Overview
This project aimed to reduce childhood undernutrition by helping women to improve poultry and crop integration and efficiency
Agricultural production has increased over the past two decades, but malnutrition rates in children have not diminished significantly in many developing countries. Nutritional insecurity can result in chronic undernutrition, which affects health, physical and cognitive development capacity in children, and productivity in adulthood.
Food security is crucial in Tanzania and Zambia where 42% and 45% of children under five years of age are undernourished. Sustainably addressing the nutrition component of food security in Tanzania and Zambia is critical.
Agricultural research has not reduced childhood nutrition, partly because of poor project design. Projects did not address whole value chains and policy issues.
Resources that women control are more likely to be used to educate and feed children. Improving women's production of family poultry and crops should improve children's overall nutritional status and health.