Nutrition-sensitive agriculture and the promotion of food and nutrition sovereignty and security in Brazil

Abstract

This paper explores the possibilities of the nutrition-sensitive agriculture approach in the context of the programs and actions towards promoting food and nutrition sovereignty and security in Brazil. To analyze the links between nutrition and agriculture, this paper presents the conceptual framework related to food and nutrition security, and stresses the correlations among concepts, institutional structures and program design in Brazil. Dominant models of food production and consumption are scrutinized in the light of these relationships. This paper also highlights differences amongst different ways to promote nutrition-sensitive agriculture through food-acquisition programs from family farmers, experiences in agro-ecology and bio-fortification programs. In the closing remarks, the paper draws some lessons learned from the Brazilian experience that highlight the advantages of family farming and rapid food production, distribution and consumption cycles in order to promote access to an affordable, diversified and more adequate diet in nutritional terms.

International cooperation for food and nutrition security: Systematization of the participatory, contextualized, and intersectoral educational practices

“…Abroad, Brazil stands out because of the experience it gained constructing a broad, intersectoral, and participatory approach, and developing public policies organized into one nationwide FNS system (Sistema The operationalization of a FNS policy involves actions developed by different sectors of the government and society that pass through the spheres of production, commercialization, access, and use of food at the family and biological levels. This broader focus presupposes articulation and integration between the food dimension (production, commercialization, and consumption) and nutrition dimension (biopsychosocial processes of nutrition and their relationship with health) [3][4][5][6] of food and nutrition security. consumption of processed products and inadequate intakes of fruits and vegetables) 7,8 is strongly conditioned by the way foods are produced and commercialized in the country.…”

“…Therefore, the promotion of eating practices that meet cultural, social, environmental, and health aspects requires the transformation of the food production model (transitioning to agroecological modes of production) and new forms of distribution, commercialization, and access. Recognizing that the main food and nutrition problems are deeply related to the characteristics of the current food production system (use of pesticides, loss of biodiversity, and environmental and social damages, among others) was critical for consolidating intersectoriality as a strategic principle, and even as an identity principle, of the FNS policy [3][4][5] .…”

“…In addition to participating in government spaces, civil society institutions in different countries compose networks of policies that develop actions in the field of FNS 4,6 . In Brazil the concept of FNS was constructed by a broad, participatory process, which involved civil society organizations and social movements with different experiences inserting the theme nationwide and at the community level.…”

“…Therefore, the promotion of eating practices that meet cultural, social, environmental, and health aspects requires the transformation of the food production model (transitioning to agroecological modes of production) and new forms of distribution, commercialization, and access. Recognizing that the main food and nutrition problems are deeply related to the characteristics of the current food production system (use of pesticides, loss of biodiversity, and environmental and social damages, among others) was critical for consolidating intersectoriality as a strategic principle, and even as an identity principle, of the FNS policy [3][4][5] .Brazil has advanced in the consolidation of SISAN and during this process, the principle of intersectoriality potentially encourages dialogue between managers and professionals whose work has been historically guided by specific sectoral policies (agriculture, health, education, and social assistance, among others) and developed in a fragmented and poorly integrated fashion 6 . This movement also helps to redimension the more specific objectives of the health sector, including Food and Nutrition Education (FNE) actions, which historically have been constituted as a prescriptive practice, almost entirely restricted to the knowledge core of the science of nutrition, focused on the consumption and food intake dimensions and on the dissemination of information about health risks 9,10 .…”

“…They are individuals who transform the social reality, which requires them to reflect not only about the actions developed by the governments and social institutions, but also about their own practices, including eating practices, to potentiate and qualify their political action. Therefore, the FNS councils are strategic for the development of FNE actions 9 .In addition to participating in government spaces, civil society institutions in different countries compose networks of policies that develop actions in the field of FNS 4,6 . In Brazil the concept of FNS was constructed by a broad, participatory process, which involved civil society organizations and social movements with different experiences inserting the theme nationwide and at the community level.…”