Agroecological pathways to healthy diets
This research on "Agroecological Pathways to Healthy Diets" was carried out as part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing food system resilience and nutrition in Vihiga County, Kenya. The project, implemented by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, investigates how agroecological practices influence dietary diversity among local communities.
Using the Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE) and the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) indicator, the study assessed farm-level practices and nutritional outcomes. Findings revealed that farms engaged in agroecological interventions outperformed control farms in key agroecology elements. However, despite higher scores in the agroecological transition categories, no significant direct correlation between agroecology and dietary diversity was observed.
These results suggest that while agroecological practices show potential for supporting healthier diets, the transition process remains in its early stages. The study highlights the need for sustained efforts through policies and targeted interventions to strengthen the impact of agroecological approaches on nutrition and food security.
