Biodiversity, Dietary Diversity and Quality Emile Frisson, Director General, Bioversity International Food Security in Africa – Bridging Research and Practice Sydney, Australia 29 – 30 November 2012

Context

The Current Situation million undernourished and 2 billion micronutrient deficiencies billion adults overweight and childhood obesity rising - Of the 50,000 edible plants only a few hundred significantly contribute to food supplies - 3 (Maize, Rice and Wheat) provide 60% of world’s food energy intake

Necessary Actions Innovative strategies for sustainable and resilient food systems, emphasizing biodiversity Rethink how food is produced, stored, processed, distributed, marketed and consumed Some Key Issues are: - Focus on productivity increases of staples - Dietary Transition - Value Chain and Food System Approach - Habitat loss, resource depletion, population, climate change

Nutrition, Biodiversity & Agricultural Interventions

Food security - Breastfeeding - Complementary feeding - Vitamin A supplementation - Zinc, Iron, Folate supplementation - Hygiene - Breastfeeding - Complementary feeding - Vitamin A supplementation - Zinc, Iron, Folate supplementation - Hygiene INSTITUTIONS POLITICAL & IDEOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK ECONOMIC STRUCTURE RESOURCES ENVIRONMENT, TECHNOLOGY, PEOPLE RESOURCES ENVIRONMENT, TECHNOLOGY, PEOPLE Food/nutrient intake Health Health, Water/ Sanitation Services Health, Water/ Sanitation Services Interventions -Agricultural intensification -- Biodiversity - Poverty reduction - Income generation - Education - Health systems strengthening - Womens’ empowerment -Agricultural intensification -- Biodiversity - Poverty reduction - Income generation - Education - Health systems strengthening - Womens’ empowerment Care Resource s Household Food Access Adapted from Ruel (2008) & UNICEF (1990) Nutritional Status Care Resources 6

Agricultural biodiversity and nutrition - pathways

8 Sustainable Diets and Food Systems Staple food production essential for macronutrients but must be….. Complemented with foods that provide essential nutrients, livelihoods and ecosystem services Recognizing agricultural biodiversity decreases risk (diversification) and increases resilience while avoiding natural capital depletion 1 2 3

9 Where does agricultural biodiversity fit? We know it is critical as: a safety net against hunger a basis to strengthen local food systems and environmental sustainability a rich source of nutrients for improved diet diversity and quality

The Economist Feeding the World – Africa Conference Johannesburg November 2012

11 The Economist Feeding the World – Africa Conference The crucial role of women Importance of investment in research Innovative public/private partnerships Greater focus on and use of the diversity of African crops 5 Food and NUTRITION security 4

12 Re-introducing green leafy vegetables in Kenya

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