Biodiversity, Dietary Diversity and QualityEmile Frisson, Director General, Bioversity InternationalFood Security in Africa – Bridging Research and PracticeSydney, Australia 29 – 30 November 2012

Context

The Current Situation

- 870 million undernourished and 2 billion micronutrient deficiencies

- 1.4 billion adults overweight and childhood obesity rising

- Of the 50,000 edible plants only a few hundred significantly contribute to food supplies

- 3 (Maize, Rice and Wheat) provide 60% of world’s food energy intake

Necessary Actions

Innovative strategies for sustainable and resilient food systems, emphasizing biodiversity

Rethink how food is produced, stored, processed, distributed, marketed and consumed

Some Key Issues are:

- Focus on productivity increases of staples

- Dietary Transition

- Value Chain and Food System Approach

- Habitat loss, resource depletion, population, climate change

Nutrition, Biodiversity & Agricultural Interventions

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Food security

- Breastfeeding- Complementary feeding - Vitamin A supplementation- Zinc, Iron, Folate supplementation- Hygiene

INSTITUTIONS

POLITICAL & IDEOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK

ECONOMIC STRUCTURE

RESOURCESENVIRONMENT, TECHNOLOGY,

PEOPLE

Food/nutrientintake

Health

Health,Water/

Sanitation Services

Interventions

Immediate causes

Underlying causes at

household/family level

Basic causes at societal

level

SHORT

ROUTES

LONG ROUTES

-Agricultural intensification-- Biodiversity- Poverty reduction- Income generation- Education- Health systems strengthening- Womens’ empowerment

Care Resource

s

Household Food

Access

Adapted from Ruel (2008) & UNICEF (1990)

Nutritional Status

Care Resources

Agricultural biodiversity and nutrition - pathways

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Sustainable Diets and Food Systems

Staple food production essential for macronutrients but must be…..

Complemented with foods that provide essential nutrients, livelihoods and ecosystem services

Recognizing agricultural biodiversity decreases risk (diversification) and increases resilience while avoiding natural capital depletion

1

2

3

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Where does agricultural biodiversity fit?

We know it is critical as:• a safety net against hunger• a basis to strengthen local food

systems and environmental sustainability

• a rich source of nutrients for improved diet diversity and quality

The EconomistFeeding the World – Africa ConferenceJohannesburg15-16 November 2012

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The EconomistFeeding the World – Africa Conference

The crucial role of women

Importance of investment in research

Innovative public/private partnerships

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2

3

Greater focus on and use of the diversity of African crops5

Food and NUTRITION security4

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Re-introducing green leafy vegetables in Kenya

Thank you

For more info:www.bioversityinternational.org