India

Strengthening nutrition-sensitive agriculture and food systems in India by piloting and rolling out the FAO `ENACT` course on nutrition education to academic institutions

Project's full title Strengthening nutrition-sensitive agriculture and food systems in India by piloting and rolling out the FAO `ENACT` course on nutrition education to academic institutions
Country India
Start date 01/02/2024
End date 31/08/2025
Status Ongoing
Project Code TCP/IND/4001
Objective / Goal

Objectives: To provide technical assistance to strengthen capacities of professionals in government, development partners and training institutions to promote, build capacities for, and implement nutrition-sensitive food systems and agriculture policies and interventions that integrate effective nutrition education strategies in India

Description: India, with its vast agricultural resources and diverse food culture, faces significant challenges related to nutrition and food security. Malnutrition and undernourishment remain a critical issue, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children, women, and marginalized communities. Nutrition education is an essential component of nutrition-sensitive food and agriculture strategies, as it develops people's capacities to make the best possible use of their available resources for a healthy diet. However, there is a paucity of well-trained nutrition educators in India who can systematically plan and execute sound nutrition education programs at the community level.

This technical cooperation project addresses these challenges by piloting and rolling out the FAO ENACT course on nutrition education to academic institutions in India. The ENACT course was developed by FAO to promote long-term improvements in diet through an active hands-on approach, with attention to social and environmental contexts. By adapting and using the ENACT course materials, this project develops a critical mass of trained human resources in nutrition-sensitive agriculture, healthy diets and agrifood systems in India. This trained workforce is well equipped to integrate effective nutrition education into national plans and programmes to influence consumer awareness, foster healthier food choices and behaviours, and tackle malnutrition in the country, including the promotion of nutrition-sensitive agriculture.

FAO Regular Programme Budget

Expected Outputs:

  • ENACT course adapted and piloted for use in India
  • Indian ENACT course integrated into curricula of piloting universities and academic institutions and rolled out to other institutions
  • Monitoring mechanisms developed and established for effective implementation of the Indian ENACT course by universities and academic institutions