A nutrition-sensitive value chain (NSVC) is a food value chain that has been shaped to alleviate constraints in the supply or demand of food, as they relate to dietary and nutrition problems. Given that food is not only produced, but also stored, processed, distributed and marketed, the NSVC approach has the potential to unpack the complexity of food systems and provide clear nutrition entry points and pathways.

Food environments comprise foods available and accessible to people in their surroundings and the nutritional quality, safety, price, convenience, labelling and promotion of these foods. These environments should ensure that people have equal and equitable access to sufficient, affordable, safe and nutritious foods that meet dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life, considering the various physical, social, economic, cultural and political factors that influence that access.

Strategies

Supporting supply of nutritious food

Supporting the year-round supply of safe, affordable nutritious foods that contribute to sustainable, healthier diets and food security through innovations and technologies

• Support transportation technologies

• Support accessible processing interventions and technologies

• Develop distribution systems

• Improve smallholder access to markets

• Consider innovations

Strengthening capacity

Strengthening the knowledge and capacity of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), processors and traders (especially women and youth):

• Provide technical assistance and capacity building to women-led agri-food SMEs.

• Develop the capacity of food producers, SMEs and retailers for storage, processing and packaging of nutrient-dense foods for value addition

• Support strategies aimed at strengthening education and capacity-building programmes for youth

• Improve access to credit

Frame agricultural policies in broader strategy

Agricultural including value chain-related policies need to be framed within a broader strategy and coherent vision of food systems that address inequities, enhance diets and lead to better food security and nutrition outcomes.