Dhananjaya Poudyal
Independent Consultant Food and Nutrition
Nepal.
Q. 1 Does the draft adequately explain the principal components of a sustainable food systems approach (section 2.1.) and put the latter in relation to the approaches discussed in section 3.1.?
- Yes, I think so. It has been explained the key areas of a sustainable food systems approaches clearly. Accordingly the approaches are discussed in 3.1 too. However, I have a small remark regarding the public health approaches in 3.1.4. It has focused on safety and qualitative foods with nutritional profile too. Food intake gives nutrients to the body which ultimately supports in health status. In this regard, I would like to suggest changing the “public health approaches” as “health and nutrition approaches”.
Q. 2. Are the key concepts in relation to sustainable food systems in section 2.2. well defined and described, including their importance for this publication?
- In my opinion it has been well defined of the key concepts in relation to food systems and described in details. It is enough for the publication of the document. But I want to take an opportunity to mention here at this moment that Nepalese diet is also one of the complete (well balanced) and hygienic diet from the point of nutrition. It has been included all the macro as well as micro nutrients in the diet. Accordingly, new visitors from abroad prefer to have the Nepalese diet because of composition of the food as well as of taste.
Q.3 Is the list of terms in chapter 4 complete, are any important terms missing (if yes, please submit together with the respective definitions) or do you think certain terms may be redundant?
- It seems to be completed now the list of the terms in chapter 4. But it can be required more as per the needs of the individuals in time factor. Now I would like to suggest you to incorporate the definition of nutrients missing in the document. I don’t think that the terms are unnecessary rather may be less important.
Regarding the definition of the terms missing in your document I have mentioned as follows:
Definition of Nutrition: As defined by the Food and Nutrition Council (of the American Medical Association), “nutrition is the science of food, the nutrients and other substances therein, their action, interaction and balance in relation to health and disease, and the processes by which the organism ingests, digests, absorbs, transports, utilizes, and excretes food substances.” - Nutrition and Diet Therapy Dictionary, Third Edition, Virginia S. Claudia, & Rosalinda T. Lagua, Published by Merriam & Webster Inc. Manila Philippines. 1991.
Definition of Nutrient: “Any chemical substance needed by the body for one or more following functions: to provide heat or energy, to build and repair tissues, and to regulate life processes.” Although nutrients are found chiefly in foods, some can be synthesized in the laboratory (e.g. Vitamins) or in the body (biosynthesis).” - Nutrition and Diet Therapy Dictionary, Third Edition, Virginia S. Claudia, & Rosalinda T. Lagua, Published by Merriam & Webster Inc. Manila Philippines. 1991.
Finally, this is really a very good document which is useful not only in agriculture or food system but it keeps its relevancy for other sectors of development too starting from the pathway of agriculture. Virtually it could be referred as a reference document for anybody like student, teacher, researcher, planner, development worker and also for the farmers. I am very much impressed with the document.
Thank you.
Mr. Dhananjaya Poudyal