Abstract: Omot

• Program
• Registration
• Speakers’ bios and abstracts
• Sir John Crawford Memorial Address
• Schedule of fees
• Travel scholarships for young scientists
• Sponsors
• Accommodation
• Media

Abstract

 Food vs nutrition security: feed the people, well

Dr Norah Omot
Director, Enabling Environment Program
Papua New Guinea National Agricultural Research Institute

Nutritional security is often not adequately considered and addressed in many agricultural research and development (R&D) projects despite the wide occurrence of malnutrition. In many countries malnutrition constitutes a ‘double burden’ with under-nutrition and increasing obesity happening at the same time. Nutritional insecurity occurs either as a result of choice, of not knowing the nutritive value of food and their importance in diet, and/or of ‘force’ through deficiencies in food supply systems.

An assessment of the smallholder farming environment in PNG revealed environments that are vulnerable to food and nutrition insecurity. While attempts had been made to increase productivity of commodities in demand in these areas, less attention had been given to nutrition. This disconnect can be addressed by:

• Considering nutrition in initial stages of R&D planning; and by
• Developing projects that focus on both productivity and nutrition.

The presentation will illustrate the possibilities of traditional vegetables through:

• Building nutrition indicators into projects’ monitoring and evaluation systems; and by
• Working with women groups and community organisations to create awareness, and training in schools and health clinics (targeting women) in areas where research projects are implemented.