Hunger and malnutrition are key global challenges whose understanding is instrumental to their elimination, thus realization of important sustainable development goals (SDGs). However, understanding linkages between farm production diversity (FPD) and household micronutrient intake is important in mapping micronutrient deficiencies and hidden hunger. Such understanding would inform appropriate interventions against malnutrition. Unfortunately, empirical literature is scarce to sufficiently inform such understanding. Using nationally representative panel survey data covering about 3300 households, we study linkages between FPD and nutrition, and associated impact pathways. We analyze data using panel regression models. Results show that at least half of sample was deficient in daily energy, iron, zinc, and vitamin A intake vis-à-vis FAO recommendations. Deficiencies were most severe (85%) with vitamin A. Positive and significant associations (about 1% for each added crop/livestock species) exist between FPD and daily household energy, iron, zinc, and vitamin A intake. FPD impacts energy and micronutrient intake via two main consumption pathways; markets (about 0.01% for each shilling), and own farm production (about 0.1% for each shilling). Therefore, own farm production yields better outcomes. Gender effects also exist. Male-headed households exhibited better nutrition outcomes (energy—11%, iron—8%, and zinc—12%) mostly via markets. Effects on Vitamin A were also positive although insignificant.

We wish to express our deep appreciation to the African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) for the financial support to carry out this research under grant number RT17534. We are also grateful to the AERC resource persons, most notably Victor Okoruwa who was our focal person, Damiano Manda who was managing Research at AERC, and members of AERC’s thematic Group E (Agriculture, Nutrition, Climate change and Natural resource management) for various comments and suggestions that helped improve this ...

https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su13070000

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https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su13070000

Social Science and Agribusiness

Agribusiness; Agronomy; Biodiversity; Food Security; Nutrition

Farms; Production; Agrobiodiversity; Nutrition; Energy; Iron; Zinc; Vitamin A; Uganda

Africa; East Africa

Uganda

Central Africa Hub

Sustainability