On question 3, linking evidence from research to bring about desired change in policy is a challenge, but what is most needed for impact at scale. This calls for a process of continuous engagement with policy makers at multiple levels, keeping them informed, producing briefs that convey the evidence from research in simple, understandable terms sans technical jargon, targeting specific policies where feasible, clarity on costs and time required where possible, keeping an eye on every available opportunity to reach out and inform, and active use of social media.
The process is more impactful when the practitioners themselves become the spokespersons for what is being recommended. For instance, under the Farming System for Nutrition Study of LANSA, farm men and women in India are now sharing their experiences of imbibing and practising a farming system approach for bettering nutrition outcomes (e.g. see http://lansasouthasia.org/content/%E2%80%9Ci-wish-teach-others-line-sow…; http://lansasouthasia.org/search/node/Block%20level;).
To move to the next level of uptake, the FSN approach requires policy support for nutrient-dense crops in terms of input access, prices, and development of the value chain. The evidence provided by numbers, backed by voices of the practitioners, the stories of change are all elements that add up to provide thrust to the effort.
Bhavani
India
Dr. Bhavani R Vaidyanathan