Executive Summary
Malnutrition remains one of the most persistent development challenges globally, disproportionately affecting women and children in low-income and climate-vulnerable regions. Despite increased agricultural production in many countries, undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and diet-related diseases continue due to poor dietary diversity, limited access to nutritious foods, gender inequality, and weak linkages between agriculture, nutrition, and health systems. Climate change further exacerbates these challenges by disrupting food systems, reducing crop diversity, and increasing food insecurity.
The proposed project, Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture for Women and Children, aims to strengthen local food systems to improve nutrition outcomes for women of reproductive age, pregnant and lactating mothers, and children under five. The project integrates climate-resilient agriculture, diversified food production, nutrition education, women’s empowerment, and community-based behavior change interventions. By promoting nutrient-rich crops, home and community gardens, small livestock, and improved food preparation practices, the project will enhance dietary diversity, food security, and household resilience.
Implemented over a period of three years, the project will directly benefit women farmers, caregivers, and children in vulnerable rural and peri-urban communities. The initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Background and Context
Agriculture is the primary source of livelihoods for millions of rural households, yet it often fails to deliver adequate nutrition. Many farming systems prioritize staple crops that provide calories but lack essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamin A, and protein. Women, who play a central role in food production, processing, and caregiving, frequently have limited access to land, inputs, credit, and decision-making power. As a result, their nutritional needs and those of their children remain unmet.
Child malnutrition manifests in stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies, which have long-term consequences on physical growth, cognitive development, educational attainment, and economic productivity. Maternal malnutrition increases the risk of low birth weight, poor pregnancy outcomes, and intergenerational cycles of undernutrition.
Climate change adds another layer of complexity by increasing the frequency of droughts, floods, and heat stress, which reduce crop yields and diversity. Nutrition-sensitive agriculture offers a holistic approach that links agricultural practices with nutrition and health objectives, ensuring that food systems contribute directly to improved nutritional outcomes.
Problem Statement
The target communities face multiple, interconnected challenges:
- Limited access to diverse, nutritious foods, especially fruits, vegetables, pulses, and animal-source foods
- High prevalence of anemia and micronutrient deficiencies among women and children
- Low awareness of optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) and maternal nutrition practices
- Gender inequalities that restrict women’s control over agricultural resources and household food decisions
- Climate-related shocks that undermine food security and livelihoods
These challenges highlight the need for integrated interventions that address both food production and nutrition behaviors, with a strong focus on women and children.
Project Goal and Objectives
Overall Goal
To improve the nutritional status and well-being of women and children through climate-resilient, nutrition-sensitive agricultural systems.
Specific Objectives
- Increase the availability and accessibility of nutrient-rich foods at household and community levels.
- Improve dietary diversity and nutrition practices among women of reproductive age and young children.
- Strengthen women’s empowerment and leadership in agriculture and household nutrition decisions.
- Enhance community resilience to climate and economic shocks through diversified livelihoods.
Target Beneficiaries
- Women farmers, including pregnant and lactating mothers
- Children under five years of age
- Adolescent girls
- Smallholder farming households
- Community health and agriculture extension workers
Special emphasis will be placed on marginalized and climate-vulnerable populations.
Project Components and Activities
- Component 1: Diversified and Nutrition-Sensitive Food Production
- Promotion of nutrient-dense crops such as millets, pulses, leafy vegetables, orange-fleshed fruits, and biofortified varieties
- Establishment of household and community nutrition gardens
- Support for small livestock and poultry rearing for access to eggs and animal protein
- Training on climate-smart and agroecological practices, including soil health management and water-efficient irrigation
- Component 2: Nutrition Education and Behavior Change Communication (BCC)
- Community-based nutrition education sessions for women and caregivers
- Training on maternal nutrition, IYCF, food hygiene, and safe food preparation
- Development of culturally appropriate IEC materials
- Engagement of community health workers and women leaders as nutrition champions
- Component 3: Women’s Empowerment and Social Inclusion
- Component 4: Market Linkages and Value Addition
- Support for small-scale processing and value addition of nutritious foods
- Linkages with local markets, schools, and nutrition programs
- Promotion of women-led nutrition enterprises
- Component 5: Community Engagement and Partnerships
- Collaboration with local health, agriculture, and education departments
- Integration with existing social protection and nutrition schemes
- Engagement of men and community leaders to support nutrition and gender equity
Implementation Strategy
The project will adopt a participatory, community-driven approach. Baseline assessments will identify nutritional gaps, food availability, and gender dynamics. Activities will be implemented through partnerships with local NGOs, government agencies, and community-based organizations. Capacity building and continuous mentoring will ensure sustainability and local ownership.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)
A robust MEL framework will track progress and outcomes, including:
- Dietary diversity scores for women and children
- Prevalence of anemia and undernutrition
- Adoption of nutrition-sensitive agricultural practices
- Women’s participation and leadership indicators
Regular monitoring, mid-term reviews, and final evaluations will inform adaptive management and learning.
Expected Outcomes and Impact
- Improved dietary diversity and nutrient intake among women and children
- Reduced prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies
- Increased women’s empowerment and income opportunities
- Strengthened resilience of household food systems
- Contribution to long-term reductions in child stunting and maternal malnutrition
Sustainability and Scaling
Sustainability will be ensured through community ownership, strengthened local institutions, integration with government programs, and market-based approaches. Successful models will be documented and scaled to other regions.
Alignment with Global and National Priorities
The project aligns with SDGs 2, 3, 5, and 13, and supports global frameworks on food systems, nutrition, and climate resilience. It complements national nutrition and agriculture strategies.
Conclusion
Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture for Women and Children offers an integrated, sustainable solution to address malnutrition, gender inequality, and climate vulnerability. By linking agriculture with nutrition, health, and empowerment, the project will create lasting impacts for women, children, and communities.
