Our Correspondent | Africa Guardian
Improved access to regional markets is a key factor in promoting balanced diets and reducing malnutrition, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Bonn. Published in Nature Food, the study highlights that while growing diverse crops on small farms has benefits, better market infrastructure plays a more significant role in enhancing food variety and improving nutrition for rural households.
In many low- and middle-income countries, unbalanced diets contribute to malnutrition and health challenges. Smallholder farmers, who make up the majority of the malnourished population, often rely on their own food production. Traditionally, the recommendation has been for these farmers to grow diverse crops for self-consumption. However, the study suggests that good market access offers a more effective solution.
Market Access vs. On-Farm Diversity
Researchers analyzed data from nearly 90,000 households across Ethiopia, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda, collected between 2008 and 2022. The data revealed a clear trend: while greater on-farm diversity marginally improved diets, access to local and regional markets had a far more significant impact.
“Smallholder farms in Africa are already highly diverse,” explains Prof. Dr. Matin Qaim of the University of Bonn’s Center for Development Research (ZEF). “What’s more important is ensuring farmers have access to markets where they can sell surplus produce and buy foods they lack.”
On average, households obtained only a third of their food from their own production. Those located closer to markets enjoyed a wider variety of foods, thanks to the ability to purchase items that complemented their own harvests. This pattern held true across all six countries in the study.
The Role of Infrastructure
Despite the clear benefits of market access, poor infrastructure remains a major barrier. In many regions, inadequate roads make traveling to markets time-consuming and risky, leading to food spoilage and reduced profits. Addressing these challenges could significantly improve diets and livelihoods.
“Improving infrastructure is vital for enhancing food security and promoting economic development,” says Dr. Thanh Tung Nguyen, a researcher at ZEF. “Better roads and transportation networks reduce food waste and increase the availability of diverse, nutritious foods in local markets.”
Regional Diversity Over Individual Farms
The study also emphasizes the importance of regional agricultural diversity rather than requiring every farm to grow a wide variety of crops. Specializing in crops that thrive in local conditions and trading surplus food can boost efficiency and reduce risks for farmers.
“A balanced regional production system enables households to access diverse diets through markets,” says Qaim. “This approach not only improves nutrition but also drives economic growth by encouraging a division of labor.”
A Path Forward
To combat malnutrition and hunger effectively, the researchers recommend a dual strategy: enhance infrastructure to improve market access and encourage sustainable farming practices that prioritize regional diversity. By shifting the focus from individual farms to broader market systems, Africa can achieve better health outcomes while fostering economic resilience.
This study underscores the transformative potential of better roads and markets in unlocking dietary diversity and ensuring a healthier future for millions across the continent.
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