Delivering for Nutrition in South Asia: Agenda – Day 1

DELIVERING FOR NUTRITION IN SOUTH ASIA: AGENDA – DAY 1

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Agenda-Day 1 Agenda-Day 2 Agenda-Day 3

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

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Plenary Session

Time: 9:00-9:30 (Sri Lanka time) | Venue: Lotus Ballroom

CONFERENCE OPENING

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88634144187 

Co-Chairs

Purnima Menon, Senior Director for Food and Nutrition, IFPRI/CGIAR & Dushni Weerakoon, Executive Director, The Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS)

Chief Guest Remarks
Remarks from Special Guest

Ms. D. Loshani. U. Peiris, Additional Secretary to the President for Parliamentary & Cabinet Affairs and Food Security & Infrastructure Projects Development and SUN Focal Point, Sri Lanka

Co-Chair Remarks
About the Conference

Esha Sarswat, Senior Communication Specialist, IFPRI


Time: 09:30-10:30 (Sri Lanka time) | Venue: Lotus Ballroom

KEYNOTE

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88634144187

Moderator

Biraj Patnaik, National Foundation for India

Keynote Presentation

P. Sainath, Founder, People’s Archives of Rural India (PARI)

Panel Discussion

Saiqa Siraj, Country Director for Bangladesh, Nutrition International

Buddhi Marambe, Senior Professor, University of Peradeniya

Q&A

Time: 10:30-11:00 (Sri Lanka time)

Tea & Group Photo


Parallel Thematic Sessions

Time: 11:00-12:15 (Sri Lanka Time) | Venue: Lotus Ballroom

Thematic Session 1a: Agriculture and food security & nutrition pathways

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88634144187

Co-Chairs

Avinash Kishore, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI & Saumali Daundasekara, Senior Lecturer, University of Peradeniya

Opening remarks by co-chairs
Oral presentations
Linking Agricultural Production Diversity with Household Dietary Diversity: A panel Data Analysis from Rural Bangladesh, Taznoore

Taznoore Samina Khanam, Research Fellow, Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies

Remoteness, Farm Production, and Dietary Diversity in Nepal

Tushar Singh, Senior Research Analyst, International Food Policy Research Institute

Addressing Nutrition and Climate Risk Challenges through Assam Millet Mission: Need to connect dots between policy and outcomes

Shalander Kumar, Principal Scientist and Cluster Leader: Markets, Institutions and Policies, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics

Suchana’s Excellence in Homestead Food Production Interventions to Improve Food Security and Nutrition

Md Amin Uddin, Head of Food Security and Livelihoods, Helen Keller International

Integrated e-Extension Increases Farmers’ Resilience: Experimental Evidence from Sri Lanka

Sara Burrone, Economist, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Q&A
Rapid-fire presentations
Leveraging Women’s Leadership and Empowerment in Value Chain for Resilient Livelihoods

Krishna Bahadur Jogi, Deputy Head of Programme, World Food Programme

Is rice breaking Bennett’s law? Exploring the nutritional implications of Asia’s persistent excess consumption of rice

Derek Headey, Senior Research Fellow, International Food Policy Research Institute

Enhancing Food Security and Nutrition through Integrated Agricultural and Nutritional Interventions in Runtigadhi and Triveni of Rolpa, Nepal

Ramesh Joshi, Project Coordinator, Welthungerhilfe (WHH)

Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture: A Systematic Review of Impact Pathways to Nutrition Outcomes

Indu K Sharma, Former PhD Candidate, Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam

Closing remarks by Chair
Time: 11:00-12:15 (Sri Lanka Time) | Venue: Spice Rooms (Saffron & Ginger)

Thematic Session 1b: Multisectoral approaches to improving maternal and child nutrition

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86472260169

Co-Chairs

Phuong Hong Nguyen, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI & Abner Daniel, Health and Nutrition Manager, UNICEF

Opening remarks by co-chairs
Oral presentations
Connecting the Dots Between Agriculture, Nutrition, and Health to Improve Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture: A Government-Led Randomized Controlled Trial in Rural Bangladesh

Aklima Parvin, Senior Project Manager, International Food Policy Research Institute

Implementation research to connect the dots for MMS in Nepal: Strengthening health systems, policy engagement and nutrition education

 Sasmita Poudel, Senior Research Manager, Helen Keller International

Strengthening Institutional Capacity for Breastfeeding Promotion: A Case Study from Nepal

Lila Bikram Thapa, Senior Public Health Administrator, Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal

Child Survival in India: Unveiling the Transformative Power of Healthcare and Hygiene

Satyanarayan Kumbhakar, PhD Fellow in Economics, Vidyasagar University

Nutrition friendly local governance in Nepal: A case study of Siraha district

Jhabindra Bhandari, Researcher, Tribhuvan University

Q&A
Rapid-fire presentations
The Role of Gram Panchayats in ensuring intersectoral coordination for improved stunting outcomes in West Bengal

Keertana Ravi Gogia, Research Associate, IAVI India

Key Drivers of Stunting Reduction in 0-59 Months Old Children in Bangladesh: Evidence from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey data (2004 to 2017-18 rounds)

Malay Kanti Mridha, Professor and Director, Center for NCD and Nutrition, BRAC JPG School of Public Health, BRAC University

Association between Maternal and Child Minimum Dietary Diversity in Urban Informal Settlements of Mumbai

Melinda Mastan, Graduate Research Intern, Society for Nutrition Education and Health Action (SNEHA)

First 1,000 days of care to enhance maternal and infant health in urban poor slums of Bhiwandi and Malegaon in Maharashtra

Sukanya Poddar, Managing Trustee, Committed Communities Development Trust Adweeti Nepal, Family Planning and Reproductive Health Advisor, CARE Nepal

SATH: A Community-Driven Approach to Improve Maternal and Child Health Nutrition in Nepal

Adweeti Nepal, Family Planning and Reproductive Health Advisor, CARE Nepal Communities Development Trust

Factors Associated with Stunting among Children Aged 0-59 Months in South Asia: A Systematic Review

Munia Afroz, Research Associate, Centre for NCD and Nutrition, BRAC JPG School of Public Health, BRAC University

Closing remarks by co-chairs

Time: 12:15-13:15 (Sri Lanka time) | Venue: Lotus Ballroom Foyer

Lunch


Parallel Thematic Sessions

Time: 13:15-14:30 (Sri Lanka Time) | Venue: Lotus Ballroom

Thematic Session 2a: Methods and metrics to improve nutrition through sustainable agriculture

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88634144187

Co-Chairs

Nisha Arunatilake, Director of Research, Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka & Moogdho Mahzab, Associate Research Fellow, IFPRI

Opening remarks by co-chairs
Oral Presentations
Reducing Carbon Footprint in Agriculture through Conservation and Efficient Nutrient Management Practices: A Case Study of Bangladesh

Md Saiful Islam, Research Coordinator, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)

Enhancing nutritional yields through efficient crop diversification: A comparative study of rice-rice system in Bangladesh

Mohammad Washiq Faisal, Research Associate, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)

Pollinator declines threaten the nutritional health and livelihood of rural people in Nepal

Sujan Sapkota, Project Manager, HERD International

Contribution of Nature Positive Solutions to Food Security in India and Vietnam

Sedi Anne Boukaka, Research Coordinator, International Food Policy Research Institute

Diet Quality and Sustainability Effects of Agricultural Value Chain Growth: A Simulation Analysis for Rural Bangladesh

Olivier Ecker, Senior Research Fellow, International Food Policy Research Institute

Q&A
Rapid-fire presentations
Foresight analysis of the diet transformation in Bangladesh: A scenario simulation study for the period 2022-2050

Mohammad Monirul Hasan, Country Advisor: Foresight for Food Systems, Social Protection, and Environment, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition

Electrification and Crop Diversification: The Impact of Shifting Energy Sources on Cropping Patterns in Bangladesh

Anurag Banerjee, Research Officer, International Water Management Institute

What drives dairy farm food safety practices in Bangladesh? Evidence from a PLS-SEM Model

Fardous Ara Happy, PhD Student, University of Hohenheim, Germany

Optimizing Agrobiodiversity for Nutritional Diversity: An Analysis of Spatial Patterns and Sustainable Interventions in South Asia

Mustafa Kamal, GIS and Remote Sensing Specialist, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)

Closing remarks by co-chairs
Time: 13:15-14:30 (Sri Lanka Time) | Venue: Spice Rooms (Saffron & Ginger)

Thematic Session 2b: Natural and built food environments

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86472260169

Co-Chairs

Malay Kanti Mridha, Deputy Dean & Director, Center for Non-Communicable Diseases and Nutrition, BRAC University & Kenda Cunningham, Senior Research Advisor, Helen Keller International

Opening remarks by co-chairs
Oral presentations
Drivers of Adolescents’ Food Choices: Exploring the Influence of the School Food Environment

Muhandiramlage Madusha Sanjeewani Karunanayaka, PhD student, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka

Empowering Rural Households: Enhancing Nutritional Security and Sustainable Gardening through Capacity Building and Community-Led Initiatives

Rajni Omprakash Wadhwa, Director – Programs, Plan International

Examining Food Environments in Sri Lanka: Gaps in Research and Implications for Diet and Health

Thushanthi Perera, Senior Lecturer, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka

Impact of adverse food environments on overweight, obesity and HbA1c levels in India findings from a large population cohort

Anjali Ganpule-Rao, Senior Research Associate, Centre for Chronic Disease Control

Healthfulness of retail food environment in rural South Asia

Afrin Zainab Bi, Assistant Scientist, International Rice Research Institute

Q&A
Rapid-fire presentations
Findings from an integrated household food systems approach to improve nutrition in rural communities

Nadia Shah, Senior Lecturer, School of Public Health Dow University of Health Sciences

From Policy to Practice: Examining Industry Influence on Public Health Policies for Healthier Food Environments in Sri Lanka

Dona Sunimalee Pramuditha Madurawala, Research Economist, Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka

Using mixed methods to improve how we measure large-scale food fortification coverage in household surveys

Samuel Scott, Research Fellow, International Food Policy Research Institute

From Hunger to Hope: The Role of Food Price Inflation in Urban Poor Participation in the 2024 Bangladesh Revolution and Post-Revolutionary Food Security Satisfaction

Mariha Tahsin, Former Head of Urban Development Initiatives, Sajida Foundation

Closing remarks by co-chairs

Time: 14:30-15:00 (Sri Lanka time) | Venue: Lotus Ballroom Foyer

Tea Break


Parallel Learning Labs

Time: 15:00-16:15 (Sri Lanka Time)
Venue: Lotus Ballroom

Learning Lab 1a: Establishing nutrition surveillance system and analyzing longitudinal data

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88634144187

Host: BRAC University

Learning objectives: 

  • Gain skills on how to establish a nutrition surveillance system
  • Get orientation on analysis and interpretation of longitudinal nutrition data

No. of participants: Approximately 30

Expected attendees: Researchers and graduate students. The participants will learn from an ongoing nutrition surveillance system in Bangladesh through practical demonstration.

Level: Intermediate (the participants need to have minimum understanding of statistical concepts and nutrition indicators across the life cycle).

Mode: Hybrid

Click here for the learning lab materials

Venue: Spice Room (Saffron & Ginger)

Learning Lab 1b: Nudging for good: Real-time AI-driven diagnostics and behavior change to improve adolescents’ diets and nutrition in Sri Lanka

Host: FRESH Sri Lanka & Wayamba University of Sri Lanka

Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86472260169

Learning objectives:

  • To introduce a smartphone application named FRANI (Food Recognition Assistance and Nudging Insights) developed in the context of Sri Lanka
  • To get stakeholder feedback on how to implement, modify and use FRANI in Sri Lankan context under various diet and nutrition scenarios

No. of participants: 20-25 to facilitate discussions between workshop convenors and participants

Expected attendees: Public health and nutrition professionals involved in supporting implementation of interventions; researchers working in the field of public health and nutrition

Level: Intermediate (Participants must have a basic understanding of commonly conducted surveys that collect information on health and nutrition interventions such as DHS and MIC. Participants are also encouraged to explore population databases such as the United Nations World Population Prospect database prior to the session. However, convenors will provide assistance to participants in learning to access these surveys and databases.)

Mode: Hybrid

Click here for the learning lab materials

Venue: Spice Room (Tamarind)

Learning Lab 1c: Transforming Food Systems for Better Nutrition: The Power of Fortification

Host: UN World Food Programme (WFP)

Zoom Link: https://ifpri.zoom.us/j/85756405224

Learning objectives:

  • Understand the role of food fortification in strengthening nutrition-sensitive food systems.
  • Identify key strategies and best practices for integrating food fortification into diverse food systems.
  • Analyze challenges and opportunities in scaling up fortification initiatives within various socio-economic and cultural contexts.
  • Explore policy frameworks and regulatory approaches that support effective fortification programs in nutrition-sensitive food systems.
  • Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders to advance food fortification as a critical component of nutrition-sensitive interventions.

No. of participants: 30-40

Expected attendees: Policy makers, public health professionals, private sector partners, academia, donor agencies and development partners

Level: The audience with a basic understanding of concepts can participate in this event.

Mode: Hybrid

Click here for the learning lab materials


Time: 16:15-16:30 (Sri Lanka time)

Change Room


Time: 16:30-17:30 (Sri Lanka time) | Venue: Lotus Ballroom

Plenary Session: Aligning Actions Across Sectors to Achieve Healthy Diets and Nutrition Goals: Insights from Sri Lanka

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88634144187

Co-Chairs

Herath Gunatilake, Executive Director, The Centre for Poverty Analysis & Ananda Chandrasekara, Professor of Nutrition, Department of Applied Nutrition, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka

Opening remarks by co-chairs

 

Can behavioral change interventions improve nutrition at scale? Challenges and opportunities in Sri Lanka

Supun Wijesinghe, Consultant, Health Promotion Bureau, Government of Sri Lanka

Nutrition in adversity: Some lessons from Sri Lanka’s economic crisis

Gerard Rebello, Deputy Country Director & Head of Programme, United Nations World Food Programme

An End-to-End Approach to Improve fruit and vegetable production and consumption: Design, preliminary results, and next steps from CGIAR FRESH Sri Lanka

Quinn Marshall, Associate Research Fellow, IFPRI & Nadia Koyratty, Associate Research Fellow, IFPRI

Q&A
Closing remarks by co-chairs

 

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