Foro Global sobre Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición (Foro FSN)

Food systems for better nutrition

Malnutrition in all its forms – undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overweight and obesity – imposes unacceptably high economic and social costs on countries at all income levels. Improving nutrition and reducing these costs requires a multisectoral approach that begins with food and agriculture and includes complementary interventions in public health and education. The traditional role of agriculture in producing food and generating income is fundamental, but the entire food system – from inputs and production, through processing, storage, transport and retailing, to consumption – can contribute much more to the eradication of malnutrition.

Agricultural policies and research must continue to support productivity growth for staple foods while paying greater attention to nutrient-dense foods and more sustainable production systems. Traditional and modern supply chains can enhance the availability of a variety of nutritious foods and reduce nutrient waste and losses. Governments, international organizations, the private sector and civil society can help consumers choose healthier diets, reduce waste and contribute to more sustainable use of resources by providing clear, accurate information and ensuring access to diverse and nutritious foods.

1. Background – what was the drive behind the new development
2. Description of how the new development works and how it is changing real lives
3. Hurdles and challenges that were overcome
4. Comments and experiences of ‘developers’ and users
5. Limitations/constraints/future challenges
6. Responses from relevant/significant bodies (e.g. partner organizations)
7. What next in terms of development? What lessons have been learnt/can be transferred elsewhere?

Wageningen UR-Centre for Development Innovation is organising a new course on Linking Emergency Aid to Food and Nutrition Security. The course offers participants a chance to gain insight in the inter-disciplinary and integrated nature of food and nutrition security in an emergency setting, in particular the role of stakeholders, institutions, and innovative governance/donor interventions to build resilience. In addition, it stimulates participants to consider their own role as manager, policy maker or practitioner, making use of a wide range of principles and tools, to strengthen their interventions to make the transition from emergency towards food and nutrition security.

U.S. leadership in the global movement to scale up nutrition has led to increased investments in U.S. health, food security, and nutrition programs.

We need to assess nutrition resources available to U.S. Government agencies, to implementing partners, and to country governments and civil society.  Do they have sufficient technical capacity in nutrition to “scale up” programs? How well-equipped is the U.S. government to support country-led efforts and help sustain their momentum and progress?  How can we further build our capacity?

An approach to nutrition that crosses government departments, bureaus, and offices will help strengthen U.S. programs and use our nutrition dollars as effectively as possible. Strengthened leadership and capacity helps ensure better coodination and accountability for results. Harmonized program strategy, budgets, guidance on implementation, and implementation on the ground will maximize the impact of our work on the critical problem of global malnutrition.

Speakers:

Robert Clay, Deputy Administrator, Global Health Bureau, USAID

Karin Lapping, Senior Director-Nutrition, Save the Children US

Leslie Elder, Senior Nutrition Specialist, Human Development Network, the World Bank

Moderated by:

George Ingram, Co-chair, Modernizing Foreign Assistance Network

Monday, November 5, 2012

12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

(lunch provided)

Bread for the World Institute

425 3rd Street SW, Suite 1200 (12th floor)

Washington, DC 20024

Metro: Federal Center (Blue/Orange lines)

Please RSVP to: [email protected]

The University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany is organising the International Congress on Hidden Hunger, March 6-9, 2013.

The Congress has three objectives:

1.) To create awareness of the global problem Hidden Hunger.

2.) To get scientific issues on the agenda of policy makers, academicians, politicians and industry.

3.) To discuss solutions to address the worldwide micronutrient deficiencies.

Scientists from different areas, field workers, members of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and representatives from administration, management and policy will be invited to discuss the different topics for four days at the University of Hohenheim located in Stuttgart-Plieningen, Germany.

Attention will be given to Africa and Asia as well as North America and Europe. Hidden Hunger is an increasing problem even in the developed countries, whose potential negative consequences on long-term health are often overlooked and underestimated.

To find out more: https://hiddenhunger.uni-hohenheim.de/91386