Integrated food systems approaches for healthy diets in the Caribbean

[Extract]. Food insecurity, obesity, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are significant problems impeding human and economic development of small island nations and communities of the Caribbean Region. In addition, the Caribbean Community states remain prone to natural disasters and extreme weather events occurring at an increased frequency, attributed to climate change. Concerted efforts, increasing political commitment and leadership to address food insecurity and nutritional challenges during the past two decades enabled several regional and international policies and initiatives with varying levels of success. These initiatives recognize that the healthiness of local diets is ultimately determined by the local production capacity, the availability of and access to healthy foods, and its market characteristics including the importation and proliferation of unhealthy processed foods. This was emphasized during the recent United Nations Food Systems Summit convened to set the stage for global food systems transformation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Increased Availability of Micronutrient Rich Foods and Income among Women Farmers Participating in a Cluster Randomized Control Trial of Homestead Food Production (HFP) in Cambodia.

Objectives: Household food insecurity and under-nutrition are prevalent in Cambodia where there is a lack of dietary diversity and reliance on rice. To address these issues, HKI has implemented HFP to increase the availability and consumption of micronutrient-rich foods. We are currently integrating household level fishponds to enhance plant-based HFP; small nutrient-rich fish, consumed whole, are raised together with large fish, which can be eaten or sold. We aim to improve household food security, micronutrient intake and status. To report on the progress of our 24-month cluster RCT after one year intervention in Prey Veng Province. Methods: 90 clusters were established each consisting of a village model farm and 10 families headed by women farmers (n=990). Each cluster was randomly assigned to either: 1) HFP, 2) HFP plus aquaculture, or 3) control. A baseline survey was completed and process monitoring onging with production, and income data among other variables. Results: Median vegetable and fruit production increased by 8 kg and 4 kg, respectively in households receiving any HFP. Income generation from the sale of fruit and vegetables in HFP farms increased by 55%. Small and large fish production increased by 1 and 5 kg, respectively. Conclusions: Early in the intervention we are observing increased fish, fruit and vegetables production as well as income generation. We hope that this will translate into an improvement in nutritional and in in particular micronutrient status.