Linkages between Agricultural Diversification, Dietary Diversity, and Nutrition Outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review

Abstract

An enabling policy environment and good governance are fundamental drivers for agriculture and food systems, framing how they work and for whom in the global efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 and food justice for all. The review examined the policy environment in sub-Saharan Africa in relation to linkages between agricultural diversification, dietary diversity, and nutrition. The systematic review of literature entailed searching Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, African Journals Online and PsychINFO databases from Jan 1, 2010, to Feb 30, 2021, for eligible studies and technical reports. Publications reporting on agricultural diversification, dietary diversity, and nutrition outcomes in relation to policy environment were included. Qualitative synthesis of the abstracted evidence was conducted. SSA countries recognise the crucial role of agricultural diversification as a pathway to achieving food security with increasing emphasis on smallholder farmers. There is a rich base of policies that are complemented by lived experiences and best practices which can strengthen linkages between agricultural diversification, agribusiness and dietary diversity. For instance, the application of precision farming, agro-ecological zones targeted agricultural intensification and gender sensitive land administration, access and tenure in countries experiencing declining farm size could potentially ensure the youth, men and women have equitable and innovative opportunities of access to elements of improved agricultural systems. Smallholder farmers with the majority in rural settings, maintain de facto agricultural diversity. It is essential for any policy design or intervention to take into account the specific country’s context; pay particular attention to socioeconomic capabilities of the rural population along with fiscal capacity and trade-offs. Empirical evidence on the nexus between agricultural diversification and nutrition is mixed and limited.