Agriculture, Nutrition and Health

The course

Agriculture, a supplier of food and nutrients, a source of income, and an engine of growth, is linked to food security, nutrition security and health outcomes. Global food production has been successful in keeping pace with population growth, yet food insecurity and undernutrition remain widespread. At the other extreme, excess dietary consumption is leading to global epidemics of overweight, obesity and chronic disease resulting in rapidly rising burdens of disability and death affecting all regions worldwide. The State of Food and Agriculture report published by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation in 2013 suggests that the agricultural and food systems must now play an increased role in promoting more nutritious and sustainable diets for populations all over the world. At the same time there is increasing emphasis on bringing together research and development professionals across the agriculture, nutrition and health sectors and to more fully integrate their practices, interventions and policies.

This module explores the multi-sectoral links between agriculture, nutrition and health and consider how these interactions might be used to promote pro-poor agricultural development, reduce food and nutrition insecurity and improve the health of the poor.