside for a project and for living expenses.If all goes well, after a time a participant’s ICP might reach the original level, i.e., $1000.00 and even exceed it. When a participant has achieved a reasonable level of success after 5 years, say capable of having $600.00 or more in one’s ICP, one is not required to put back any percentage of one’s earnings into the ICP account. Then a participant may deposit one’s money in the ICP account, because at this point the account will officially become his own personal account with all its content!This then is the novel aspect of the suggestion. It is not a grant until a participant has shown himself to be capable of making use of money to develop a career that would enable him to make a sustainable decent living. It is not a loan, but it imposes on one a gentler version of the discipline one needs to repay a loan not through hard competition, but by mutually supportive cooperation.It is difficult to suggest how long a project should be followed-up to ensure its sustainability.? Experience everywhere shows that agriculture projects remain fragile for a period much longer than their planned ‘project duration’. It would repay to plan a project at least for five years, and then phase out the follow-up gradually. This would provide organisers a chance to smoothen out unforeseen problems should they arise and thereby ensure the endurance of their project.Best wishes!Lal Manavado. Hamadoun A. Haidara, Association d’Appui au Développement Communautaire du Mali, MaliOriginal contribution in FrenchBonjour, veuillez recevoir les propositions de l'ONG AADECOM.Cordialement,Hamadoun A. HAIDARA?PromoteurHamadoun Almahai HAIDARAPrésident de l’AADECOMRépublique du MaliDate/échéancier et lieuMai-Septembre 2013Principale entité responsableASSOCIATION D’APPUI AU DEVELOPPEMENT COMMUNAUTAIRE DU MALI‘’AADECOM’’Contexte nutritionnelPrise en charge nutritionnelle des enfants de 0-59 mois et FEFA dans le District Sanitaire de Santé de Kangaba, Région de Koulikoro, République du Mali.Principales caractéristiques du (des) système(s) alimentaire(s) considéré(s)-Dépistage/référencement des enfants malnutris et des FEFA ;-Distribution de produits nutritionnels ;-Démonstration culinaire à base de produits locauxPrincipales caractéristiques de l’investissement consenti-Dépistage de masse en porte à porte ;-Séances d’échange sur les problèmes nutritionnels et la sécurité alimentaire ;-Causerie-débats ;-Visite à domicile des enfants et FEFA pris en charge par le projet.Principaux acteurs et parties prenantes impliqués (y compris, le cas échéant, moyennant des échanges sud-sud/triangulaires)L’ONG AADECOM, les communautés et populations concernée, les leaders communautaires et les autorités.Principaux changements (escomptés et inattendus) résultant de l’investissement/des investissementsLe changement de comportement des?populations ayant bénéficié du projet à travers l’usage des produits locaux.Défis rencontrésProblèmes de compréhension des stratégies par les populations concernées.Le?ons/messages clésConnaissance des mécanismes d’intervention auprès des populations.English translationProponent?Hamadoun Almahai HAIDARA.President of AADECOM [Association d'Appui au Developpement Communautaire du Mali, Malian Community Development Association]Republic of Mali.Date and PlaceMay - September 2013Main responsible entityASSOCIATION D’APPUI AU DEVELOPPEMENT COMMUNAUTAIRE DU MALI?(AADECOM)Nutritional context?Assuming responsibility for nutrition of children from 0 - 59 months and FEFA [Femmes enceintes et allaitantes malnourries, malnourished pregnant and breastfeeding women] in the District Sanitaire de Santé [Health District] of Kangaba, Koulikoro Region, Republic of Mali.Main characteristics of the food systems considered- Screening/registration of malnourished children and pregnant and breastfeeding women;?- Distribution of nutritional products;?- Culinary demonstration based on local products.Main characteristics of the agreed investment?- Massive door to door screening;- Meetings to exchange information about nutritional and food security problems;?- Discussions - debates;- Home visits to children and pregnant and breastfeeding women covered by the project.Main actors and parties involved (which includes, unless otherwise stated, south-south/triangular collaboration)?The NGO AADECOM, communities and populations concerned, community leaders and authoritiesMain changes (expected and unforeseen) resulting from the investment(s)?Changed behavior of the population through the use of local products.Challenges encounteredProblems of understanding of the strategies by the populations concerned.Lessons/key messagesKnowledge of mechanisms for intervention among the population. Mostafa Jafari, TPS for LFCCs, IranDear allJust to remind that climate change is an important issue which?has impacted and will impact on food system all over the?globe.Quality and quantity of food depend on the climate condition; climate factors are under effect of climate change.So I think it is a need to have a big chapter?titled climate change and food security.Also water; food security and nutrition; and climate change.Any evaluation and consideration needs to be according to?clear indicators.C&I should be used as necessary part of your study.Best wishes,Mostafa Jafari Kuruppacharil V. Peter, World Noni Research Foundation, IndiaInvestments on clean food system should consist?of investment on nutrition education, clean drinking water, food items free from pesticide residues, good cooking practices, good serving practices and zero wastage.In India there are organized kitchens in Gurudwaras,Temples and Churches serving food to lakhs of people at a time.There are community kitchens during marriages, festivals and social gatherings when prefered foods are cooked and made available hot.There are also chain of restaurants serving city residents and kitchenless homes with good food.Food safety is an issue where food inspectors visit and certify the standards maintained.Despite every efforts food poisoning due to aflatoxins is rampant.Issue of alergy to certain items like nuts needs to be studied.It is important that vegetables and fruits are included in nutritive foods."Food is thy medicine " is a much quoted statement of Hippocrates. Laura Rossi, Centre of Research on Food and Nutrition, ItalyDear All,Below the description of Italian experience of revision of FBDG. Interesting in this context the National Experience of combiining nutrition, health protection and prevention of NCDs, sustainability of food production and revitalization of Traditional Mediterranean Diet principle. An experience to be shared,BestLaura?ProponentCentre of Research on Food and Nutrition, RomeDate/Timeframe and locationItaly 2017Main responsible entityPublic Research BodyNutrition contextRevision and updating of the Food Based Dietary GuidelinesThe Guidelines are intended to protect people’s health in situations where socio-economic factors have determined overabundance of resources and consequent effects on human health. The opportunity and the need of a periodic revision of the Guidelines could be easily explained. In fact, in line of continuity with previous editions, - this is the fourth for Italy - there is a need of updating the continuous development of scientific knowledge on the role of single nutrients and the minor components of the diet and its needs and mutual relations in the context of a balanced diet. Secondly, there should be take into account, the change of consumption habits and lifestyle behavior, in the context of a society that increasingly shows attention to correlations between diet and health. Thirdly, the increasing interests towards the correlations among nutrition and diseases related to usual diet excessive and/or unbalanced and the confusion and misinformation about the roles and functions of food and nutrients.Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredNew themes for next revision of Italian Guidelines will be the environmental impact of food consumption and the economic cost of a healthy diet. In fact, food production is creating environmental problems in different ways and the long-term sustainability of food production is becoming an increasingly relevant issue. While these subjects are, at some extent, far away to the classical dietetic approach, it is appropriate to consider them in the framework of nutritional guidelines in order to promote a dietary model that combine consumers’ health and sustainability. In addition to that, costs of foods and waste reduction were also treated.Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)Coordination (former National Institute of Nutrition):Editorial Committee13 Chapters’ Coordinators47 Representatives from the 3 research areas, food, nutrition, consumers and food consumption.42 national members:Ministries - Agriculture, Health, Education, Environment.Research bodies – National Public Health Institute, National Council of Research.Academia, the most representative nutrition faculties at national level.Scientific societies, nutritional, general medicine, etc.Consumers associations.External reviewersKey changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sThe Italian Guidelines for healthy nutrition are built on the basis of Mediterranean diet principles, a model that has gained fame and honour, being the model that combine prevention of NCDs, longevity, health combined with consumers’ acceptability. Foods variety vary from country to country, as well as eating habits; This exercise demonstrate that the possibility for realization of a healthy diet as part of a healthy lifestyle is a possible challenge. It is now possible to decline the principles of Traditional Mediterranean diet according to local foods and eating habits.Challenges facedComprehensive efforts in promoting sustainable practices that are nutrition and health oriented, both from the point of view of production and consumption, are not limited, however, to the national scale.Lessons/Key messagesThe creation of a healthy food environment combining consumers’ health protection, environment need efforts at different level, policy, programs, individual, research.There is a need of increasing plant food production in particular fruit and vegetable as well as increase vegetable protein source food.Promotion of nutrition sensitive products need to take into consideration the impact of massive plant food production in term of food waste and water consumption.The cultural change that Italy is going to promote in the next revision of nutritional guidelines is related to the general approach to nutrition considering that it is the whole dietary pattern is protective for health and environment than single food or ingredient. Al-Anoud Mohammed Al-Thani, Ministry of Public Health, QatarDearKindly find attached the State of Qatar report for your kind information and careRegardsDr. AlAnoud Mohammed AL-ThaniManager, Health Promotion and NCDsMinistry of Public HealthProponent Dr. Al-Anoud Mohammed Al-Thani Manager, Health Promotion & NCD Public Health Department Date/Timeframe and locationMay 4, 2017 Doha, QatarMain responsible entityPublic Health Department, Ministry of Public Health, QatarNutrition context 1.)Qatar Dietary Guidelines (QDG): Launched in April 2015 to help promote healthy lifestyle behaviors amongst the healthy adult population in Qatar. The QDG and its 8 key recommendations along with their tips were designed to encourage healthy eating habits as well as the importance of physical activity to reduce the risk of developing a number of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, type II diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, and some types of cancer. A unique characteristic of these dietary guidelines is that it has 6 food groups, where legumes is separated from the protein group. 2.)Food & Beverage Guidelines for Healthcare Facilities: These guidelines were developed and launched in February 2017 to support and promote healthy eating and healthy lifestyle in healthcare facilities by;?Increasing access to healthy food?Increasing availability ?Increasing awareness This will be done by the use of the traffic light system which will be used to score and label all foods and beverages sold in the facility’s cafeterias and vending machines.3.)Food & Beverage Guidelines for Healthy Work Places: These guidelines were launched in March 2017 and used the basis of the above guidelines as a platform. The purpose of these guidelines is to help ease the workplaces that implemented the Work Place Wellness Program within their facility, when choosing vendors for their cafeterias or vending machines. Also, it gives the workplaces the criteria to be followed in their cafeterias which will allow them to know on what basis they will be evaluated on. 4.) Banning Children’s Toys in Fast-food Restaurants: This law is currently under final approval within the Cabinet. The purpose of this law is to set standards on children’s meals in fast-food restaurants such as calories, salt content, fat content, sugar content, and number of servings of fruits and vegetables. If the meals do not comply with the standards set, the children’s incentives (toy) will not be given with the meal.5.)Salt Reduction Initiative (bread): The initiative started in 2013 in collaboration with WHO EMRO.The aim of this initiative is to reduce the proportion of salt added to bread and baked products in the state of Qatar by 30 per cent gradually. This percentage has already been reduced in the main bakeries and some other bakeries in the country as a pilot phase.6.)Trans-fat Reduction Initiative (dairy products): 7.)Energy drinks: Ministry officials have asked that energy drink providers display labels cautioning pregnant or nursing women, children under the age of 16, individuals with heart diseases and those allergic to caffeine as well as athletes (during exercise) against consuming energy drinks.Key characteristics of the food system(s) considered1.)Qatar Dietary Guidelines: These guidelines consider local food systems such as how to eat healthy while taking care of your family and environment. It discusses briefly on food sustainability and food safety. 2.)Food & Beverage Guidelines for Healthcare Facilities: These guidelines cover different areas of the food system such as processing, packaging, marketing, and consuming. The guidelines set standards on the food content (nutrients), labels on packaging to determine which color the food/beverage item fits under (red, yellow, or green), how the food and beverage items are displayed in the cafeterias and vending machines, how much of the items are sold, and educational material will be available for consumers.3.)Food & Beverage Guidelines for Healthy Work Places: These guidelines cover different areas of the food system such as processing, packaging, marketing, and consuming. The guidelines set standards on the food content (nutrients), labels on packaging to determine which color the food/beverage item fits under (red, yellow, or green), how the food and beverage items are displayed in the cafeterias and vending machines, how much of the items are sold, and educational material will be available for consumers.4.)Banning Children’s Toys in Fast-food Restaurants: This law covers processing (nutrient content of meals) and marketing the children’s incentives.5.)Salt Reduction Initiative (bread): ?Communicate with bakeries in Qatar to reduce salt.?Test the samples of original recipe for identifying salt content. ? Work with bakeries to reduce added salt gradually for bread samples that contain more than 0.8% salt levels.Continue monitoring to ensure sustainability of salt rate below target percentage.6.)Trans-fat Reduction Initiative (dairy products): 7.)Energy drinks: This Ministerial Circulation covers packaging and marketing of energy drinks.Key characteristics of the investment made1.)Qatar Dietary Guidelines: A.)The launch of two screening/health awareness campaigns (Healthy Lifestyle Campaign and Start Now).The Healthy Lifestyle Campaign used the slogan of Our future lies in our health. The campaign was divided into three tactical campaigns regarding healthy eating, physical activity, and smoking. The campaign was launched in June 2015 and ended in June 2016 and was directed at all Qatar’s community. It used community engagement activities such as mall and school visits to educate and raise awareness about methods of healthy lifestyle regarding the campaign’s tacticals.The Start now campaign was launched in 2016 and is ongoing this year. The campaign was divided to two tacticals, Eat well and Be active and a third campaign that would combine both nutrition and physical activity. The campaign used the slogan “start now” as to encourage the community to start healthy living. This year’s campaign focused on social media as well as print media, as they are the most used ways of communication in Qatar. The campaign utilized social media to post short commercials that have different advice regarding the two tacticals. The commercials were also screened in several cinema theaters for a wider audience reach.B.)Qatar International Food Festival (2016): Launched a contest for healthy recipes for a healthy cookbook which will be provided free of charge to the community.C.) Qatar Dietary Guidelines Training of Trainer (TOT) Workshops & Manual: Yearly workshops are and will continue to be given to nutritionists, registered dietitians, health educators, physicians, nurses, and academia on the key recommendations and tips within the Qatar Dietary Guidelines. 2.)Food & Beverage Guidelines for Healthcare Facilities: Currently nine governmental and non-governmental health organizations are working on implementing these guidelines within their facilities for the 2017 year. 3.)Food & Beverage Guidelines for Healthy Work Places: The workplaces that are implementing the Workplace Wellness Program within their facility will be given these guidelines to be implemented within their cafeterias/vending machines. 4.)Banning Children’s Toys in Fast-food Restaurants: The Ministry of Economy & Trade will work alongside the Ministry of Public Health to set standards on fast-food meals served for children and the incentives given with the meals.5.)Salt Reduction Initiative (bread): A salt reduction strategy would be highly cost-effective and has the potential to prevent thousands of deaths by reducing the burden of chronic disease in Qatar.6.)Trans-fat Reduction Initiative (dairy products): 7.)Energy Drinks: The Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC) has made it mandatory for energy drink providers across the country to display warning labels on energy drink packages in line with Qatar's standard specifications.According to a ministry statement, cautionary labels should be clearly displayed in English and Arabic against a white background. The cautionary text should be written in a distinctive colour from the rest of the product data.Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any) 1.)Qatar Dietary Guidelines stakeholders consisted of; Ministry of Public Health, Qatar Diabetes Association, Qatar Foundation, Sidra Medical and Research Centre, Qatar University, Hamad Medical Corporation, Aspetar, Weill Cornell Medical College, Qatar National Food Security Program. The stakeholders for each campaign/workshops are; A.)Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care CorporationB.) Ministry of Public HealthC.) Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation, private hospitals, and Qatar University2.)Food & Beverage Guidelines for Healthcare Facilities: Currently Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation, Qatar Armed Forces, Sidra, Qatar Patrol, Aspetar Hospital, Al Ahli Hospital, Al Emadi Hospital, and Doha Clinic, and the vendors within the facilities.3.)Food & Beverage Guidelines for Healthy Work Places: Ministry of Public Health, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and the vendors within the facilities.4.)Banning Children’s Toys in Fast-food Restaurants: Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Economy and Commerce, Ministry of Municipality and Environment all fast-food restaurant chains in the State of Qatar5.)Salt Reduction Initiative (bread):Ministry of Public Health, Central Food Lab, food industry including largest national bakery in Qatar.6.)Trans-fat Reduction Initiative (dairy products):7.)Energy Drinks: Ministry of Public Health & the Ministry of Economy and CommerceKey changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/s 1.)Qatar Dietary Guidelines: A.)Both campaigns were intended as educational awareness campaigns for the community to educate them on the health risks of smoking and the importance of healthy eating and physical activity. B.) The Ministry of Public Health wanted to take the opportunity to promote healthy cooking and healthy lifestyle behaviors by allowing the community itself to submit recipes that were analyzed by the team of Nutritionists for nutrient content following recommendations and tips from the Qatar Dietary Guideline, and creativity; for the aim of compiling them all into one cookbook written by the community itself. C.)The intent of the Qatar Dietary Guidelines TOT workshops and manual is to provide nutritionists, registered dietitians, health educators, physicians, nurses, and academia the same messages regarding the importance of healthy eating and physical activity to reduce the risk of 2.)Food & Beverage Guidelines for Healthcare Facilities: The intention is for healthcare facilities to review the food and beverages that their vendors provide and work with them on making changes to follow the set guidelines in hopes of encouraging healthy eating habits amongst staff and visitors.3.)Food & Beverage Guidelines for Healthy Work Places: The intention is for the organizations implementing the Workplace Wellness Program to review the food and beverages that their vendors provide and work with them on making changes to follow the set guidelines in hopes of encouraging healthy eating habits amongst staff and visitors.4.)Banning Children’s Toys in Fast-food Restaurants: Once the fast-food industry implements this legislation, other food industries will be targeted such as companies that sell cereals, popsicles, and other food products marketed at children, which include toys as incentives in their packages. The childhood obesity epidemic will continue to rise unless every sector is targeted and altered for the better hood of the country and its future generations. 5.)Salt Reduction Initiative (bread): Globally, morbidity and mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing steadily and at an alarming rate. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and salt reduction is an effective measure to decrease mortality rates.6.)Trans-fat Reduction Initiative (dairy products): 7.)Energy Drinks: The intent is to reduce demand for energy drinks, particularly among the youth, and encourage the consumption of natural healthy alternatives. Challenges faced?Some of the challenges faced with the implementation of the campaigns was human resources and budgeting?With the cafeteria and vending machine guidelines, there is always the possibility of resistance from the vendors to change their menus and the unacceptance of these changes amongst staff and visitors.?Upon implementation of the children’s toys law in the fast-food restaurants, we accept to face challenges in regards to restaurant compliance with the set standards as well as the monitoring of these restaurants.In regards, to the Salt Reduction the challenges faced are; ?Production environment?Ingredient formulation?Finished product attributes?Finished product quality through shelf life?Taste?Processing1)Agreements between Ministry of Public Health and bakeries for reducing salt added to the bread are based on voluntary cooperation.2)Bakeries usually do not label their bread.3)The amount of salt added to the breads is often according to the baker’s preference. Therefore, while initial steps are underway, coverage and monitoring of implementation will remain a challenge.Lessons/Key messages?The Qatar Dietary Guidelines campaigns and workshops conducted annually help refresh and deliver unified messages for healthcare professionals, academia, and the community regarding the key messages and tips within the guidelines.?In regards to the Salt Reduction Initiative: The food companies that have signed agreements have encouraged other companies that have not signed agreements to reduce their sodium use. Marlene Heeb, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, SwitzerlandPlease find below an example submitted by Switzerland, responding to the call?for examples and good practices on investments for healthy food systems.With best regards,Marlene HeebProgramme OfficerGlobal Programme on Food?SecurityDepartment Global CooperationFederal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA)Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)ProponentSwitzerlandDate/Timeframe and location2015-2018, Zambia - UgandaMain responsible entitySwiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)Nutrition contextMicronutrient deficiency is particularly prevalent in countries where diets consist heavily of starchy staples. Limited availability and accessibility of nutrient rich foods such as fruits and vegetables throughout the year and low recognition of the value and importance of a diverse diet for improved health reduces their consumption. High levels of malnutrition are also associated with high levels of gender inequality.? Among others, the distribution of nutrients within a household is often biased towards the male head of household and not favoring the household members most in need, i.e. children and lactating mothers.Chronic and acute malnutrition affects over 200 million children under 5 years of age and more than two billion people suffer from micronutrient deficiency.Zambia has one of the highest rates of stunting in the world with 40% among children under five. Micronutrient deficiencies among children are 54% for vitamin A, and 53% for Iron. In Uganda, 29% of the children under five are stunted, while 11% are underweight and 4% are wasted. Aside from the moral imperative with poor development and lost lives, the economic cost of malnutrition has been estimated to be as high as US$775 million between 2004 and 2013 in Zambia. In Uganda, the incentive to invest in nutrition is high. Every Dollar invested in nutrition result in economic benefits at least six times more.Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredIn Uganda and Zambia, the food systems are diverse with both local (short) and long value chains, affected by seasonal variations, current consumer demand and cultural, regulatory, social and economic factors.Zambia:?About 60% of the Zambia population live in rural areas and depend on agriculture for livelihoods and food. However, Zambia is marked by relatively low agricultural productivity and diversification. Maize production predominates, and is the main cash and subsistence crop. The lack of crop diversity is reflected in dietary practices, which are predominantly staple cereal based with little diversity and hence is one of the main contributors to the high malnutrition rates. Some foods, e.g. fish are subject to seasonal availability and have begun to decline for a variety of socio-ecological pressures. Mono-cropping also affects the ecosystem, and climate change, reduced crop yields, livestock disease and reduced fish supply are adding to the challenges that communities face. The commercialization of small-scale agriculture, which dominates the rural economy, is an important element in Zambia’s economic growth strategy. Over 300,000 smallholders are linked to agribusinesses through more or less vertically integrated value chains, and the supply chain almost always incorporates intermediary traders. Although, there is a concern that commercialization may not benefit the smallholders, public private partnerships in extension, for example, could improve value chain and increase benefits going to smallholders. Additionally opportunities exist in the horticulture sector, offering an incentive for farmers to diversify and also providing these nutritious foods at an affordable price to poorer consumers.[1]?In Chinsali and Isoka, where the investment is made, the food systems are ‘traditional’ (i.e. ‘low external input-intensive food systems’) HYPERLINK "" \l "_ftn2" [2]?Crop yields and livestock productivity are generally low and if sold in local markets, commodities are relatively unprocessed. Agricultural production, commodity and food trading and processing takes place in small-scale operational units, which have little or no commercial linkages outside the local region. Typically, market relations are spot exchange, in which commodities are traded for immediate delivery. The majority of the food consumed comes from within the local area and consumption patterns are often seasonally dictated.Uganda:?In the Western region, where the investment is taking place, high rates of malnutrition persist and diets lack diversity, although the region is fertile with high agricultural production and potential for diversification. With stunting levels of 41% compared to 28% national average,? Tooro region has the highest levels of stunting for the under 5 in the entire country Growing pressures on farming households to sell nutritious produce for cash is a factor. Additionally increased cash cropping affects the soil and the gap between actual and potential yields is widening. The annual cost of environmental degradation, including agricultural driven encroachments, soil erosion and water pollution, is high. Over 73% of all households and the majority of the poor in Uganda depend directly on agriculture. Although there is more diversified food production in Uganda compared to Zambia, the diets are still mainly composed of cereals, starchy root crops and plantain, illustrating that the linkage between production, household food security and nutrition, particularly amongst vulnerable groups is complex. However, there is an opportunity to develop food system interventions which address the impact pathways to improved nutrition, including gender, and social and behavior change. This is relevant to Uganda where food systems are changing. For example rapid urbanization and improvements in roads and infrastructure are driving a massive growth in trade from the rural hinterlands to the capital?[3]Key characteristics of the investment madeThe investment consist of a project aiming to improve food and nutrition security through the adoption of agro-biodiversity?and dietary diversity at the intra household level.It’s implemented in 4 districts in Uganda and Zambia: Kasese and Kyenjojo in Uganda and Chinsali and Isoka in Zambia. The Project has reached?4900 households in Zambia, a total of 25’480 people, and 12’310 households in Uganda, covering a total of 66’532 people.The intervention model is based on four integrated pillarsTriggering demand:?This is achieved through building capacities among local leaders and district level service providers for triggering and maintaining demand for intra household dietary diversity.Behavioral change:?Effective behavioral change communication nuanced to all varied target groups, such as pregnant and lactating women, is anchored in local practice and is community owned to ensure long-term sustainable behavior change in improved dietary diversity, nutrition and agro-biodiversity at intra household levelDiverse supply:?Appropriate, affordable and diversified nutritious products are available at scale supported by locally-available and locally-managed inputs, extension services and market linkagesGovernance:?national multi-sectoral governance capacity for intra household dietary diversity and improved nutrition is strengthened through the establishment and/or strengthening of district level nutrition coordinating committees. The Right to Adequate Food is a human right and as governments are duty bearers for realisation of that right, the project anchors its work in local and national structures to ensure sustainable change and scalability to national level.See also:? actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)National Partners:SUN Focal Point of the governments of Zambia and UgandaDistrict Nutrition Coordinating CommitteesHealth and Agricultural service providers (Village Health Teams, Extension Services, etc.)International PartnersSNV Netherlands Development OrganizationWageningen University CDIRoyal Tropical Institute KIT???????Key changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sOutcome 1:?Capacities among local leaders and district level service providers for triggering and maintaining demand for intra household dietary diversity at scale built.At the start of the project, capacity amongst various district staff to create demand for nutrition at the village level was limited, but has significantly improved since and district staff has now the capacity to implement and upscale the approach as part of their own district plans.? Gender being a critical component of the project, triggering sessions addressed communities as a whole, involving men and women, elders, adolescents and children.This provided a unique opportunity for men to become sensitised to the impact of malnutrition on their children. Often nutritional counselling involves only mothers when they take the children for growth monitoring visits at the local health centres.Outcome 2:?Effective behavioral change communication nuanced to all varied target groups, such as pregnant and lactating women, is anchored in local practice and results in improved dietary diversity, nutrition and agro biodiversity at intra household levelThe triggering of the villages resulted in first tangible and measurable behaviour changes. The BCC campaigns reached the majority of households in the intervention area and the following results are observed after 1.5 years of intervention: 61% of the households from target population in Zambia and 78% in Uganda eat 3 meals a day. Dietary diversity has improved, from being largely staple cereal based.Outcome 3:?Appropriate, affordable and diversified nutritious products are available at scale supported by locally-available and locally-managed inputs, extension services and market linkagesIn Zambia 48% of the targeted households and 72% in Uganda established gardens, producing various types of vegetables and other crops, like green Amaranthus, carrots, rape, black night shade, orange fleshed sweet potatoes, cow peas, cassava, maize, pumpkin leaves, beans, groundnuts cow peas. Local input system has also improved, producing its own seed for sale and extension services include nutrition dimensions in their service provision.Outcome 4:?national governance capacity for intra household dietary diversity and improved nutrition is strengthenedThe establishment of two District Nutrition Coordinating committees, one in Zambia and Uganda each led to combined district nutrition plans whose implementation is well coordinated. Intersectoral coordination has greatly improved, with individual departments sharing resources, skills and monitoring district progress in a coordinated way. This has improved district performance and increased efficiency in implementation of activities.Challenges facedThe multi- and inter-sectoral implementation of the approach at the district level was challenging and during the course of the project, it was recognized that another coordination layer was needed at the sub-district level i.e.?A Hub level Nutrition coordination committees (HNCC). This created greater ownership and has made project implementation and monitoring very cost effective and sustainable.Another finding is that effective community mapping and behavioural research is critical to identify all the factors involved in influencing positive behaviour change.Lessons/Key messagesIncreasing governance capacity and knowledge at local level has shown to be most effective for improving nutrition outcomes.The creation of the multi-stakeholder partnerships (Nutrition Coordinating Committees) at the lowest governance level possible (sub-district vs District level)?is crucial for ownership and successful service provision to improve nutrition.To spark behaviour change among communities, triggering approaches proved very successful, as they make?communities take a critical look at their behaviours related to production systems, consumption patterns, diets and nutrition and hygiene. This in turn leads to a realisation that malnutrition (stunting) is an issue, affecting the health and development of their children and locally available solutions are possible.??[1]?IFPRI, CONCERN, 2016, An impact evaluation report prepared by the International Food Policy Research Institute of the Realigning Agriculture to Improve Nutrition (RAIN) project in ZambiaFAO, 2009. Zambia Commercial Value Chains in Zambian Agriculture: Do Smallholders Benefit?Bioversity 2016, Healthy diets from sustainable food systems all year round – a case study captured on film in Zambia[2]?Food systems and Natural Resources 2016 - UNEP[3]?IIED, 2016. Food Summit secures strong commitment to drive change in Ugandan Food Systems.?, R., 2011. In Quest For an Efficient Agri-Food System. Reflections on Uganda’s Major Agri-Food System Policies and Policy Frameworks. ACODE policy research series no. 49.Uganda Food Change Lab, Planning for the Future Food System of Kabarole District Denise Giacomini, Ministry of Health, ItalyDear All please find enclosed "The Italian National Program of Iodine Prophylaxis"proposed by Ministry of Health - DGISAN and OSNAMI - ISS, RomeKind RegardsDenise GiacominiProponentMinistry of Health – DGISAN? (General Directorate for Hygiene, Food Safety and Nutrition) and OSNAMI (Italian National Observatory for Monitoring Iodine Prophylaxis) ISS, RomeDate/Timeframe and location2017, ItalyMain responsible entityMinistry of HealthNutrition contextThe Italian National Program of Iodine Prophylaxis.To eradicate iodine deficiency disorders, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended salt iodization as the preferred strategy. Salt iodization is safe, equitable, largely self-financing and extremely cost - effective. ?In Italy, a nationwide salt iodization program on a voluntary basis was implemented in 2005 after the approval of the law n.55/2005 aimed at preventing endemic goiter and other iodine deficiency disorders. According to the Law, iodine is added to course and table salt at 30 mg/kg in the form of potassium iodate and the availability of iodized salt in food shops and supermarkets is mandatory, whereas no iodized salt can be sold only on costumers’ request. Moreover, the law permits the use of iodized salt in the food industry and communal eating areas. In 2009 a nationwide monitoring program of universal salt iodization was implemented and the Italian National Observatory for Monitoring Iodine Prophylaxis (OSNAMI) was established at the Italian National Institute of Health with the aim of evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of the nationwide program of iodine prophylaxis.Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredMicronutrient and Food System.The recently published WHO guidance on dietary salt consumption in population recommended maximum 5 g/day salt in adults and even less in children 2–15 years of age. However, the WHO promotes both the implementation of programs to reduce population salt intake, as one of the cost-effective strategies to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases, and universal salt iodization to prevent and control iodine deficiency disorders. An optimal implementation of each program is ensured by promoting their commonalities and complementarities. Commonalities between the two programs are that both are aimed at improving public health; both programs adopt a multi-stakeholder approach and concern health promotion and prevention; both involve working closely with the food industry.Over the years, the iodine nutritional status of the Italian population has improved. ?Data collected by the Observatory OSNAMI showed that iodized salt sold in 2016 was 60% of all sold salt, whereas it was only 30% in 2005. This increment was essentially due to a multi-stakeholders approach, which implied a proactive involvement of scientific societies and civil associations, particularly the associations of patients with endocrine pathologies. However, despite of the increased sale of iodized salt, data provided by Observatory OSNAMI have recently shown that some Italian regions are still mildly iodine deficient and goiter is still prevalent in these areas.Key characteristics of the investment madeIn the last two years, the Italian Ministry of Health, DGISAN, has invested resources for research projects (developed by the Italian National Institute of Health) with the aim to monitor iodine nutritional status of the Italian population and to evaluate regional interventions. Again, the General Directorate for the Hygiene, Food Safety and Nutrition (DGISAN) organized, in cooperation with the Italian National Institute of Health, the first National Consensus Conference on the use of the iodized salt (6th April 2017). During the conference 13 Scientific Societies operating in the field of endocrinology, gynecology, pediatrics, and nutrition signed a POSITION Statement, on the safety of use of iodized salt in adults and children.Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)The National Coordinating Group promoted this initiative for the Iodine Prophylaxis. This National Group was established at the Italian Ministry of Health (DGISAN) with the aim to provide a national strategy of the nationwide program of iodine prophylaxis. In the past iodine prophylaxis was an issue almost exclusively covered by endocrinologists because iodine deficiency disorders are frequently thyroid disorders, especially goiter which is the most frequent consequence of iodine deficiency.Key changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sWith the signature of the aforementioned Position Statement, iodine prophylaxis in our country has become “a field of action” also for gynecologists, pediatricians and nutritionists.Challenges facedFor the future, to improve the iodine nutritional status of the population and to simultaneously reduce population salt intake, DGISAN foresees to involve the food industry and the communal eating areas more actively, upon the principle of a multi-sectorial and multi-stakeholders approach, as recommended by WHO. In fact, recent data of the Observatory OSNAMI have shown that the use of iodized salt is less than 10% in the food industry and about 25% in the communal eating areas. These low percentages imply that the iodized household salt is still the major contributor to iodine intake in our country. Since in industrialized countries only 10-20% of the consumed salt is household salt, whereas most of the daily salt intake is due to salt used in food production, it will be critical to convince the food industry to use iodized salt in their products to successfully correct iodine deficiency in Italy.Lessons/Key messagesAccording to these WHO recommendations, in the last years DGISAN and OSNAMI have implemented policies to synergize salt reduction and iodine fortification strategies. Currently these are focused on: i) the engagement of different? departments in support of universal salt iodization and effective policies and regulations to reduce salt consumption; ii) communication to population by promoting campaigns? sharing messages emphasizing the importance of reducing salt and optimizing iodine intake. Helen Medina, Nestlé, SwitzerlandNestlé comments to e-consultation: Call for examples and good practices on investments for healthy food systemsNestlé would like to thank the Committee on World Food Security for opportunity to share experiences and examples of good practices on investments to promote healthy food systems.To give our submission some context, we would like to share with you some background. Nestlé touch billions of lives worldwide; from the farmers we work with to the individuals and families who enjoy our products, the communities where we live and work, and the natural environment upon which we all depend. Their challenges are our challenges. Their success is success in which we all share. Inspired by the scientific breakthrough of our founder, Henri Nestlé, guided by our values and with nutrition at our core, we work alongside partners to enhance quality of life and contribute to a healthier future. This means that for individuals and families, we offer products and services that enable healthier and happier lives. For our communities, we help develop thriving and resilient communities and support better livelihoods for those we live and work with. For the planet, we shape sustainable consumption and steward resources for future generations.With regards to promoting healthy food systems, we understand that achieving nutritional balance remains a significant global challenge. Millions of people lack access to the right nutrition, while millions more over-consume foods and beverages that are high in key nutrients of concern, such as sugar, salt and fat. Addressing all forms of malnutrition – undernutrition, micronutrient fortification, and overweight and obesity – as well as encouraging healthy diets, requires concerted collective action from governments, public health authorities, industry and civil society. Nestlé would like to share a few brief examples on how it is addressing nutritional challenges and contributing to healthy food systems.Addressing overconsumption through product innovation and renovationPublic health evidence shows that diets with lower salt, sugars, saturated fat and trans fats can improve health outcomes and decrease non-communicable diseases (NCDs). We aim to reduce the levels of these nutrients in our foods and beverages through science-based product renovation and innovation. Our research activities focus on understanding consumer habits, and seek to deliver tastier, healthier choices compared to others on the market. We continually work to reduce the levels of salt, sugars and saturated fats in our foods and beverages, to add more vegetables, whole grains and fibre, and to fortify them with micronutrients where they are deficient in the local population.Last year our efforts included the following results:- We reduced our added sugar content by 8%, the equivalent of 39000 tonnes. Our efforts in this area will continue through our new commitment to further reduce the sugars we add in our products by 5% by 2020.- We reduced sodium content by 10.5% in our foods and beverages, equivalent to an overall salt reduction of 2700 tonnes. While this means we have exceeded our 10% reduction objective, our efforts in this area will continue through our new commitment to further reduce the sodium we add in our products by 10% by 2020.- We reduced the saturated fat content by 6.5%, equivalent to 6200 tonnes. Developing new technologies, working with suppliers and farmers on new fats and oils, carrying out stability studies and investing in equipment are required to reduce saturated fats across our portfolio.In addition to the aforementioned activities, we share our insights on global health and nutrition challenges, and engage with policy-makers, stakeholders and key opinion leaders, to foster a dynamic exchange of ideas and solutions that could positively impact millions of individuals and families.Nestlé Nutritional Profiling SystemWe seek to continually improve our foods and beverages for children by assessing them all through the Nestlé Nutritional Profiling System (NNPS) criteria. Our consumer testing programme ensures a taste preference by at least 60% of consumers, while the NNPS guarantees our recipes make a positive nutritional contribution. Together, they form our 60/40+ programme. Our work begins with the NNPS criteria, which we use to determine how our foods and beverages fit into a child’s or adult’s daily dietary intake. We consider nutrients such as added sugars, saturated fats, trans fats, salt and energy content, as well as ensuring the nutritional contributions from calcium, protein, fibre and whole grain sources. When all the criteria for a specific category are met, a product is considered to represent an appropriate choice in the context of a balanced diet, thereby achieving Nestlé Nutritional Foundation (NF) status. Around 88.5% of our total portfolio has been assessed through the NNPS, and 95% of our foods and beverages for children achieved NF status in 2016.In fact, two papers were published in April, 2017 on NNPS. The first paper is entitled “Nutrient profiling for product reformulation: the benefit for the consumer” (Authors: Undine Lehmann, Véronique Rheiner Charles, Antonis Vlassopoulos, Gabriel Masset, J?rg Spieldenner) and was published in the Journal Proceedings of the Nutrition Society (IF 4.7). The second paper is entitled “Testing the Capacity of a Multi-Nutrient Profiling System to Guide Food and Beverage Reformulation: Results from Five National Food Composition Databases” (Authors: Emilie Combet, Antonis Vlassopoulos, Famke M?lenberg, Mathilde Gressier, Lisa Privet, Craig Wratten, Sahar Sharif, Florent Vieux, Undine Lehmann, Gabriel Masset) It was published in Nutrients (IF 3.8).Enhancing the micronutrient profile of its foods and beverages through fortificationThe adequate and appropriate dietary intake of essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements (also referred to collectively in this document as micronutrients) are key to meeting nutritional requirements necessary for maintaining health and wellness at all life stages. It is estimated that worldwide more than 2 billion people suffer from some degree of micronutrient deficiency, the most prevalent being iron, vitamin A, iodine and zinc.Ideally, nutrients that are essential for health should be obtained from a balanced and varied diet. For a number of reasons this is not always possible. Nestlé has over the decades acquired considerable experience in enhancing the micronutrient profile of its foods and beverages through fortification.We fortify foods and beverages such as condiments, children’s milks and cereals to provide additional nourishment for vulnerable groups such as school-age children and expectant mothers. These products are all effective carriers for micronutrient fortification because they are consumed widely and frequently, building on existing eating habits. We focus our efforts on regions that face some of the largest burden of micronutrient deficiencies such as Africa and South East Asia. Of the 207 billion servings provided in 2016, 121 billion were fortified with iron (an annual increase of 23%), 113 billion with iodine (an 8% increase), 27 billion with zinc and 42 billion with vitamin A. Products can be fortified with one or several micronutrients.For example, the popularity and market reach of our Maggi product range give us a solid platform for helping tackle micronutrient deficiencies at scale. Almost 103 billion individual servings of Maggi soups, condiments, seasonings and noodles were fortified in 2016, of which 59 billion were fortified with iron.Biofortification to improve nutritional value of food cropsBiofortification is the process by which the nutritional value of food crops is improved through biological means such as conventional plant breeding. It differs from direct fortification in that biofortification aims to increase nutrient levels in crops during a plant’s growth stage, rather than through being added during processing. As such, biofortification could be used to reach populations where direct fortification may be difficult to implement. In addition, farmers who supply us with raw materials like rice and wheat will also have access to these fortified foods.Biofortification requires a detailed study and analysis of the many factors that determine how a crop grows, working closely with the farmers that will grow it. We are collaborating with agricultural research institutes in several countries, working to develop and establish supply chains for biofortified crops, to ensure that commercial quantities will be available in the future. This is a complex process that can take years, and requires a careful and collaborative balance between stakeholders in difficult circumstances.We are focusing on the most promising biofortified crops and have streamlined development work at our R&D centres from six staple crops in 2013 to four in 2014: maize, wheat, sweet potato and rice. For example, we are establishing a supply chain for vitamin A-rich maize in north Nigeria, where the average yield of maize in Nigeria is only 1–2 tonnes per hectare. Our aim is to significantly improve yield while at the same time providing the fortified crop for our own supply chain and for direct consumption by the local community.Thank you for giving us the opportunity to share with your our work. The health of our company is intrinsically linked to the health and resilience of the society we operate in. For more information please visit? Laurence Rycken, International Dairy Federation, BelgiumThe International Dairy Federation is thankfull for the oppourtunity to participate to this e-consultation. Please find our contribution below.We stay at your disposal if you would need more information.Kind regards,Laurence RyckenProponentThe International Dairy Federation represents the global dairy sector covering over 75% of global milk production and engages all stakeholders of the dairy chain in primary production, milk processing and related research and innovation. Collectively, this is an enormous amount of knowledge, resources and networks.Date/Timeframe and locationContinuous and worldwideMain responsible entityNutrition contextLivestock is vital for ensuring food and nutrition security and to achieving the sustainable developments goals.Good nutrition is important for people of all ages. During childhood, good nutrition promotes normal growth and development. In the longer term, it is believed that establishing healthy eating habits in childhood can help to reduce the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. Promoting a healthy diet to children can help them form healthy habits that extend into later life. Micronutrient deficiencies arising from poor-quality diets remain widely prevalent. Milk is rich in bio-available nutrients and an efficient vehicle for delivering several critical micronutrients and improving growth of young children.As school feeding programs provide valuable settings to promote access to healthy, diversified diets. IDF with its large member basis provided the ideal platform to conduct together with the FAO the largest global review to date of school milk programme implementation, administration, promotion and nutritional importance.The survey held in 2014 gives an in-depth look at 60 different school milk programmes in the Americas, Asia, Africa, Oceania and Europe. 140 million children were reached with these programs, with around 57% of those receiving it at least 5 days per week.? In 58% of the programmes, children were provided with free milk. In 27% it was provided to them subsidised. Comparison with a survey carried out in 1998 by FAO shows that milk and dairy foods are still as popular as ever and are widely recognised as essential to healthy eating. The survey provides much more detailed information on?these school milk schemes and provides guidance for those who are implementing or considering implementing such programmes () .Beyond ensuring access to milk and dairy foods in schools, many of our members deliver nutrition education programs to foster healthy food and physical activity habits. ?Through the dairy nutrition initiative IDF collects exemplary practices of effective education programs from around the world.? The initiative has collected examples from around several countries, reaching different age groups, engaging multiple partnerships but with the same goal to connect children with the source of their foods and educate them about healthy lifestyles.Key characteristics of the food system(s) considered(Re)-connect the youth with the source of their foods and educate them about healthy lifestylesKey characteristics of the investment madeSchool feeding programmes can have a positive influence on food choices and can be funded and supported in a number of different ways.Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)Considering all data compiled many programmes were organized through a collaboration of different organizations. Some key actors were dairies, government, communities and schools. But also parents and teachers can be the initiators of the programs.Key changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sThe impact of school milk programmes, in terms of number of children reached, varied significantly from country to country. Of all the countries responding, a total of 139 977 649 children were benefiting from school milk, an average of 54%. But variation are huge amongst different countries, the US for example is able to reach 80%, however there are countries were only 20% or less of the children were receiving school milk.Challenges facedThe biggest challenge identified in the survey was the funding of the programmes.Other challenges included an expectation that school milk programmes should be free or highly subsidized; the administrative and resourcing burden for school staff; and competition from other foods.Lessons/Key messagesThese programs are at the nexus of agriculture, nutrition and education.? Aligning resources and funding through public-private partnerships will not only improve reach and impact, it will also ensure the target audience receives a consistent message at critical touch points. Quinn Marshall, World Food Programme, ItalyDear all,Please accept the attached template describing a food systems-oriented partnership between Government of Pakistan, WFP and private sector that focused on improving local production of nutrient-dense foods for treating and preventing undernutrition. This work includes elements of supply (working with agro-processors) as well as demand (partnership with retailers and linkage with national safety net programme).Thanks,Quinn Marshall, on behalf of WFP Nutrition DivisionProponentWorld Food Programme, Government of PakistanDate/Timeframe and location2008 until currentMain responsible entityGovernment of PakistanNutrition contextPakistan’s nutrition context includes a mix of different outcomes and trends. While on the one hand child underweight decreased from 2001 to 2011, stunting and wasting increased over this same time period. Current rates are 45% and 10.5% respectively (Global Nutrition Report 2016). The 1,000 day period from conception to 2nd birthday, as well as adolescence, have been identified as periods of high risk. Maternal undernutrition plays a role, with low birthweight experienced by a quarter of newborns and 18% of women of reproductive age underweight (body mass index less than 18.5). Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months is low (13%) and the quality of home available foods given as complementary foods to children 6-23 months is also poor. In addition to these significant challenges in reducing undernutrition, Pakistan is experiencing a growing double burden of malnutrition, with overweight and obesity on the rise, particularly among women in urban areas.The Pakistan Ministry of Planning, Development & Reform and WFP recently carried out a Fill the Nutrient Gap assessment, which found that 67% of Pakistani households are unable meet minimum nutrient requirements with their income. In addition to unaffordability of nutritious food, there is limited availability of fruits and vegetables for the poor.Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredPakistan is characterized by the Global Nutrition Report (2015) as having an “emerging” food system. These systems are noted for more reliance on staple crops (dietary diversity is low) and lower agricultural productivity, in addition to a lack of production diversity and fewer nutrient-dense options for consumption. Pakistan is more urban than many other South Asian countries, meaning that more households rely on food purchases from the market to meet nutrition needs. In this context, the lack of availability and access to affordable, nutrient-dense foods in local markets was a key gap recognized by WFP, the government and partners.At the same time, agri-business and food processing industries are regarded as mature in Pakistan. Manufacturing companies have production capacity, including the necessary equipment and knowledge of production processes, to produce a variety of processed foods. The key for this project has been how to harness this production capacity to address the nutrition needs highlighted above, particularly related to acute and chronic malnutrition.Key characteristics of the investment madeThe Government has prioritized use of ready-to-use lipid based nutrient supplements (LNS) as an appropriate response to address malnutrition, especially in crises. WFP, working together with private sector food manufacturing companies in Pakistan, sought to develop a chickpea-based version of LNS, which was more adapted to local tastes. Through the course of the assistance, WFP also aimed to support companies to enhance their capacity to produce LNS, including by engaging in R&D and designing, developing and testing of the chickpea-based recipe. WFP did not provide financial investment to the food manufacturers. The investments made in new production lines were taken on by the food manufacturers themselves. These companies were also aware of the potentially limited demand and relatively low financial returns that would be associated with a producing a nutritious food that is used in humanitarian programming, but senior management was committed to a long-term partnership. Future efforts are now being invested in means of commercializing the foods with the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, including by working with retailers and who can stock them in their stores, as well as with government, who may provide access to the foods via social protection programmes that are targeted to the poor.Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)WFPPrivate sector food manufacturing companiesGovernment of PakistanSUN MovementKey changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sThrough the collaboration between WFP and private sector manufacturers, a nutrient supplement was developed that meets international standards for stability, quality and safety, as well as nutrient requirements for energy and micronutrients. Additionally, the product is adapted to local tastes and preferences.Local production capacity of lipid-based nutrient supplements increased substantially, from 100 metric tons per year in 2009 to over 10,000 metric tons per year in 2013.Through these efforts, there is better availability of nutrient-dense fortified foods that can be used to address several types of undernutrition that Pakistan faces, and easily integrated into humanitarian programmes which respond to crises, ensuring access for the most vulnerable, food insecure populations.Challenges facedThough the private sector manufacturers partnered with WFP knowing that demand was likely to fluctuate and returns were likely to be low, this does not mean that issues of sustainability do not need to be considered. Continued production at the necessary scale will rely on enhanced demand creation for the nutrient supplements. For this reason, WFP is now partnering with retailers to increase access to and awareness of the product among consumers in the open market. Additionally, the Fill the Nutrient Gap exercise that WFP conducted with the government enabled them to identify the national social protection programme (known as the Benazir Income Support Programme), as one of the most cost-effective entry points for improving nutrition in the short term and preventing another stunted generation. Efforts are now underway to pilot an approach in Southern Punjab whereby the unconditional cash transfers provided as part of the programme is complemented by a nutritional supplement for pregnant and lactating women, as well as children 6-23 months old.Lessons/Key messagesFortified complementary foods, including lipid-based nutrient supplements, are an effective tool for addressing multiple forms of undernutrition among key vulnerable groups within the 1,000 days.Pakistan has shown that local private sector food manufacturers are capable of adapting their production processes to increase availability of these foods. Private sector partnership has been a key success factor, but realistic expectations have to be set on the returns and demand that will be available.While humanitarian programmes can procure these foods for use in responding to shocks, long term sustainability will depend on generating more demand through market-based approaches, as well as utilizing social protection programmes that are capable of enabling better access among poor households on a large scale. Hans Brand, Ministry of Economic Affairs, NetherlandsProponentGlobal Alliance for Improved NutritionDate/Timeframe and locationJanuary 2016 to June 2017 – 3 Districts of Sofala Province, MozambiqueMain responsible entityGAINNutrition ContextMozambique is one of the poorest countries in the world where one third of the population is chronically food-insecure, and the average life expectancy is 50.? Nearly 30% of the population has a staple-based diet with limited access to a diversity of foods that are able to provide a full range of nutrients, including micronutrients, needed for optimal health, and physical and mental development.? The prevalence of vitamin A and iron deficiencies in children under five are also very high, at 69% and 74% respectively; 1 in every 2 children under five do not achieve their potential physical, cognitive or mental and development. Less than a third of children consume more than four food groups a day, with only 13% of children 6-23 months being fed according to Infant and Young Children Feeding (IYCF) practices.Malnutrition, including micronutrient deficiencies is a major impediment to socioeconomic development that contributes to a vicious cycle of underdevelopment and has long-ranging effects on health, learning ability, and productivity. It also leads to high social and public costs, reduced work capacity in populations due to high rates of illness and disability, and tragic loss of human potential.Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredThe Cost of the Diet Study conducted in different regions of Mozambique (WFP 2010) showed that 80% of the households could not cover the minimum cost of a (nutritious) diet. Providing nutrient rich complementary foods to children 6-23 months is challenging for low income households who do not have access to micronutrient rich food, both in terms of availability and affordability. The study also showed that by distributing free sachets of micronutrient powders, containing 15 essential vitamins and minerals to be mixed into the food of children 6-24 months, it would be possible to make the diet of the child more affordable (i.e. reduce the minimum cost of the diet of the child by 68%).Given iron-deficiency anemia is a serious public health concern for children under 5 in Mozambique, the Ministry of Health (MISAU) decided to adopt home fortification with micronutrient powders as a preventative measure.Projects in Mozambique that provide free distribution of MNPs are only available to around one sixth of the population, are hard to sustain in the long run, and the costs of extending schemes nationally exceeds available budgets.? While MNPs are seen as an effective solution to improve micronutrient intake, distributing them for free through the health system alone is seen as a burden on the health providers in terms of managing storage and distribution of a product which is time consuming and costly.Key characteristics of the investment madeThe project set out to test a hybrid MNP distribution model with two elements – (a) using vouchers redeemed via commercial retail outlets to handle distribution and reduce pressure on the health system. This opens up the possibility of subsidized and targeted distribution; and (b) explore the development of building a market for commercial sales of MNPs. It was implemented the Sofala province includes the delivery of vouchers to caregivers of children 6-23 months through the public health system, both in health facilities (through either health facility staff or dedicated promoters) and communities (through community activists).? Each voucher – which can either be a paper or an electronic (on-demand voucher requested through short messaging service (SMS)) – allows caregivers redeem 3 boxes of 20 MNP sachets at small retail? outlets that sell fast moving goods, registered with PSI as “Troca Aki”.? These outlets are registered through PSI’s electronic data platform managed called “Movercado” which provides real-time tracking data of which vouchers are redeemed by caregivers.This mechanism was selected for this project such that the voucher system could alleviate pressure on the government supply chain system for health supplies and medicines delivered directly through MISAU health centers, and to promote the market-based channel and decrease the burden on the public sector, which does not have funds to provide MNPs for the entire country.Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)GAIN was responsible for coordinating and overseeing the overall project design and implementation. GAIN partnered with Population Services International (PSI), Save the Children (SCI) and the District Health Authorities to conduct the implementation. GAIN also partnered with the MISAU and the Provincial Health Directorate of Sofala Province for strategic alignment and direction with national policies and prioritiesKey changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sThe intended outcome of the project would be to improve the accessibility (availability and affordability) of MNPs for caregivers with children 6-23 months as well as their knowledge of optimal infant and young child feeding practices. The intention behind this would be improved message coverage of MNPs (caregivers who had heard of MNPs), improved contact coverage (caregivers who have tried feeding MNPs to their child) and improved effective use (continuous use of MNPs according to dosage recommendations) in order to have an impact on nutritional status.Through the project 2,000,000 sachets of MNPs were distributed to caregivers in a period of 15 months in 3 districts. Preliminary results from an evaluation indicate that the majority of caregivers (>60%) have heard about the scheme, while 35% have used MNPs.Challenges facedThe initial project design intended for MNPs to be sold using vouchers through the “troca aki” posts. However, due to a change in policy set by MISAU requiring MNPs to be distributed free to children 6-24 months the project model had to be adapted. Thus the project concentrated on testing distribution via non health service infrastructureMNPs are currently classified as a medicine in Mozambique, which meant it was not possible to conduct social marketing activities to create demand for the product, which was necessary for a new product category and behaviour.All interpersonal communication material and radio spots on the general product category of MNPs underwent thorough reviews and discussion by stakeholders, causing some delay in implementation.Access to MNPs for caregivers was dependent on the supply through Troca Akis, however many of them experienced stock outs due to slow demand providing a disincentive for Troca Aki owners to re-munity reach of caregivers was dependent on the community volunteer cadre (activistas), however the dropout rate of activistas was higher than 50%, and during the rainy season, most active activistas would be working? in their fields;Overall the movercado platform worked very well in terms of reporting number of doses of MNPs distributed. Unfortunately the Electronic voucher was used infrequently because most of the caregivers did not own mobile phone. This meant that the project had to rely mainly on paper vouchers which made the process for data collection more cumbersome and expensive;The low use of the electronic voucher also meant that the monitoring of paper voucher distribution to caregivers was dependent on registry books filled in by activistas and at the health centers. This led to many problems in terms of data quality and reportingLessons/Key messagesUse of the commercial platform (channels) providing MNPs can increase the reach of the product, and provides an opportunity to cover costs for future sustainability, and encourages more continuous use from the perspective of the consumerSocial marketing is crucial for new product category like MNPs to build the trust of the “consumer” and increase demand for the product. The use of mass media and social media can reinforce face-to face communication such as counselling at the health center and in the communities – this should be opted for in future programs;Relying on registry books managed by the National Health System to monitor any intervention program should be avoided as it is not reliable and there can be serious issues with data quality. Instead, using a platform such movercado to monitor any intervention program is extremely useful and efficient at generating real-time, accurate dataTo move towards the use of the Movercado type of system, and overcome the inefficiencies of using a paper voucher, more thought/analysis has to be given on how to rely on electronic vouchers to register any transactions;Community activists have the potential to reach many more beneficiaries and the issue of lack of motivation and high dropout rates could perhaps be overcome if a proportion of the margin generated from the sale of the product is reverted to them as an incentive to perform well as part of the program.The results are feeding directly into a policy review process of the national strategy on MNPs to make it more sustainable and MNPs more widely available, which is being led by the Minister of Health. Hans Brand, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Netherlands (second contribution)ProponentDutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and SportsDate/Timeframe and location2014 - 2020Main responsible entityNational Agreement to Improve Product Composition 2014-2020The purpose of the National Agreement To Improve Product Composition is to reduce the salt, unsaturated fat and calorie content (sugar and fat) of products. This will result in a healthier range of products.The agreement has been signed by the following parties:Dutch Food Retail Organisation (CBL)Federation of the Dutch Food Industry (FNLI)Royal Dutch Hotel and Catering Association (KHN)Dutch Catering Association (Veneca)Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS)In?the National Agreement To Improve Product Composition?these parties state how they will jointly, each on the basis of their own responsibility, set about achieving the objectives up to and including 2020. The scope of the agreement aims in particular at salt, saturated fat and calories (sugar and fat), although it also has the wider ambition of making the range of products as a whole healthier.Nutrition contextIn?the National Agreement To Improve Product Composition?these parties state how they will jointly, each on the basis of their own responsibility, set about achieving the objectives up to and including 2020. The scope of the agreement aims in particular at salt, saturated fat and calories (sugar and fat), although it also has the wider ambition of making the range of products as a whole healthier.On 27th of January the Dutch ministry of Health, Welfare and Sports and the ministry of Economic affairs organized the Dutch Food Summit. The outcome was a declaration, where all present parties agreed upon a declaration to work on healthier food options. See attached declaration.Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredThe purpose of this Agreement is to reduce the salt2, unsaturated fat and calorie (sugar and (saturated) fat3) content in products. This will result in a healthier range of products4.In this Agreement the parties:Central Bureau for the Food Trade (CBL)Dutch Federation for the Food Industry (FNLI)?Royal Dutch Hotel and Catering Association (KHN)Dutch Catering Association (Veneca)Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS)state how they will set about achieving this together over the next few years, each of them on the basis of their own responsibility.Key characteristics of the investment madeTHE SIGNATORY PARTIES AGREE THE FOLLOWING JOINT AMBITIONS To reduce the salt content in the range of products so that it is easier for consumers to consume a maximum of 6 grams of salt per day. Consumers who eat good food in accordance with the National Dietary Guidelines can comply with the consumption of a maximum of 6 grams per day by 2020 at the latest. To reduce the saturated fat content in the range of products so that it is easier for consumers to consume a maximum of 10 energy% saturated fats per day. To achieve this by 2020. To make it easier for consumers to consume less energy. To achieve this by 2020 by, wherever possible, reducing both the energy density of products via a reduction in sugar and/or (saturated) fat and/or reducing portion sizes as well as continuing to promote fruit and vegetables.In achieving the ambitions: The prioritising of the product categories is based on their relevance for public health: their contribution to consumption and improvements that can be (technologically) achieved. Products that are intended for children are given high priority.Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)In this Agreement the parties:-? Central Bureau for the Food Trade (CBL)-? Dutch Federation for the Food Industry (FNLI)- ?Royal Dutch Hotel and Catering Association (KHN)- ?Dutch Catering Association (Veneca)- ?Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS)state how they will set about achieving this together over the next few years, each of them on the basis of their own responsibility.Key changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sLess salt, saturated fats and sugars in food products.Challenges facedTechnological challenges.Consumer behaviourLessons/Key messagesThe approach /agreement has to be part of an international (EU wide, worldwide) challenge to produce and offer healthier products to consumers.Attachments: Grandi, IFOAM, ItalyProponent IFOAM - Organics InternationalTITLE: Nutrition in Mountain Agro-Ecosystems (NMA) projectDate/Timeframe and location2015 – 2018 Peru/Ethiopia/Kyrgyzstan/Pakistan/NepalMain responsible entityIFOAM - Organics International with FIBL and HELVETASdonor: Swiss Development CooperationNutrition context The situation of the food and nutrition situation varies among NMA countries. Ethiopia and Nepal have more problems with food insecurity, ranking lower on food affordability, availability, quality and having higher percentage of undernutrition. Pakistan has a relative better food security situation, but the double burden of under and overweight. Peru has again a higher ranking of food security, and problems with overweight. Food security ranks are not available for Kyrgyzstan, but the nutrition statistics make the country comparable with Peru. Important: These country statistics don’t reflect regional differences within each country, which strongly differ from country averages!The rise of obesity in all NMA countries and the persistent undernutrition places a great emphasis on the centrality of food systems and consumption habits as drivers for favorable nutrition outcomes. Yet, the design of sound food systems and efforts to change eating habits must respond to the different contexts. For instance, there are especially important differences in regard to the nutritional situation between rural and urban areas, but also between men, women and children within individual households.The data from the Global Nutrition Report 2016 (GNR-2016) has the latest and the broadest selection of progress indicators of malnutrition, including assessments against Global Targets 2025 which are six targets adopted by the WHO’s member states at the World Health Assembly (WHA) to improve maternal, infant and young child nutrition. The monitoring all the countries committed to is lacking in many cases including in the NMA countries, the latest data are sometimes 4-5 years old. However, in the longer run, these indicators and assessments, including those on underlying determinants which are key to understand how nutrition-sensitive a country’s agriculture is, can serve as acceptable reference points to measure progress in the project countries.According to the report (GNR-2016), Nepal is off track for 3 out of 5 Global WHA targets including under-5 wasting, with under-5 stunting being on course. For most of these characteristics, the latest data only come from a survey done in 2011. Only 24% of children meet a minimally acceptable diet. The undernourishment rate is ca. 8% and there are ca. 450g of fruits and vegetables available on a daily basis. However, the available calories from the non-staples are only around 31%. No surveys have been done on these for the last 4-5 years besides FAOSTAT collecting data yearly on undernourishment.Pakistan is off course for 4 out of 5 Global WHA targets, with only under-5 overweight being on course, at risk. The rate of undernourishment is fairly high with 22%, and the daily amount of fruits and vegetables available is quite low with something above 160g. The ratio of the calories coming from non-staples is around 50%, but data are missing on the last 2 factors for the last 3-4 years.Kyrgyzstan’s performance is varying as regards the 5 global WHA targets. It is on course in terms of under-5 stunting and wasting, but off course regarding under-5 overweight, anemia of women in reproductive age and exclusive breastfeeding. These evaluations are all based on data coming from 2014 surveys. 6% of the people were undernourished in 2015. According to 5-6 year-old surveys, 46% of available calories come from non-staple food and ca. 490g of fruits and vegetables are available per day, unfortunately there is no more recent data on these underlying determinants which are relevant for the NMA project.In Ethiopia the household food insecurity, hunger and undernutrition are critical issues; the poor nutritional status of women and children has been a consistent problem. Undernutrition is an underlying cause of 53% of infant and child deaths. Ethiopia is off course as regards all the global WHA targets except under-5 overweight. Lack of dietary diversity and micronutrient-dense food consumption, and problematic child feeding practices contribute to the high rates of child undernutrition. The undernourishment rate is 35%, it is the highest of the 5 NMA target countries. Only 25% of the calories come from non-staple food and the amount of fruits and vegetable available daily is very low ca. (ca. 70g).According to GNR-2016, Peru is on course as regards under-5 stunting and wasting with stunting still being around 17-18%, but off course for other 3 global WHA targets on under-5 overweight, anemia in women of reproductive age and exclusive breastfeeding. Undernourishment is at 8%, the availability of fruits and vegetables and the calories coming from non-staples show sufficient amounts which of course vary by region.Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredFor many developing countries, the following is true – in general:? People from urban areas with above average incomes tend to eat too much, and become obese. They often eat too much processed food (high in sugar, fat and calories) and too few fruits and vegetables. ? Self-subsistence farmers in rural areas tend to have too much staple food based diet (rice, maize, root crops) and consume therefore too little other foods that contain essential nutrients (animal products and fruit and vegetables). They often develop micro-nutrient deficiencies (e.g. anaemia) which are not always visible but reduce resistance to diseases. Most affected are pregnant and lactating women and small children. ? Small children (below 5 years) often do not get the right diet, e.g. they get too much watery foods (porridge, soup), which does not supply them adequately with calories and in regard to different micro nutrients. Consequently, they suffer from different types of malnutrition and their consequences (e.g. reduced brain and body development, reduced resistance to diseases). Key characteristics of the investment madeThe project objective is to contribute to improved access to sufficient nutritious food for rural communities in mountain regions through a network of actors facilitating innovation and diversification of proven agro-ecological and other nutrition sensitive practices. It promotes:? Agro-ecological practices ? Processing and minimization of post-harvest loss ? Access to markets ? Dietary diversity The project developed a social and knowledge platform for Rural Service Providers. The platform builds ownership and bridges the Rural Service Providers from mountain areas around the globe.? It provides online and face-to-face facilitation and coaching of Rural Service Providers in local projects’ implementation. Dozens of micro projects are funded and supported.? It includes national knowledge sharing with decision makers and global advocacy and knowledge sharing.The ultimate goal is to improve dietary diversity through diversification of sustainable agriculture and processing. Dietary diversity is measured at the beginning and at the end of the project using the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (age: 16-49) methodology for the households involved.For more information please visit: and maan.ifoam.bioKey actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any) National implementing agencies are: Helvetas in Nepal, Helvetas Intercooperation in Pakistan, BioService in Kyrgyzstan, Institute for Sustainable Development in Ethiopia and IFOAM Latin America Office in Peru.Implementers of the micro-interventions are the Rural Service Providers in the 5 countries. The idea is to involve a wide range of local stakeholders so that the most successful interventions can be copied and scaled up.National and global level advocacy targets national and UN policy makers in the five countries and other mountainous areas.Key changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/s Most of the changes (outcomes) are expected towards the end of the project (in 1 year). Diversification of diets is already seen in some of the project areas through school gardens in Pakistan or the establishment of drying facilities in Nepal. A public discourse started in Ethiopia has contributed to moving away from the staple-food-only diet. Women are empowered by additional income generated by processing and selling some of their produce, which they use to buy healthy and nutritious food for the family. Awareness raising and knowledge exchange activities play a critical role in changing people’s diets in these rural areas.Challenges facedInstead of eating it, many families sell their nutritious food as the main source of income. Sufficient policies and plans that promote and scale up nutrition in mountain agro-ecological farming systems are still lacking and do not take into account the interests of smallholders, especially women. In each country, several ministries are involved and do not always coordinate on vision and goals, let alone on practical interventions. In some countries separate funding streams exist for agriculture and nutrition.National implementing agencies are: Helvetas in Nepal, Interccoperation in Pakistan, BioService in Kyrgyzstan, Institute for Sustainable Development in Ethiopia and IFOAM Latin America Office in Peru.The connectivity and internet access in rural areas still remain a challenge in most of the countries and local people are also not used to the digital world.In Ethiopia the project implementation became more difficult and even stopped due to severe draught that led to the loss of cattle in the farming communities.Lessons/Key messages? Good agro-ecological practices improve resilience, productivity and sustainability of farms and diversify food availability. ? Processing and minimization of post-harvest loss reduce seasonal shortages and improve productivity and nutrition all year round. ? Improved access to markets increase monetary income in order to complement the family diets. ? Dietary diversity is a precondition for a healthy diet that covers the needs of children, women and men and prevents hidden hunger? Diversified ecological mountain agriculture and consumption helps implement national strategies. ? Ecological diversification of farms helps increase farm income, improve family health, protect natural resources, and increase resilience to market fluctuations and climate change. ? The production and sale of a variety of nutritious products provides business opportunities. ? Revival of traditional food strengthens local culture and provides opportunities for marketing and tourism.Sergio Laguna Bretel, FAO, Bolivia Dear Mr, Mrs,On behalf of Mr Crispim Moreira, FAO?s Representative of Bolivia, I am pleased to send to you a contribution of good practices on investments for healthy food systems that FAO is implementing in the southern and central area of the rural area of Bolivia.Best RegardsSergio Laguna BretelAsociado de ProgramasRepresentación de la FAO en BoliviaOriginal contribution in SpanishProponenteRepresentación FAO BoliviaFecha/plazos y ubicación2015-2017, Municipios de Tupiza y Villazon del departamento de Potosí, y los municipios de Pojo y Pocona del departamento de Cochabamba.Principal entidad responsableFAO BoliviaContexto nutricionalLa desnutrición crónica en el menor de cinco a?os continúa siendo uno de los problemas de salud no resueltos en Bolivia con una prevalencia del 18.1%, dos de cada 10 ni?os menores de 5 a?os padece de desnutrición crónica. Sin embargo la desnutrición crónica afecta al 25.6% de los ni?os menores de 5 a?os. Asimismo seis de cada diez ni?os entre 6 meses y 5 a?os de edad padecen de anemia, siendo este el problema de deficiencia nutricional con más prevalencia en el país. (Encuesta de Evaluación de Salud y Nutrición, 2012).Los ni?os con desnutrición tienen mayor probabilidad de contraer enfermedades, por lo que a menudo se incorporan tardíamente al sistema educativo y registran un mayor ausentismo escolar.Asimismo, el déficit de micronutrientes tiene un impacto directo en la reducción de sus habilidades intelectuales y capacidad de aprendizaje; desventajas que en el largo plazo dan como resultado personas adultas que no tienen condiciones de desplegar su máximo potencial intelectual, físico y por ende productivo, desacelerando el progreso económico y afectando de manera irreversible su desarrollo humano.Principales características del (de los) sistema(s) alimentario(s) considerado(s)En Bolivia, actualmente se están realizando esfuerzos significativos para mejorar la seguridad y soberanía alimentaria enfocados al logro de un estado nutricional y de salud adecuado, sobre todo de la población de mayor vulnerabilidad, lo que significa reducir en primera instancia los porcentajes de desnutrición infantil expresada en la talla baja y anemia, y avanzar hacia la preservación de una alimentación adecuada de bolivianos y bolivianas en todo su ciclo de vida para evitar las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles desde una perspectiva integral y de respuesta a múltiples determinantes.Esto se encuentra respaldado en la normativa actual como la Constitución Política delEstado que en el artículo 16 constitucionaliza el derecho a la alimentación adecuada, las Leyes 144 “Revolución Productiva Comunitaria Agropecuaria”, 300 “Ley de Madre Tierra”, 338 “Ley de las Organizaciones Económicas Campesinas, Indígenas y Originarias (OECAS) y de las Organizaciones Económicas Comunitarias (OECOM)”, 3525 “Promoción de la Producción Ecológica”, 622 “Alimentación Complementaria Escolar”.A un nivel más programático la Seguridad y Soberanía Alimentaria está reflejada en los pilares 6 y 8 de la Agenda Patriótica al 2025, la Política de Alimentación y Nutrición (PAN) que contempla programas nacionales como el Programa MultisectorialDesnutrición Cero (PMDC), el Programa Nacional de Alimentación Complementaria Escolar (PNACE) y el Programa Nacional de Agricultura Familiar Campesina Comunitaria Sostenible (PRONAGRIFSC).Estos esfuerzos están siendo articulados de manera multisectorial del Consejo Nacional de Alimentación y Nutrición (CONAN).Características clave de la inversión realizadaLa desnutrición deriva de muchas causas. Tiene que ver con la disponibilidad y acceso a alimentos suficientes para cubrir el requerimiento diario de energía, sin embargo, cubrir este requerimiento energético no se traduce necesariamente en una buena nutrición.Alcanzar una nutrición adecuada depende del balance del consumo de energía y de micro y macro nutrientes, así como de otros factores inherentes a la pobreza, prácticas de alimentación y nutrición, cuidado de los ni?os, acceso a servicios de salud y de saneamiento, entre otros. Por lo tanto, la seguridad alimentaria y la nutrición no solo se refieren al acceso y disponibilidad de alimentos, sino también a la calidad de estos y a las condiciones de salud y educación de las familias.En este contexto el proyecto abordó el problema de la malnutrición desde un enfoque multisectorial como condición necesaria para lograr traducir el aumento de la disponibilidad de alimentos locales en una mejor nutrición, así como impulsar sistemas de producción y consumo local que sean ambiental y socialmente sostenibles, promoviendo la creación o fortalecimiento de espacios de diálogo.Por esta razón el enfoque que se implementó en el desarrollo de la experiencia fue de “Territorialización de políticas públicas” y “Sistemas agroalimentarios sostenibles, resilientes e inclusivos”, lo que permitió que las políticas nacionales lleguen al nivel local (articulación vertical) y en el nivel local se articule la producción agroecológica y diversificada de alimentos con el consumo primero de las mismas familias, la transformación, y la comercialización de excedentes a las entidades gubernamentales a través de las compras públicas (articulación horizontal).Principales actores y partes implicadas involucradas (incluyendo a través de intercambios Sur-Sur y triangulares, si procede)Ministerio de Desarrollo Rural y Tierras-MDRyT,Ministerio de Salud-MS y Ministerio de Educación-MEServicio Departamental de Salud Cochabamba y PotosíGobierno Autónomos Municipales de Villazon, Tupiza, Pocona y PojoOrganizaciones de Mujeres Campesinas Indígenas Bartolina SisaCentrales de Trabajadores CampesinosFAO, ONUDI y UNICEFPrincipales cambios (previstos y no previstos) como resultado de la(s) inversión(es)El principal cambio se alcanzó en la articulación a nivel local del área de desarrollo productivo y desarrollo humano, como producto de la incidencia en los espacios de diálogo conformados por representantes de la sociedad civil, instancias técnicas y autoridades locales, lo que ha permitido a nivel local:?1149 familias se capaciten producción agroecológica organizados en 56 Escuelas de Campo, en las que se ha transversalizado la educación alimentaria nutricional y la gestión de riesgos.?Los sistemas productivos locales integren una mayor de diversidad de cultivo de hortalizas, así como la crianza de cuyes, el cultivo de peces carpa y la crianza de gallinas de postura, incrementando la diversidad y disponibilidad de alimentos ricos en micronutrientes y proteína de origen animal.?Se ha fortalecido las cuatro redes de salud con la capacitación de aproximadamente 120 profesionales, para que brinden atención a familias con ni?as y ni?os menores de 5 a?os principalmente, las mismas que han implementado cuatro Unidades de Nutrición Integral-UNI, especializadas en la atención de ni?as y ni?os menores de 5 a?os, esta acción estratégica se concretó con la participación activa de la Unidad de Nutrición del Ministerio de Salud, los Servicios Departamentales de Salud de Potosí y Cochabamba, las Redes de Salud y los Gobiernos Municipales.?Los municipios han implementado una estrategia de Educación Alimentaria Nutricional a través de sus redes de salud y UNI.En una articulación estratégica los municipios han incorporados a sus compras públicas de alimentos productos alimenticios locales de 7 organizaciones de productores por un valor de aproximadamente $us 116.000, de las cuales 3 son exclusivamente de mujeres. Estos productos son dirigidos a los Centros de Atención de ni?os menores de 5 a?os y la alimentación complementaria escolar.Dificultades encontradasLa principal dificultad fue la articulación sectorial en el nivel local, los municipios cuentan dentro de sus estructuras con las áreas de desarrollo productivo y desarrollo humano, las cuales de manera natural no coordinan sus acciones. Se fomenta la producción pero no se orienta la misma al consumo primero de las familias, a la provisión de programas municipales de atención de menores de 5 a?os, alimentación escolar u otros. Por otro lado el sector de salud presta servicios en comunidades rurales pero sus acciones no están se vinculan al apoyo que se brinda a la producción de alimentos.La falta de sensibilización y conocimiento de autoridades locales sobre la problemática nutricional de los ni?os, sus efectos en la salud y desarrollo integral, se convierte en una limitante para la toma de decisiones y acciones que promuevan un abordaje integral y multisectorial de la problemática.Lecciones/mensajes claveLa promoción de espacios de diálogo entre la sociedad civil y autoridades locales se convierten clave para establecer acciones concretas en los tomadores de decisión.Esta experiencia piloto se convierte en un modelo para la articulación multisectorial en el nivel local que permite la territorialización de políticas públicas en base a sistemas agroalimentarios sostenibles, resilientes e inclusivos.English translationProponentFAO Representation in BoliviaDate/deadlines and location2015-2017. Tupiza and Villazón, towns in the Potosí Department, and Pojo and Pocona, towns in the Cochabamba Department.Main responsible entityFAO BoliviaNutritional contextChronic undernutrition in children under-five continues being one of the outstanding health issues in Bolivia. With a 18,1% prevalence, nearly two out of ten children under-five suffer from chronic undernutrition. However, chronic undernutrition affects 25,6% of children under-five. Furthermore, six out of ten children between 6 months and 5 years of age suffer from anaemia, the nutritional deficiency problem with highest prevalence in the country. (Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey, 2012).Children suffering from undernutrition are more prone to diseases, and they usually join the education system belatedly, with a higher rate of school absenteeism.Furthermore, the related micronutrient deficiency reduces their intellectual skills and learning capacity; long term handicaps preventing them from realising their maximum intellectual, physical -and therefore productive- potential, slowing economic progress and irreversibly affecting their human development.Main characteristics of the food system(s)In Bolivia, substantial efforts -focused on achieving an adequate nutritional and health status, especially among the most vulnerable population- are being made to improve food security and sovereignty. Firstly, this implies reducing child undernutrition, reflected in stunting and anaemia, and making progress towards an adequate diet for all Bolivians throughout their life cycle, with the aim of avoiding chronic noncommunicable diseases by adopting a comprehensive perspective addressing multiple factors.This is endorsed by the existing legislation: the Constitution, that establishes the right to adequate food in article 16, Law No. 144 (Productive Community Agricultural Revolution), Law No. 300 (Law of Mother Earth), Law No. 38 (Law of Peasant, Indigenous and Native Economic Organizations), Law No. 3525 (Promotion of Organic Production), Law No. 622 (Complementary School Feeding).At a more programmatic level, food security and sovereignty are reflected in pillars 6 and 8 of the 2025 Patriotic Agenda. These include the Food and Nutrition Policy (known in Spanish as PAM), which features national programmes such as the Zero Undernutrition Multi-sectoral Programme (known in Spanish as PMDC), the Complementary School Feeding National Programme (known in Spanish as PNACE), and the Sustainable Community Family Farming National Programme (known in Spanish as PRONAGRIFSC).These efforts are being coordinated by the Food and Nutrition National Council (known in Spanish as CONAN) following a multi-sectoral approach. Key characteristics of the experience/processUndernutrition is the result of many causes. It is related to the availability and access to sufficient food to meet the daily energy requirements. However, satisfying this need does not necessarily entail an adequate nutrition.Achieving an adequate nutrition depends on the balance of energy consumption and micro/macro nutrients, as well as on other factors inherent to poverty, food and nutrition practices, childcare, access to health and sanitation services, among others. Therefore, food security and nutrition are not only related to food access and availability, but also to its quality, and to the household health and education status.In this context, the project addressed the problem of malnutrition following a multi-sectoral approach regarded as necessary to translate the increase in local food availability into improved nutrition, as well as to promote local production and consumption systems that are environmentally and socially sustainable, fostering the creation or reinforcement of forums for dialogue.This is why the approach was based on the “Territorialisation of public policies” and on “Sustainable, resilient and inclusive agri-food systems”. It allowed national policies to reach the local level (vertical coordination), where the agroecological and diversified production of food is linked to household consumption, and to processing and commercialisation of surplus food to government entities through public procurement (horizontal coordination).Key actors and stakeholders involved (including South-South and trilateral exchanges, if applicable) Ministry of Rural Development and Land Ministry of Health and Ministry of EducationCochabamba and Potosí Departmental Health ServiceMunicipal Autonomous Government of Villazón, Tupiza, Pocona and PojoBartolina Sisa Organization of Indigenous Peasant WomenPeasant UnionsFAO, UNIDO and UNICEFMajor changes (expected and unexpected) as a result of the investment(s)The major change was the local coordination of the productive and human development areas, due to the impact of forums for dialogue between representatives of civil society, technical bodies and local authorities. The following outcomes were achieved:? 1?149 families have been trained in agroecological production in 56 Field Schools, mainstreaming nutritional food education and risk management.? Local production systems have integrated a wider variety of vegetable crops, as well as guinea pigs breeding, carp farming and layer breeding, increasing the diversity and availability of food rich in micronutrients and animal protein.? Four health networks have been strengthened by training approximately 120 professionals in health care for families with children under-five. These same networks have implemented four Integral Nutrition Units (known in Spanish as UNI), specialized in health care for children under-five. This strategic action was implemented with the active participation of the Nutrition Unit of the Ministry of Health, the Departmental Health Services of Potosí and Cochabamba, the Health Networks and the Municipal Governments.? The towns have implemented a Food and Nutrition Educational strategy through their health networks and UNI.In a coordinated strategical action, the towns have acquired local food products from 7 producer organizations –3 of which are exclusively integrated by women- amounting to approximately USD 116?000. These products are delivered to care centres for children under-five and are also used for complementary school feeding.Challenges facedThe major challenge was related to the coordination at the local level. The productive and human development areas within the municipal structures do not coordinate their actions. Production is fostered, but it is not focused on household consumption, or on delivering local programmes targeting care of children under-five or school feeding among others. On the other hand, the health sector provides services in rural communities, but are not linked to the food production support mentioned before.The lack of awareness and knowledge of local authorities regarding the nutritional problems among children and their impact on health and integral development becomes a constraint for decision making and actions that promote a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach to this issue.Lessons/key messagesPromoting forums for dialogue between civil society and local authorities is essential for decision-makers to undertake specific action. This pilot experience becomes a model for the multi-sectoral coordination at the local level enabling the territorialisation of public policies based on sustainable, resilient and inclusive agri-food systems.Sandy Gershuny, World Foundation for Prosperity and Autonomy, CanadaGood day,On behalf of the World Foundation for Prosperity and Autonomy, please find below the template of the nutrition project and a concepts expalining the background of the project.Thank you.S Gershuny for World Foundation for Prosperity and AutonomyValDavid Quebec Canada J0T 2N0ProponentWorld Foundation for Prosperity and AutonomyDate/Timeframe and location2007-2009 Lesotho (district Teyateyaneng)Main responsible entityLocal affiliated organization: Canadian Centre for Prosperity and Autonomy LesothoNutrition contextThe organization focused on the nutritional status of young children considered underweight for their height and in particular with respect to a protein intake which would allow adequate growth and immune system development. Many children, already having lacked this protein in childhood are identified as 'stunted' in their later childhood and teen years.Pregnant and nursing women were to be included in the project work in the intention of improving transmission of nutrients from mothers to children during pregnancy and breastfeeding.According to a basic project carried out by an organization 'Leaf for Life' in Central America an extract of leaves (ex. Alfalfa leaves) with a certain protein content could be used effectively as food supplement for the young children in a meal of carbohydrate (rice or sorghum..).Our project in the village of TY invited several local women to pick leaves of local plants, others to carry out the leaf extraction and drying of the supplement.An agreement through the Ministry of Health would allow children attending Mother and Child Health clinics to receive supplement initially for a six month period.A second aspect of the project included the initiation of small agricultural businesses by families living around the area of the 'extraction' workshop, as a sustainable response to providing increased income to the families, group marketing strategies and the use of various soil protection and recovery techniques. (Please request our Concept note for further details)Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredThe basic food system of Basotho people consists of a cereal made from maize meal ('papa') with a chopped and boiled vegetable known as 'moroho' which is called 'spinach' and is mainly made from leaves of swiss chard. Without an addition of a meat or meat substitute source, which many cannot afford, complete protein and various vitamins and minerals can be lacking. Key characteristics of the investment madeFunds from a Canadian Rotary Club allowed for training of the group of women and initial payment of salaries.Current efforts by our international organization to provide the local organization with further funds would include micro finance funds for the rural families, improved equipment for the leaf extraction process, salaries for project managers in each of the country's ten districts, funds for periodic travel for monitoring and distance communication of the international organization.CONCEPT NOTECooperatives and Associations for Plant Production, Extraction and TransformationBased on research carried out by the British organization,”Find your Feet” and the U.S. “Leaf for Life” which showed that a protein-rich extract from alfalfa leaves, had the capacity to eliminate symptoms of acute malnutrition in a relatively short time period, we have developed a programme for the production and distribution of a protein-rich leaf extract supplement for young children and pregnant women produced from leaves of plants indigenous to the country.Associated with this programme, an agriculture development activity involving at least sixty farm families, living in the area surrounding the extraction workshop, will assume an objective of increasing household income and financial security, enabling these rural people to purchase foods not grown and other commodities required.Following a community stakeholders gathering, families interested in participating will contract to supply the workshop with a certain quantity of (selected indigenous and grown plant leaves from one third of their field or garden).On another third of their land, they will grow maize, a staple food plant usually grown as a mono crop, intercropped with beans and pumpkins or squashes from non-treated seeds for a potential organic market. The final third will be planted with organic herbs (to be packaged) or vegetables again for an organic market.Area coordinators (local women), who will receive appropriate training at the beginning of the project work, will be enabled to encourage the farmers and gardeners to plant certain leguminous trees around their gardens or fields (to increase water retention and put minerals into the soil), utilize drip irrigation equipment, save seeds and sell them, find ways of transforming cultivated vegetables to innovative products for market, conduct group consultation sessions about marketing and report to the NGO consultant about achievements and any particular challenges encountered. Negotiation by the consultant with a local bank for the coordination of a small micro-finance fund will allow start-up of each farm household with untreated seeds, compost, fencing, etc. With the assistance of the area coordinator and assistants, farmers will write a brief description, expected costs and revenues paper about their proposed agriculture project to be approved by the NGO projects committee, in addition to attending a basic training session before receiving initial funds.The leaf extraction workshop, under the guidance of the area coordinator, will hire four to six local women to receive leaves from the farmer families, produce the leaf protein concentrate using basic equipment, distribute to up to five hundred children and pregnant women in their locality, and offer (nutrition and agriculture) education workshops to the parents of children and pregnant women receiving supplement.An initial baseline survey of the nutritional/health status of children and pregnant women to receive supplement, as well as a household income survey of participating farmer households, undertaken by the consultant from the organization 'World Foundation for Prosperity and Autonomy', will be followed up after each six months of the programme and a comprehensive report shared with implicated stakeholders.As the small agricultural projects begin to prosper, farmer contributions to a common fund will allow the initiation of community support projects (according to a system referenced in the book “Foundations for World Unity” ) for vulnerable members like orphans, elderly and the sick decided upon by the participating farmers.Adewale Oparinde, HarvestPlus, United States of AmericaProponentHarvestPlusTitle of case study: Building Public-Private Partnerships for Scaling Up Biofortified Vitamin A Maize (VAM) in AfricaDate/Timeframe and location2014 – 2017: Zambia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Tanzania and MalawiMain responsible entityHarvestPlusNutrition contextMicronutrient malnutrition, also known as ‘hidden hunger,’ affects more than 2 billion people globally. One in three people lack essential minerals and vitamins in their diets, impacting their health and productivity. HarvestPlus works with partners to tackle hidden hunger on a global scale through a promising strategy known as biofortification using conventional breeding (i.e. non-GM) to increase the vitamins and minerals in everyday food crops. Together we build sustainable healthy food systems and bridge the gap between agriculture and nutrition. Varieties of biofortified staples are bred for desirable agronomic properties and marketability that match or outperform conventional varieties.One of the biofortified staple crops released and disseminated to farm households and consumers in Africa is vitamin A maize (VAM), which is conventionally bred, and more nutritious than the conventional maize varieties. An efficacy study conducted in the Eastern Province of Zambia with children 5 to 7 years of age showed that after three months of consuming VAM, the children’s total body stores of vitamin A increased significantly [i].Another group working with the VAM showed that it improved children eyes’ adaptation to darkness and low light [ii].Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredThe maize food system is characterized by a complex supply chain and demand network comprising of seed producers, farmers, out-growers, seed companies, agro-dealers, food processors, wholesalers, retailers and consumers.Maize is the most important food staple in sub-Saharan Africa.It is particularly important in eastern and southern Africa, accounting for 54% of caloric intake in Malawi and 33% in Tanzania.In most countries, the vast majority of maize (>95%) is grown by smallholders under rain-fed conditions.Use of improved seed and fertilizer is not widespread. Many farmers reuse seeds from previous harvests.Milling industry consists of hundreds of small-scale mills serving rural areas and handful of large-scale mills serving urban consumers.The complex marketing channels are characterized by many small-scale undercapitalized traders; minimal storage capacity; few large trading enterprises with national/international operations and political sensitivity in maize prices.To reach scale and sustainability, efficiently functioning value chains and markets for biofortified VAM seeds and foods must be built with private sector participation. Thus, HarvestPlus focused investments in building a sustainable value chain for VAM in Africa by developing public-private partnerships (PPPs) to effectively reach millions of farmers and consumers.Key characteristics of the investment madeIn building PPPs, market-based approaches are adopted to build the VAM value chain by developing efficient seed production and distribution systems where farmers and consumers access VAM through established seed and grain marketing structures. The goal of this effort is to reduce vitamin A deficiency among target population in Africa.HarvestPlus began by piloting the approach in Zambia building market networks with seed companies such as SeedCo and Zamseed to facilitate seed production. This enables the development and strengthening of commercial markets for VAM.HarvestPlus continues to drive the development of new lines of VAM varieties that exhibit better agronomic and nutrition traits than earlier released varieties. While commercialization of hybrid seed is the responsibility of the private seed companies, HarvestPlus assumes an active role in maintaining seed quality, improving seed distribution systems and promotions to enhance access to farmer.The efforts include a range of investments in capacity building, partnerships and policy/regulatory changesIn addition, HarvestPlus led an advocacy effort to integrate VAM into the farm input subsidy program (FISP) on the supply side and food reserve agency procurement on the demand side. This provides an avenue to link the private seed companies with public programs as a strategy to establish PPPs for VAM seed and grain.To develop markets for VAM, HarvestPlus has initially supported the supply of seeds to agro-dealers at a subsidized price and contracted out-growers to procure VAM grain from farmers in three provinces. HarvestPlus led the effort to link maize buyers and processors to VAM grain suppliers while creating demand through public engagement on several media.HarvestPlus is now adapting approaches and learning from the Zambian pilot, for other countries.Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)Governmental institutions such as ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Education, and NISIR in ZambiaNGOs such as World Vision, ProfitPlus, Peace Corps, GIZ, SUNFund, NFNC, ZARICGIAR centers such as WorldFish, IITA, CIP, CIMMYTInternational organizations such as the World Food ProgramPrivate Seed Companies (ZamSeed, Seedco)Key changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sUp to 175,000 farming households growing and consuming VAM by the end of 2016 having planted 43,000ha with 650mt of seed.87,000mt of VAM worth $11.5 million produced for consumption and sale to improve nutrition and incomes.Advocacy: VAM has been included under the Zambian FISP and food reserve programs. Poor rural farmers in the program can access seed and fertilizer at 50% subsidized prices. 80mt of VAM seed was distributed by the program in 2016.HarvestPlus sponsors ‘crop meetings’ where local researchers compare experiences, and new developments across countries. Using local and regional staff and partners, HarvestPlus promotes south-south technical assistance, as VAM is now officially released in Nigeria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe, and demonstration plots have been established in Malawi. Other countries such as Ghana are independently testing, producing and officially releasing VAM.VAM is now being grown and consumed in vulnerable areas such as in the Boko Haram endemic and famine-affected region in the northeastern Nigeria. Women of childbearing age and children are target groups for VAM.Challenges facedHarvestPlus needed to provide financial incentives to de-risk initial seed production and miller engagement to support market entry for VAM.Market forces can be unpredictable, and create unanticipated value chain gaps.The regional crop release regulation can be challenging. For example, although SADIC has a regional seed harmonization law, this is not operationalized.Post-harvest losses and carotenoid degradation during storage but new packaging techniques to retain nutrients are being tested.Lessons/Key messagesRisk-sharing arrangements with any company that takes up VAM can be essential for success, but that an exit strategy should be established from the beginning to manageexpectations.Regardless of the involvement of the seed companies, building and maintaining a unique brand for VAM that clearly distinguishes it from the many varieties that exist on the market is key to successful delivery and scaling up strategies.Sustained engagement over several years can overcome market challenges presenting in a single year, for example relating to pricing or risk aversion.Regional crop release mechanisms are important to stimulate scaling efforts[i]. Gannon B, Kaliwile C, Arscott SA, Schmaelzle S, Chileshe J, Klungwana N, Mosonda M, Pixley K, Masi C, and SA Tanumihardjo Biofortified Orange Maize is as Efficacious as a Vitamin A Supplement in Zambian Children Even in the Presnece of High Liver Reserves of Vitamin A: A Community-based, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014; 100(6): 1541-1550.[ii] Palmer AC, Healy K, Barffour MA, Siamusantu W, Chileshe J, Schulze KJ, West KP Jr , Labrique AB. Provitamin A Carotenoid-Biofortified Maize Consumption Increases Pupillary Responsiveness among Zambian Children in a Randomized Controlled Trial. J Nutr, 2016; 146(12): 2551-2558.Taryn Barclay, Cargill, United States of AmericaDear FSN Forum,Please find enclosed two case study submissions from Cargill in response to the open call for examples and good practices on investments for healthy food systems.Thank you!TarynDirector, Corporate Responsibility and PartnershipsCargillHelping the world thriveProponentCargill and CARE – Nourishing the Future in Central AmericaDate/Timeframe and locationIn partnership with international humanitarian organization CARE, Cargill launched the Nutriendo el Futuro (Nourishing the Future) program in 2008. Nourishing the Future started in Honduras and expanded to reach 11 municipalities: three in Guatemala, three in Honduras and five in Nicaragua, over an eight year period until 2016. With the new phase until 2019 we will be working with 18 municipalities.Main responsible entityCargill and CARE - Cargill has been partnering with CARE, a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty, for more than 50 years to improve food and nutrition security by strengthening rural communities.Nutrition contextCargill and CARE have worked to improve nutrition and the livelihoods of communities in eight countries globally – including Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, since 2008. Called The Nourishing the Future program, the collaboration in Central America has included a strong focus on improving nutrition education and providing access to more diverse diets.In Central America, the partnership has reached more than 277,000 people, including assistance for 100,000 farmers and nutrition education for 130,000 children, parents and teachers.Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredDespite increased economic growth in the region, 13% of the population in Central America is malnourished and 48% of the population live below $1.25/day. Guatemala alone experiences 48% stunting and nearly 16% undernourishment.The collaboration focused on improving nutrition in rural agricultural communities where poverty and malnutrition are often most acute. Within the communities; schools, households and farms were targeted for specific interventions, including social and behavior change communication in schools, cooking demonstrations, community and school gardens, and training in healthy nutrition practices for school children, teachers and community leaders. Cargill also addressed the lack of infrastructure in many of the schools by building kitchens. This provides a clean, secure space for preparing the meals. Cargill also supplements the meals with protein products. Cargill also worked with local farmers to improve agricultural production through training in good agronomic practices across seven value chains, including maize, red beans, sorghum, green beans, blackberries and peas. The focus of these efforts was to increase productivity for farmers and provide access to markets to increase local food security and nutrition.Key characteristics of the investment madeCargill has invested more than $6 million in the Nourishing the Future program since it began in 2008. In 2016, Cargill renewed its global commitment to CARE for three years. The additional funding for Central America – more than $3 million – will continue the work in Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua and also expand to Costa Rica.Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)The Cargill-CARE Central America collaboration melds Cargill’s expertise in food and agriculture with CARE’s decades of success in community-led rural development, helping communities to take a leading role in identifying problems and developing sustainable solutions. This is public-private partnership that prioritizes community-led solutions. Local and central Government has taken the Nourishing the Future project to adapt actions into their own social development agendas. Cargill volunteers are strengthening the impact with school infrastructure such as Cargill Kitchens.Key changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sEarly results of the project demonstrated a positive impact on local nutrition and stronger regional food system. Households in Guatemala and Honduras more than doubled their incomes as a result of the project with incomes increasing by 22.5% in Nicaragua. Families in all three countries diversified their diets. The dietary diversity scores for all three countries went up 16 to 45 percent in the last three years. Analysis of the last years shows families in the program saw a decrease in the number of months they were food insecure. Guatemala families dropped from five months to two, a 60 percent improvement. Honduras and Nicaragua showed improvements of 19 percent and 13 percent, respectively. Larger companies that export products like green beans don’t work with small individual producers, and maneuvering the market to find a reliable middleman can be overwhelming. Nourishing the Future enabled 50 female producers to connect, form cooperatives and share the costs of connecting to larger buyers with their combined harvest. A recent CARE study, which looked at women’s empowerment among participants, saw big gains in all three countries. In Honduras, the empowerment index was up 21 percent. The index measures how empowered women feel to financially provide for their family and how much control they have at home to make purchasing decisions.Challenges facedWhile the partnership is seeing measurable success in raising incomes of families, improving nutrition and food security, challenges remain. One of the most acute challenges is the impact of climate change on local farmers. Farmers are increasingly facing drought, flooding and other challenges due to short- and long-term climate impacts. Moving forward, Cargill aims to create a more focused connection with its businesses and to set strong benchmarks on improving climate resilience. This resilience will help families adapt and stabilize incomes.Lessons/Key messagesFurther information can be found here: ---------ProponentCargillDate/Timeframe and location2004- present/BrazilMain responsible entityFunda??o Cargill (The Cargill Brazil Foundation)Nutrition contextProjeto de Gr?o em Gr?o (Grain by Grain project)One of the key pillars of The Cargill Foundation’s work in Brazil is to help improve access to safe, healthy, sustainable and affordable food for communities where Cargill operates in the country. In 2004, the Grain by Grain project was established to improve nutrition education and ensure access to fresh produce for schools.The Grain by Grain project provided education on concepts ranging from proper food hygiene, post-harvest handling of vegetables, and vegetable garden production techniques. Schools were provided with all the resources to establish vegetable gardens, including seeds, tools, compost. The harvested products were then used as part of the school lunch, making the meals more nutritious and tasty. Teachers and canteen staff also attended training courses on safe food practices and nutritional techniques. The project also incorporated food safety training for families. The project was initially developed in support of the National Zero Hunger Program in Brazil.Since 2004, the gardens were developed on school premises, but the learning from program was that this created additional requirements for the schools in terms of maintenance, staff time, and management of the gardens. Also many of the schools were in rural communities where there was existing agricultural production taking place. So in 2015 a strategic decision was taken to transition the supply of fresh produce from the schools to local small-scale family farms. This was also a way to strengthen the relationship of Cargill and the communities and create new markets for the local farmers. The Grain by Grain project started two pilot initiatives engaging small-scale family farms, in the Brazilian cities of Santarém and S?o José do Rio Pardo.The main idea was to train the farmers in more sustainable techniques and guide them to diversify their production. With a larger and better quality production they started to organize themselves in trading groups to sell to the community, including to public schools through the federal incentive programs and the national school food program.Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredThe project aimed to address two issues in the food system: 1) The lack of sufficient nutritious fresh foods for school meals, a key vehicle for improving dietary diversity and nutrition for children and young people; and 2) The lack of market access for local produce farmers.Key characteristics of the investment madeThe Cargill Foundation has contributed BRL 13.255.000 (over US$4 million) since the beginning of the project as well as providing technical expertise, employee volunteers, and creating new connections for schools, farmers and the final consumers.Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)This public-private partnership engages local and global experts including Cargill employees, schools, local government, teachers, canteen staff, parents, farmers and general consumers. It is however very locally owned and managed, with local producers and schools connecting to ensure the schools have a continuous supply of fresh produce for their feeding programs.Key changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sAs a result of the project, farmer participants on average have tripled their incomes while cutting pesticide use by 90 percent. On a typical year, for instance 2014, the project was present in 10 cities and 95 schools and benefited 41,000 students and 1,800 teachers.Listen to farmers talk about their success - facedWhile the program has seen measurable improvements in local nutrition and stronger food systems, there are still a number of challenges. The program has reduced the administrative burden for the schools but there is still a requirement to manage this initiative with the producers and school staff, which some schools are under-resourced to do. There are still schools that have their own gardens and have to invest in its maintenance and management.Increasing the adoption of the healthy meals is a challenge and therefore continued education on the nutritional value is ongoing. Productivity and incomes have increased for the local producers, but there are still further improvements to be made to increasing farmers’ knowledge of good agricultural practices and participation in the market. There is also further opportunity to have more producers connected to the federal incentive programs PAA (Food acquisition program) and PNAE (National School Food Program).The Cargill Foundation will continue to work through these challenges in collaboration with the farmers, schools and local authorities as the long term ambition is to expand the pilot to other communities where Grain by Grain is operating.Lessons/Key messagesThe project has resulted in several key insights that will help scale the impact and further strengthen the food system. This includes continued education on nutrition and diverse diets in order to both stimulate the demand for fresh produce in the community and to build increased adoption of healthy meals at the schools. Food and Nutrition Department, Ministry of Health, ChileProponentFood and Nutrition DepartmentDate/Timeframe and locationChileMain responsible entityMinistry of HealthNutrition contextIn the last decades, the nutrition situation in Chile has shifted with the prevention and control of prevalence of undernutrition and increase of overweight and obesity. Modern diets have been incorporated to daily diets and traditional foods have been replaced gradually. Currently, cardiovascular diseases are the first cause of death and one of the main morbidities among adults while risk factors for chronic diseases, such as sedentarism, inadequate diet (high calories, sugar, fat and sodium and low nutrients), tobacco and alcohol consumption, have also increased.The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Chile is:Obesity in children under 6 years old 11,4%Overweight in children under 6 years old 23,7%Obesity in adults over 15 years old 25%Overweight in adults over 15 years old 40%Key characteristics of the food system(s) consideredChile’s food system is undergoing structural changes (Transitional). As urbanisation increases, food commodities are increasingly sourced from complex supply and value chains driven by large retailers and processors. While productivity enhancement is still a priority, the government targets investments that shape the transformation of the food system. Chile has demonstrated the ability to invest in and implement strong supply side interventions as well as demand side interventions. Chile experienced a nutritional transition that contributed to currently 40% of adults and an increasing number of children and adolescents in the country present overweight or obesity.Annual sales per capita in 2013 of ultraprocessed foods in Chile were 201,9 kg, becoming the second market of these foods after Mexico in Latin-America and Caribbean region. ?59,8% growth of ultraprocessed foods in Chile from 2000 to 2013. ??Key characteristics of the investment madeThe national strategy includes an approach based in social health determinants and health in all policies in order to change food environments.Laws and regulations for food labeling:In 2012, the Chilean government approved a Law of Nutritional Composition of Food and Advertising (Ley 20.606). In June 2015, the Chilean authority approved the regulatory norms required for the law’s implementation (Diario Oficial No 41.193) which came into effect on 27 June 2016. The regulatory norms define progressive limits for calories (275 calories/100g or 70 calories/100ml), saturated fat (4g/100g or 3g/100ml), sugar (10g/100g or 5g/100ml) and sodium (400mg/100g or 100mg/100ml) content considered “high” in food and beverages. All food that presents addition of sugars, sodium or sat fatty acids and exceeds these limits must have a front-of-package black and white warning message inside a stop sign that reads “HIGH IN” followed by CALORIES, SATURATED FAT, CALORIES or SUGAR OR SODIUM, as well as “Ministry of Health”. A warning message will be added to products that exceeds the limit (eg a product high in fat and sugar will have two stop signs). The regulatory norms provide specifications for the size, font and placement of the warning message on products. The limits for calories, saturated fat, sugar and sodium will be implemented using an incremental approach, reaching the defined limits by 1 July 2018 (see "O – Offer healthy food and set standards in public institutions and other specific settings" and “R – Restrict food advertising and other forms of commercial promotion” for details of the law's school food and advertising restrictions).Taxation: Since October 2014, Chile applies 18% ad valorem tax to sugary drinks that contain more than 6,25g of sugar per 100ml. Sugary drinks with less than 6,25g of sugar per 100ml are taxed with 10%. Sugary drinks are defined as non-alcoholic drinks with added sweeteners and include energy drinks and waters.Agreements: In 2011 the Chilean government agreed a voluntary target with bakers to reduce salt content of bread to 400mg/100g. Today the average reduction reaches 480mg/100gProgrammes:Healthy Strategies, Municipalities, Communes and Communities: This strategy aims to install stable structural conditions over times that support the change of lifestyles through the development of healthy environments for the population. In this context, the challenge for governments is to bring about the behavioral change of society and individuals towards healthier lifestyles that will reduce the prevalence of these risk factors. In this area, policy-making at the territorial level considers the living conditions of people and communities, which must respond to the various realities, taking into account their culture, local history, resources, capacities and strengths of the people, as well as the Various forms of linkage characteristics of each community.healthy Life: this program contributes to reducing the incidence of risk factors for developing diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension through an intervention in eating habits and physical fitness for children, adolescents, adults and postpartum women.Key actors and stakeholders involved (including through south-south/triangular exchanges, if any)Chilean government: Ministry of Health, Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture, National Consumer Service, National Television Council, Chile University, parliament, National Institute of Food technology (INTA).Key changes (intended and unintended) as a result of the investment/sKey changes Law 20.606:Mandatory use of warning signs in food with addition that exceed the limits stablished by the Ministry of Health.Prohibition of sale in schools of foods that exceed the limits established by the Ministry of HealthProhibition of advertising of foods that exceed the limits established by the Ministry of Health*Six months after the entry into force of Law 20.606:Execution of more than 2,100 inspections, with a compliance of 64, 4%. In addition, the percentage of defaults tended to decrease over timeBroad compliance in television advertising, finding only 2 pieces with suspected breaches since the entry into forceThe food industry, through SOFOFA, reported a 18% reformulation of its products.The perception of Chileans is positive regarding the measures implemented by the regulation, declaring between 74.4% and 92.4% of cases as "good" or "very good" each of the regulations.Challenges facedModern lifestyle, difficulties to organize time to cook at home.Difficult to address adult population with health messagesCoordination with different sectorsThe social value given to sugary drinks and “high in” snacksThe role and interests of the food industryTechnical difficulties associated to the inspection of advertisement in internet and cable tv.Lessons/Key messagesThe need to understand food patterns as a social habit, modeled by social determinantsIntegrated work between ministries and other sectors to change laws and benefit healthThe change of food environments as a key goal for? public health ................
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