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
Plenary Session
Time: 9:00-9:30 (Sri Lanka time) | Venue: Lotus Ballroom
CONFERENCE OPENING
Zoom Link: Pending
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: Pending
Moderator
Biraj Patnaik, National Foundation of 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
Co-hosts’ felicitation
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: Pending
Co-Chairs
Avinash Kishore, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI & Gamini Pushpakumara, Senior Professor of Crop Science, 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: Pending
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 Program 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 1000 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: Pending
Co-Chairs
Nisha Arunatilake, Director of Research, Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka (IPS) & 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
What drives dairy farm food safety practices in Bangladesh? Evidence from a PLS-SEM Model
Electrification and Crop Diversification: The Impact of Shifting Energy Sources on Cropping Patterns in Bangladesh
Anurag Banerjee, Research Officer, International Water Management Institute
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: Pending
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 Chair
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 Chair
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
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
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
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
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: Pending
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
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: Pending
Co-Chairs
Herath Gunatilake, Executive Director, The Centre for Poverty Analysis
Opening remarks by Chair
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
Neha Kumar, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI
Q&A
Closing remarks by Chair
