Is healthy nutrition a viral trend or an intrinsic necessity for a healthy nation and sustainable economic growth? An alarmingly high number of children suffer the consequences of poor diets and a food system that does not meet their needs. As a consequence, nations suffer from a less productive workforce which hinders economic growth and contributes to social inequalities. Billions of people around the world are malnourished because their food lacks essential nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. How important is healthy nutrition for sustainable economic development in low-income countries? This food for thought has been ‘tasted’ by several experts in the article below.
Key Takeaways:
- Statistics show that worldwide, almost 820 million people do not eat sufficient calories, and approximately 2 billion do not consume enough vitamins and minerals.
- According to experts, good and balanced nutrition is vital for the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, contributing to his/her holistic development in terms of immunity, skills and wellbeing.
- Malnutrition is directly linked to poor educational performance and decreased adult productivity, which affect the economic development of a country.
- Effective nutrition supply chain management is essential for those most affected by malnutrition, leading to sustainable economic development.
DevelopmentAid: How does improving nutrition contribute to sustainable economic development in low-income countries?
“Good nutrition is the key to better health and longevity. Without proper nutrition, a person can suffer from frequent illnesses that are preventable, such as the common cold. This is particularly important during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life. For the immune system to develop fully, a child should follow a healthy diet. The mother also needs to remain healthy by eating proper food during pregnancy and postpartum. All cultures across the world possess traditional foods that contain the main nutrients of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals and fat. When families receive proper nutrition and have a healthy diet, the adults in the family can benefit by gaining employment and economic opportunities. Hence, good nutrition, combined with education and sustainable economic opportunities, can ultimately break the cycle of poverty.”
“Malnutrition persists globally, manifesting as stunted growth in millions of children. Progress in addressing this issue remains slow, primarily due to diets lacking sufficient calories (macronutrients), or essential vitamins and minerals (micronutrients) required for proper development. The first 1,000 days of life, from birth to the age of two, represent a critical window of opportunity for significant nutrition, health, and economic gains. Stunting, caused by poor nutrition and frequent infections during this critical period, has far-reaching consequences. The World Health Organization links stunting to poor cognition, reduced educational performance, and decreased adult wages, ultimately hampering economic productivity. My research in 2014 underscored the vital role of nutrition in sustainable economic development, particularly in low-income countries. Our study revealed a positive relationship between nutrition and economic growth, with an estimated income elasticity of nutritional intake of 0.15. We observed a bi-directional causality, with a stronger effect running from nutrition to economic growth. The economic cost of inaction is staggering. Nutrition International’s 2024 report shows annual losses of $115 billion in sub-Saharan Africa (5.8% of total income), $116 billion in South Asia (2.7%), and $55 billion in Latin America (0.9%). Investing in multi-sectoral nutrition interventions (MNI) offers a significant opportunity to boost sustainable economic development. During my previous work experience, I witnessed Tanzania’s success story, achieving a 7.5% decrease in stunting between 2012 and 2020, demonstrating the potential of MNI.”
“Improving nutrition is a fundamental measure to ensure sustainable economic development in low-income countries. Good nutrition enhances physical and cognitive development, leading to a more productive workforce that is healthier and more efficient. This increased productivity drives economic growth, while better nutrition also reduces healthcare costs by preventing nutrition-related diseases, freeing up resources for other development needs. Moreover, proper nutrition, particularly in early childhood, supports brain development, leading to improved educational outcomes. This, in turn, equips individuals to contribute more effectively to the economy. Additionally, improving nutrition helps to break the cycle of poverty, enabling individuals to pursue better economic opportunities and improve their standard of living. It also supports local agriculture and food security, which are critical to the economy in these regions. Thus, improving nutrition is not only a health priority but also a powerful driver of economic development and sustainable growth.”
DevelopmentAid: Can you provide examples of successful nutrition programs that have significantly impacted community health and development outcomes?
“I provide two examples below:
1) I conducted a study on maternal nutrition knowledge and attitudes, and introduced a program on prenatal nutrition education in a rural village in the Tigray region in Northern Ethiopia back in 2014. During the period of six months and upon conducting the evaluation, I observed that many of the rural village women became more educated about prenatal nutrition and had more supportive attitudes on topics such as economic empowerment, basic nutrients, portion sizes, adequate rest during pregnancy, and obtaining extra meals while pregnant. My former research team and I had promoted using locally sourced foods and ingredients to prepare culturally acceptable and traditional foods.
2) An NGO I founded, American Hindu World Service (AHWS), has been working in Kenya since 2021. Our partner, Nutrition Without Borders, has been working to promote and educate impoverished mothers in the slums and poor areas of Nairobi. The project focused on the aim of improving nutrition, health and sanitary practices of pregnant and breastfeeding women and households with children below five years using a behavioral change strategy. Over a period of 3.5 years, malnutrition dramatically dropped, and 3,260 children aged 0-5 years improved their nutrition. The rates of malnutrition among children aged 0-5 years had significantly declined.”
“In my previous role working with a Multilateral Development Bank (MDB), I contributed to the ‘Africa’s Grey Matter Infrastructure’ initiative, which aims to catalyze efforts towards a 40% stunting reduction by 2025. This approach supports ‘nutrition-smart’ projects, promising socio-economic returns and nutritional impact. As we approach 2025, these interventions are poised to showcase the positive gains from nutrition investments. Moving forward, a focus on nutrition supply chain management will be crucial to ensure the delivery of nutritious foods to those most affected by stunting, further contributing to sustainable economic development in low-income countries.”
“Several nutrition programs have had a profound impact on community health and development. The Positive Deviance/Hearth approach in Vietnam reduced childhood malnutrition by identifying and promoting healthy practices among well-nourished children in poor communities. In countries like Niger and Ethiopia, the Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition program, using Plumpy’Nut, effectively treated severe acute malnutrition, significantly lowering child mortality. India’s Integrated Child Development Services, one of the largest early childhood programs, improved child nutrition and development by offering a comprehensive package of health, nutrition, and education services. Globally, the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement has driven policy changes and improved maternal and child nutrition outcomes. In India, Nutrition Rehabilitation Centers have successfully rehabilitated children with severe acute malnutrition, improving recovery rates. Brazil’s Zero Hunger (Fome Zero) program eradicated hunger and reduced poverty through social protection policies, leading to better health outcomes. Thailand’s National Nutrition Program achieved a significant decline in child malnutrition through community-based interventions like home gardens and growth monitoring. These programs highlight the effectiveness of community engagement, government support, and multi-sectoral approaches to improve public health.”
See also: How and why should individuals reduce their food waste | Experts’ Opinions
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