NSA Primer - Series 2 Core concepts and principles of Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture for Cambodia 2 NUTRITION-SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context NUTRITIO- SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context 3 Nutritional status is an important concept to validate human well-being. Though it is seemingly simple, it is a complex area and is influenced by many factors. The issue of malnutrition is linked to the limited quantity and quality of food, which is induced by the lack of diversity in both food production and consumption. It is also related with unavailability and inaccessibility to information and markets, as well as socioeconomic factors. This primer has relied primarily on Literature and Data Source Synthesis Report. Work Package 2: Nutrition-sensitive deltaic agri-food systems. Securing the Food Systems of Asian Mega-Deltas for Climate and Livelihood Resilience (AMD). 4 NUTRITION-SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context To reduce malnutrition, interventions should deal with the underlying causes, requiring both long-term and short-term strategies. NUTRITIO- SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context 5 To be nutrition- sensitive is to recognize the significance of food and nutrition security; adequacy in caregiving resources; and accessibility to health services and a safe and hygienic environment (Wesley, 2016). 6 NUTRITION-SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context Nutrition-related issues need to be embedded in the planning, implementation and evaluation of any development work. Looking at strategies through a ‘nutrition lens’ is a step towards creating nutrition- sensitive food systems. NUTRITIO- SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context 7 Among the multiple sectors that can be platforms for nutrition- sensitive programming, agriculture is important given its connection to food production and utilization, and its vital role in the livelihood of communities. The sector often employs the poorest and vulnerable of households (Chetail, Bergman, Mottram, 2015). 8 NUTRITION-SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture (NSA) is a food-based approach to agricultural development that seeks to ensure the production to processing of a variety of affordable, nutritious, culturally appropriate, and safe foods. These need to be sustainably produced in adequate quantity and quality, to meet the dietary requirements of populations. NUTRITIO- SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context 9 NSA promotes integrated farming systems that improves availability of a greater diversity of plant and animal-based foods ensuring year-round access to nutritious diets (FAO, 2018). 10 NUTRITION-SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context Furthermore, it enables the local food system to deliver positive nutritional outcomes through increasing production of diverse, nutritious and affordable foods making more food available and accessible improving both the health and economic status of the community (Cho, 2017). NUTRITIO- SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context 11 This involves all actors in the food system and their interlinked value- adding activities from production, processing, distribution, consumption, and disposal of food products from agriculture, forestry or fisheries, including the economic, societal and natural environments in which they operate. 12 NUTRITION-SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context Promoting nutrition-sensitive approach requires development of food systems. Countries within the Asian-Mega Delta (AMD), specifically Cambodia, have been prioritized since the problem of food insecurity and low food dietary diversity has prevailed (Mcdonald, et al., 2015). NUTRITIO- SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context 13 To address these needs for diversified food systems, a wide range of approaches can be used: homestead food production, market access and linkages for smallholders, child nutrition initiatives and education, nutrition education and food safety, support for mothers and caregivers, women’s empowerment and education, sustainable fisheries, preservation, and storage and processing. 14 NUTRITION-SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context Collaboration between agriculture and health and other areas should be explored as part of the NSA programming. NUTRITIO- SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context 15 Sometimes populations that are hard to reach with fortification may benefit from the additional welfare- promoting benefits like improved food security and household income. 16 NUTRITION-SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context Studies have shown that there is a positive association between off-farm sources of income and household diet diversity. Off- farm incomes help households purchase diverse foods from the market. NUTRITIO- SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context 17 Programs that promote food production and diversification are positively associated with low prevalence of health issues among children. This includes improvements in consumption of micronutrient- rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, as well as incorporating livestock-sourced foods. 18 NUTRITION-SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context The consumption of animal-sourced foods is related with reduced risk of both stunting and underweight. This establishes animal source foods to be good sources of nutrients that are required for growth and an improved immune system. NUTRITIO- SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context 19 Accessibility is determined by intrahousehold resource allocation and care for the individual, both depend on the household’s decision making skills, gender roles, education and knowledge, available time, and cultural and social customs. 20 NUTRITION-SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context Increased decision power of women often results in higher diversity of food purchased by households. This also applies in the agriculture- nutrition relationship as increasing women’s agricultural productivity, processing and marketing skills are emphasized to have generally led to improved nutritional status. NUTRITIO- SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context 21 It is important to design and develop strategies that empower women in terms of household food decision-making and engagement in various points in the food system (from production to postharvest to value addition). 22 NUTRITION-SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context Proper shelter, clean drinking water, hygienic sanitation, and access to basic health care such as disease treatment, vaccination, and mother and child care programs all affect people’s nutrition indirectly, through their links with health. NUTRITIO- SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context 23 It is also worth noting the effect of food cost to ensuring food and nutrition security in the community. In poor developing countries, who are usually net food buyers and who spend significantly more than half their income on food, food prices are key factor for food security. High food prices limit the purchasing power of poor households resulting to inadequate consumption of food which provides inadequate nutrients which give rise to different malnutrition issues. 24 NUTRITION-SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context Mothers who are working in agricultural, service or manual occupations mostly have stunted children. This is probably due to their workload in the agricultural sector that may compromise on their responsibility of taking care of their childrens’ nutrition needs. NUTRITIO- SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context 25 Food contamination along the chain has surfaced as a problem as it leads to food-borne diseases. It is important to identify the stage in the chain where most contamination occurs. 26 NUTRITION-SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context Food safety approaches include establishing a risk-based surveillance system (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) that describe pathogen entry and transmission pathways. NUTRITIO- SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context 27 Development of the food system may need a shift to an agroecological way of operating, which was known to be an effective approach in achieving sustainability and better nutrition outcomes. 28 NUTRITION-SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context Nutrition education has been a consistent part of nutrition projects in Cambodia. Being able to build the basic knowledge in terms of food preparation and consumption, diet diversity, food availability and accessibility, provides a better foundation for developing a healthier household and community. NUTRITIO- SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context 29 Conclusion l Projects and studies that portray the intertwining relationship between nutrition and agriculture already exist in Cambodia. Nutrition outcomes are realized when agricultural interventions are designed through a nutrition lens (which addresses local food, care and health determinants of malnutrition). 30 NUTRITION-SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context l Aside from having nutrition- sensitive approaches to increase project effectiveness, it is also important to improve project design and planning to be able to achieve its goals sustainably. This may include proper needs assessment, strategic targeting and capacity development. NUTRITIO- SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context 31 l Project evaluation should include appropriate indicators that monitor and capture impact on food and nutrition security. 32 NUTRITION-SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context l Nutrition-sensitive agriculture and food systems can pave the way in addressing various nutrition-related issues. NUTRITIO- SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context 33 l Shifting to an agroecological way of food system operation (may need improvements in every stage of the food chain) is needed to be able to promote sustainability in solutions. 34 NUTRITION-SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context l Institutionalizing the concept of nutrition and agriculture, with evidence-based policy integration (through research and development) may be necessary, and these requires proper planning and design, strong collaboration across different sectors (founded on government intercedence), and effective extension system. NUTRITIO- SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context 35 Main reference: This primer has relied primarily on Literature and Data Source Synthesis Report. Work Package 2: Nutrition-sensitive deltaic agri-food systems. Securing the Food Systems of Asian Mega-Deltas for Climate and Livelihood Resilience (AMD). 36 NUTRITION-SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context Other references Bergman, C., & Mottram, A. (2015). Nutrition-sensitive agriculture programming. A nutrition-sensitive approach for market-based agricultural projects. www.fsnnetwork.org/sites/default/files/mercy_corps_nutrition- sensitive_agriculture_approach_1.pdf Cho, K. M. (2017). Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture : Linking Agriculture , Food Systems and Nutrition Elements of an Innovative Extension System. 1–27. McDonald, C. M., McLean, J., Kroeun, H., Talukder, A., Lynd, L. D., & Green, T. J. (2015). Correlates of household food insecurity and low dietary diversity in rural Cambodia. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 24(4), 720–730. https://doi.org/10.6133/apjcn.2015.24.4.14 Nations, F. and A. O. of the U. (2018). 10 Common Themes for Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture In Cambodia. Wesley, A. S. (2016). Role of Research in Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture for Food Security in Asia and the Pacific. Palawija: Centre for Allevaition of Poverty through Sustainable Agriculture (CAPSA), 33(1), 1–12. NUTRITIO- SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context 37 The right to food is legally binding right, guaranteed in the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. It is realized when everyone has physical and economic access at all times to adequate food or means for its procurement, as established in General Comment 12, Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (CESCR). (Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition, FAO, Rome) 38 NUTRITION-SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context Governments have legal obligations to ensure the right to food, while everyone is entitled to enjoy it as a universal right, without descrimination. Moreover, all of us, individuals or collectives, including government officials, lawmakers, local communities, non-governmental organizations, academics, consumer organizations, youth groups, Indigenous Peoples, small holders, women’s organizations as well as the private sector are crucial actors in the realization of the right to adequate food. (Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition, FAO, Rome) NUTRITIO- SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context 39 About IIRR The International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to advancing rural development. Through community- led approaches and collaborative partnerships. IIRR generates evidence-based knowledge, fostering learning communities and promoting scalability. Its core focus lies in five thematic programs covering education, livelihoods, environment, food security and nutrition, and health, contributing to the improvement of community lives. As an operational research and training institution, IIRR is registered in the United States of America, headquartered in Silang, Cavite, Philippines. Operating across eastern Africa and Southeast Asia, IIRR maintains dedicated teams in Ethiopia, Uganda, South Sudan, Kenya, Zimbabwe, the Philippines, and Cambodia, emphasizing its commitment to positively impacting rural development and community well-being. For more information, please visit: https://www.iirr.org. About The Alliance of Biodiversity International and CIAT The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people in a climate crisis. The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future. https://alliancebioversityciat.org www.cgiar.org 40 NUTRITION-SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE: Some core concepts for a Cambodia context Authors: Sophea Chuon Emilita Monville Oro Diana Jean A. Umali Thy Or Julian Gonsalves Deborah Nabuuma Huong Pham Thanh Duong Tuyen Huynh Credits: Conceptualization, design, and development: Julian Gonsalves Dulce Dominguez Photos: IIRR - Cambodia Design/layout: Celso Amutan #16, St. 440, Sangkat Boeung Trabek, Khan Chamkamorn, Phnom Penh Mobile no.: (855) 12-985-272 E-mail: cambodia@iirr.org Contributors: Heifer International Cambodia Dr. Nhem Sareth, Country Director Mr. Rithy Chum, Association Director of Programs Mr. Vatola Sok, MELS Manager WorldFish Mrs. Phichong Ou, Project Manager Ms. Phay Sokcheng, Survey Specialist Helen Keller International Mr. Kroeun Hou, Country Director Mr. Sokha Sours, Program Manager Agrisud International au Cambodge Mr. Pichet SENG, Agrisud Representative in Cambodia / Project manager Life with Dignity (LWD) Mr. SUON Sopheap, Executive Director Ms. HEANG Veasna, Programme Manager