News Overview

BY ZHE GUO, WAHID QUABILI, LIANGZHI YOU AND DEREK HEADEY Research on the linkages between agriculture, nutrition, and health is hugely hindered by a lack of data: Health and nutrition surveys generally contain little information on agriculture, and agricultural surveys little information on health or nutrition. Yet we know that there are hugely important connections between these different domains, as

In a just-published op-ed, Martin Kropff, Director General, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and Nteranya Sanginga, Director General, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), talk about CGIAR centers’ investment on long-term breeding to increase genetic gains in an important food crop like maize using many new tools and technologies. In the op-ed, Kropff and Sanginga make the case

A well-designed strategy currently being implemented to develop pearl millet lines that are both high-yielding and high in iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) was appreciated by donors and partners at a virtual review meeting attended by the leadership of HarvestPlus. Strategic studies ongoing at ICRISAT identified potential high-yielding lines that had Fe ranging from 44 to 72 ppm and Zn from

Major food policy changes are underway in Kenya that could mean that sorghum and millets finally get to give maize a run for its money. Starting in 2018, the Kenyan government has signalled its intent to implement a national flour blending initiative to increase the demand for under-utilized high value foods including sorghum, finger millet, pearl millet, cassava, sweet potato

Inland fisheries are critical to supplying children with the nutritious, diverse diets required for cognitive development in rural sub-Saharan households, a new WorldFish research publication revealed.  The study determined fish was the primary animal-source food in the diets of infants and young children in Malawi and Zambia, and proximity to inland fisheries increased aquatic food consumption. The research showed that children rarely consumed other animal flesh foods

Over 190 countries made a formal commitment to sustainable and inclusive aquatic food systems at the 34th session of FAO’s Committee on Fisheries (COFI34). The move underscores the critical role of aquatic foods to achieve the 2030 sustainable development agenda and transform global food systems for healthy people and planet, a global concern that will be discussed at the UN

A new children’s TV series promoting fish-based nutrition, gender equality, and women’s involvement in aquaculture has reached almost 600,000 people in Bangladesh. Mecho Tota Gecho Bhoot is a 26-episode series that shares positive messages targeting children—newborn to 14 years old—and their parents and caregivers, to drive behavior change… Read the rest

The significance of aquatic foods for human nutrition, health, and livelihoods is increasingly recognized by and for people around the world, especially in low- and middle-income countries. However, aquatic food systems, including fisheries and aquaculture, do not equally benefit people who are engaged in and rely on it. This topic focuses on the Gender and the Political Economy of Fish