FOOD and Local, Agricultural, and Nutritional Diversity

FOODLAND aims at enhancing the diversity of the food production and consumption to bridge nutritional gaps through the introduction of innovation in local food value chains in six African countries. The pursuit of an increased variety in the food supply and demand shapes a twofold objective: first, to foster the nutrition-responsive and sustainable agro-biodiversity, with the ultimate goal to contribute to the flourishment of the rural communities and local food supply chains; second, to increase the dietary diversity leading to affordable, healthier, and nutritious food intakes, particularly for children and mothers, with the ultimate goal to contribute to the reduction of under- and malnutrition in rural and urban areas. These innovations include either the diffusion of novel food products (e.g., plant-based proteins and fish products currently not widespread in daily diets), or the valorization of traditional local varieties (e.g., cereals and oil), through the validation of new tools as well as the implementation of new processes and strategies). As diversity of diets requires changes in habits and practices, FOODLAND will also assess current diets in the target populations and set-up a behavioral change strategy aimed at spreading the innovation up to mainstream food products.