INDIA
by IFPRI | April 26, 2017
IFPRI Publications on India
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Varietal turnover in potato and its effect on yield: Evidence from household surveys in India
Sharma, Kriti; Kumar, Anjani; Kumar, Nalini Ranjan. 2024
Sharma, Kriti; Kumar, Anjani; Kumar, Nalini Ranjan. 2024
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Potato remains a crucial crop for achieving India’s food security goals and generating income for small-scale farmers. But India, the largest potato producer after China, remains behind many of its peers in attaining high yield. A low varietal replacement rate could be one of the major reasons for low yield in India. This critical issue warrants investigation, yet empirical results remain limited in the Indian context. Drawing on data from a comprehensive field survey of 892 potato growing farmers conducted in 2018–19 across five major potato-producing states in India, we find the determinants of the average area-weighted age of potato varieties used, and their impact on potato yield. The instrumental variable regression analysis establishes a negative association between varietal age and yield of potato. It also underscores the importance of access to weather forecast and linkages with agricultural organizations to achieve higher yield. Furthermore, it shows that household size, links to political party, and information about new seeds from friends, progressive farmers and input dealers are associated with lower varietal age. These insights will be instrumental for policymakers and potato breeders in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and boosting food security in India amidst the impending demographic challenges.
Examining the impact of climate change on cereal production in India: Empirical evidence from ARDL modelling approach
Singh, Arshdeep; Arora, Kashish; Babu, Suresh Chandra. 2024
Singh, Arshdeep; Arora, Kashish; Babu, Suresh Chandra. 2024
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Agriculture sector is major sufferer of climate change both at a global level as well as at India level. Cereals account for about 92 % of India's total food grain output and climate change has a significant influence on the production of cereals. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term and short-term effects of climatic and non-climatic variables, specifically temperature, precipitation, cereal area, total cropped area, fertilizer consumption, and pesticide consumption, on cereal production in India. The study included annual time series data that covered the period from 1960 to 2018, covering a period of 58 years. Various econometric techniques were employed to examine these relationships. The validity of a long-term and short-term relationship among the relevant variables included in the study was validated by employing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) technique and the Johansen cointegration test. The ARDL model's estimation outcomes reveals that input factors such as cereal area became a key factor in rising cereal production, as evidenced by its positive coefficient. Similarly, fertilizer consumption and precipitation had positive effects on production in the long run whereas total cropped area and minimum temperature has little influence over the results of production both in short run as well as long run. Furthermore, the long-term findings were also supported using econometric tools like Canonical Cointegrating Regression (CCR) and Fully Modified Least Squares (FMOLS). These methods confirmed that variations in cereal production in India were significantly influenced by both climatic factors and agricultural inputs and factors. The study emphasizes the urgency for policymakers to prioritize proactive measures aimed at reducing the adverse impacts of climate change on cereal production in India. This necessitates a comprehensive strategy integrating sustainable practices, technological innovations, and robust policy frameworks to ensure resilient agricultural sectors and sustainable food production.
Task or time? Comparing methods for measuring the gender distribution of work
Banerjee, Archis; Kumar, Neha; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. 2024
Banerjee, Archis; Kumar, Neha; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. 2024
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There is growing evidence that gender disparities in the distribution of paid and unpaid work impose constraints on women’s well-being and livelihoods, reducing access to paid employment, and time for education, leisure, and social activities. Yet, gender disparities in unpaid work often go undiagnosed by traditional household surveys. While time-use surveys are well-suited for measuring unpaid work, they are often expensive to administer and take substantial amounts of survey time, leading to respondent fatigue, particularly in multi-topic surveys where other outcomes are also being collected.
Cluster-based development: Lessons from country experiences for Odisha, India
Belton, Ben; Breisinger, Clemens; Kassim, Yumna; Pal, Barun Deb; Narayanan, Sudha; Zhang, Xiaobo. 2024
Belton, Ben; Breisinger, Clemens; Kassim, Yumna; Pal, Barun Deb; Narayanan, Sudha; Zhang, Xiaobo. 2024
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Clusters are spatial aggregations of small businesses producing the same or related goods or services. Together, these businesses have the potential to contribute to economic development of rural areas by compounding the existing strengths of local producing communities. Cluster-based development has been successful where governments facilitate infrastructure and provide services to support existing clusters, often leading to spillover and expansion of these clusters to wider areas over time (Abdelaziz et al. 2021). Agrifood cluster development can occur via two broad mechanisms: (1) immanent development, where clusters of commercial farms as well as firms in the value chain that provide goods and services re quired by farms (for example, specialized production inputs, machinery, and transport), emerge spontaneously in co-located groups; and (2) organized development, where actors such as government, companies, or nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) organize producers into groups to deliver extension services, inputs, or credit or to upgrade production practices, facilitate collective action to improve terms of market access, or enable compliance with standards or forms of branding such as geographic indications
Women improving nutrition through self-help groups in India: Does nutrition information help?
Kumar, Neha; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Scott, Samuel P.; Menon, Purnima; Thai, Giang; Gupta, Shivani; Nichols, Carly; WINGS study team. 2024
Kumar, Neha; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Scott, Samuel P.; Menon, Purnima; Thai, Giang; Gupta, Shivani; Nichols, Carly; WINGS study team. 2024
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Women’s self-help groups (SHGs) are an important platform for reaching poor women in India. Despite SHGs' women-focused programming, evidence of the impact of SHG-based interventions on nutrition outcomes is limited, and most evaluations of nutrition interventions have not examined intermediate outcomes along the impact pathways or outcomes for women themselves. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of an integrated agriculture-nutrition intervention delivered through women’s SHGs in five states in central and eastern India. The interventions involved the delivery of nutrition behavior change communication to groups through participatory approaches, community engagement around key issues, and the strengthening of collective organizations. Our analysis is based on three rounds of rich panel data on close to 2700 rural women and their households from eight districts in these five states and qualitative work from an accompanying process evaluation. Using difference-in-difference models with nearest neighbor matching methods, we present results on women’s anthropometry and diet-related outcomes.
Can farmer collectives empower women and improve their welfare? Mixed methods evidence from India
Ray, Soumyajit; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Bhanjdeo, Arundhita; Heckert, Jessica. 2024
Ray, Soumyajit; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Bhanjdeo, Arundhita; Heckert, Jessica. 2024
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Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)—farmer collectives, often legally registered - can mitigate some of the constraints smallholder farmers face by improving their access to extension, services, and markets, especially for women. We evaluate the effects of a set of interventions delivered through women-only FPOs in Jharkhand, India, using a panel of 1200 households and a difference-in-difference model with nearest neighbor matching. A complementary qualitative study in the same areas helps triangulate and interpret our findings. The interventions aimed to improve agricultural productivity by coordinating production and improving access to services, while also providing gender sensitization trainings to FPO leaders and members. We collect household data on asset ownership and agricultural outcomes and individual data on women’s and men’s empowerment using the project-level Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index for Market Inclusion (pro-WEAI+MI). Our results for asset ownership, land cultivated, cropping intensity, and per acre yields, revenues or costs are statistically insignificant. Effects on men’s and women's empowerment are mixed. While we see positive effects on women’s decisionmaking, asset ownership, control over income and attitudes towards intimate partner violence, the program is associated with an increase in workload and a reduction in active group membership for both men and women. Men appear to cede control over resources and decisionmaking to other household members. Additional analyses suggest that while some effects can occur in the short-term, others take time to accrue. FPO based interventions that aim to empower women or other marginalized groups likely require sustained investments over multiple years and will need to go beyond improving FPO functioning and increasing women’s participation to transforming social norms.
South Asia Nutrition Knowledge Initiative: Abstract Digest August 2024
IFPRI. 2024
IFPRI. 2024
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In this third edition of the South Asia Nutrition Knowledge Initiative’s Abstract Digest, we present studies on global, regional, and country-specific evidence on various topics of nutrition. These include the impact of short birth intervals on child malnutrition in the Asia-Pacific region, a summary of lessons from program evaluations of food systems interventions for nutrition in South Asia, the effect of zinc supplementation in pregnant and lactating mothers in a three-country study, and a review of evidence on school meals, impact on nutrition, and their other evolving dimensions.
Women's Empowerment in Agricultural Governance (WEAGov) technical workshop: India pilot study
Ragasa, Catherine; Kyle, Jordan; Yasmin, Sabina; Pande, Harshita; Basu, Sampurna; Sharma, Aanshi. 2024
Ragasa, Catherine; Kyle, Jordan; Yasmin, Sabina; Pande, Harshita; Basu, Sampurna; Sharma, Aanshi. 2024
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Gender Equality research initiative Gender Equality (HER+) is a One CGIAR Research Initiative seeking to address the following four dimensions of gender inequality in agrifood systems: o Women’s lack of agency or limited ability to define and act on goals, make decisions that matter to them, and participate in the economy and in public life; o Women’s lack of access to and control over resources; o Social norms that discriminate based on gender; and o Policies and governance that fail to include and benefit women.
HER+ uses impactful gender research to address the four dimensions of gender inequality by applying gender-transformative approaches to address harmful norms. It does this by bundling innovations for women’s empowerment, leveraging social protection to increase women’s access to and control over resources, and promoting inclusive governance and policies for increased resilience. HER+ will generate learning and evidence on levers and entry points to disrupt the foundations of inequality in agrifood systems (AFS).
Rural electrification and the changing energy irrigation nexus in Bihar
Beniwal, Ezaboo; Kishore, Avinash. 2024
Beniwal, Ezaboo; Kishore, Avinash. 2024
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Over the past few decades Agricultural irrigation in South Asia has emerged to be dominantly groundwater sourced. The size and structure of a region’s groundwater economy is closely intertwined with its energy economy. Until only a few years ago, diesel was the main source of energy for groundwater irrigation in the region while farmers in the rest of South Asia had access to subsidized or free electricity to operate their pumps. With rapid improvements in rural energy supply, this energy-divide is now disappearing. This has potential to change the area’s groundwater energy nexus. Farmers in Bihar, a populous state of India, have installed more than 200 thousand electric pumps for irrigation since 2015. We use data from a representative sample of 1440 farmers from the state to assess the pattern of electrification of groundwater irrigation and its impact on pump ownership, water markets, and water use in agriculture. Electrification of irrigation is skewed towards west and south Bihar. On average, electric pump owners have smaller landholdings than diesel pump owners and they charge significantly lower irrigation fees from water buyers. However, three out of four pump owners report not selling water from their pumps. Farmers using electric pumps—owned or rented—irrigate their crops more intensively and have higher cropping intensity. Near free electricity for irrigation may undermine the fiscal and environmental sustainability of the irrigation led agricultural growth in Bihar.
Women's Empowerment in Agricultural Governance (WEAGov) technical workshop: India pilot study
Ragasa, Catherine; Kyle, Jordan; Yasmin, Sabina; Pande, Harshita; Basu, Sampurna; Sharma, Aanshi. 2024
Ragasa, Catherine; Kyle, Jordan; Yasmin, Sabina; Pande, Harshita; Basu, Sampurna; Sharma, Aanshi. 2024
Abstract | View
Gender Equality research initiative Gender Equality (HER+) is a One CGIAR Research Initiative seeking to address the following four dimensions of gender inequality in agrifood systems: o Women’s lack of agency or limited ability to define and act on goals, make decisions that matter to them, and participate in the economy and in public life; o Women’s lack of access to and control over resources; o Social norms that discriminate based on gender; and o Policies and governance that fail to include and benefit women.
HER+ uses impactful gender research to address the four dimensions of gender inequality by applying gender-transformative approaches to address harmful norms. It does this by bundling innovations for women’s empowerment, leveraging social protection to increase women’s access to and control over resources, and promoting inclusive governance and policies for increased resilience. HER+ will generate learning and evidence on levers and entry points to disrupt the foundations of inequality in agrifood systems (AFS).
Enhanced quality of nutrition services during antenatal care through interventions to improve maternal nutrition in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and India
Nguyen, Phuong; Mai, Lan T.; Kachwaha, Shivani; Sanghvi, Tina; Mahmud, Zeba; Zafimanjaka, Maurice G.; Walissa, Tamirat; Ghosh, Sebanti; Kim, Sunny S.. 2024
Nguyen, Phuong; Mai, Lan T.; Kachwaha, Shivani; Sanghvi, Tina; Mahmud, Zeba; Zafimanjaka, Maurice G.; Walissa, Tamirat; Ghosh, Sebanti; Kim, Sunny S.. 2024
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Objectives: Quality antenatal care (ANC) services are critical for maternal health and nutrition. Information on quality of nutrition interventions during ANC is scarce in low-and middle-income countries. Our study examined the effects of intensified maternal nutrition interventions during ANC on service readiness, provision of care, and client’s experience of care in Bangladesh (BD), Burkina Faso (BF), Ethiopia (ET), and India (IN). We also examined inter-relationships between the dimensions of ANC quality.
Barriers and facilitators to women’s participation in farmer producer organizations: A qualitative study exploring women’s empowerment and collective efficacy in Jharkhand, India
Bhanjdeo, Arundhita. 2024
Bhanjdeo, Arundhita. 2024
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Over the last decade in India, farmer producer organizations (FPOs) have emerged as a means of collectivizing smallholder farmers and providing them access to extension, innovation, and market services. FPOs that center women farmers, traditionally at a disadvantage vis-à-vis their male counterparts in access to resources and extension, can serve to enhance women’s agency and collective action in agricultural value chains. We used 59 key informant interviews and nine focus group discussions to examine the constraints to, and facilitators of, women’s and men’s participation in three women-only FPOs in Jharkhand, an eastern Indian state. Additionally, we study the gender and power dynamics in such FPOs and the potential of collective efficacy to enhance agricultural and empowerment outcomes. The FPO intervention we evaluated was supported by an NGO that provides FPO members with both agricultural and gender-based inputs to improve agronomic practices, market linkages, agricultural yields and profits, and the role of women both within the FPO and within their households and communities. In this paper, we provide contextual insights on ‘what works’ to empower women in this context. Women’s perceptions of the benefits from FPO membership were heterogeneous. Our qualitative analysis suggests a nuanced picture of women’s autonomy and decision-making within and outside their household, further shaped by women’s and men’s perception of shifts in women’s access to resources and services. The emerging lessons provide inputs for development implementers and policymakers to recognize diverse contextual barriers in designing FPO interventions to enable and enhance women empowerment outcomes. The research also contributes to the body of knowledge on local gender norms and understanding of empowerment.
Combining approaches for systemic behaviour change in groundwater governance
Sanil, Richu; Falk, Thomas; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth S.; Priyadarshini, Pratiti. 2024
Sanil, Richu; Falk, Thomas; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth S.; Priyadarshini, Pratiti. 2024
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Over-extraction of groundwater is a prominent challenge in India, with profound implication for food security, livelihoods, and economic development. As groundwater is an ‘invisible’ and mobile common pool resource, sustainable governance of groundwater is complex, multifaceted, requiring coordination among various stakeholders at different scales. It remains an open question as to what can be done to strengthen the governance of groundwater, particularly on the scale necessary to address widespread depletion of resources. The growing competition over groundwater resources calls for systemic changes towards sustainable water management. These require understanding the behaviours of actors in the system network, as well as the institutions that shape the direction in which the system moves. In this paper, we offer a behavioural perspective to system transformation and apply it to the example of an Indian NGO working on sustainable natural resource governance. The organisation, Foundation for Ecological Security (FES), has been co-designing and using various institutional tools for groundwater governance with the collaboration of other NGOs and government partners, academic and research organisations towards strengthening governance of water. At the local level, these include groundwater monitoring and crop water budgeting, combined with experiential learning tools such as games for demand management, and supply side interventions to support water harvesting and recharge. These tools are combined with efforts to strengthen multi-actor platforms, building coalitions and capacity of government, civil society and private sector actors to support groundwater governance at scale. By combining local and systemic approaches, the aim is to influence water governance on a larger scale and contribute to the sustainable management of water resources in India. Our reflections illustrate how conceptual thinking can inform multi-methods approaches which consider that sustainably improving groundwater management at large scale requires inter-linked behavioural changes of diverse actors. Our approach constitutes critical reflection and conceptualization, based on situated knowledge which contributes to designing better adapted and more powerful intervention strategies through informed argument.
Effects of a large-scale alcohol ban on population-level alcohol intake, weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, and domestic violence in India: A quasi-experimental population-based study
Chakrabarti, Suman; Christopher, Anita; Scott, Samuel P.; Kishore, Avinash; Nguyen, Phuong H.. 2024
Chakrabarti, Suman; Christopher, Anita; Scott, Samuel P.; Kishore, Avinash; Nguyen, Phuong H.. 2024
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Background Globally, alcohol consumption is a leading risk factor for deaths and disability and a causal factor in over 200 diseases, injuries, and health conditions. In April 2016, the manufacture, transport, sale, and consumption of alcohol was banned in Bihar, a populous Indian state. We sought to estimate the impacts of this ban on health outcomes and domestic violence.
Methods Data from the Indian National Family Health Surveys (2005–06, 2015–16, 2019–21), Annual Health Survey (2013), and District Level Household Survey (2012), were used to conduct difference-in-differences (DID) analysis, comparing Bihar (n = 10,733 men, n = 88,188 women) and neighbouring states (n = 38,674 men, n = 284,820 women) before and after the ban. Outcomes included frequent (daily or weekly) alcohol consumption, underweight, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and intimate partner violence. A triple difference model adding male–female interaction to the DID model was also estimated. Attributable averted cases were calculated to estimate the impact of the ban.
Defining a dichotomous indicator for population-level assessment of dietary diversity among pregnant adolescent girls and women: A secondary analysis of quantitative 24-h recalls from rural settings in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, India, and Nepal
Verger, Eric O.; Eymard-Duvernay, Sabrina; Bahya-Batinda, Dang; Hanley-Cook, Giles T.; Argaw, Alemayehu; Becquey, Elodie; Diop, Loty; Gelli, Aulo; Harris-Fry, Helen; Kachwaha, Shivani; Kim, Sunny S.; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Saville, Naomi M.; Tran, Lan Mai; Zagré, Rock R.; Landais, Edwige; Savy, Mathilde; Martin-Prevel, Yves; Lachat, Carl. 2024
Verger, Eric O.; Eymard-Duvernay, Sabrina; Bahya-Batinda, Dang; Hanley-Cook, Giles T.; Argaw, Alemayehu; Becquey, Elodie; Diop, Loty; Gelli, Aulo; Harris-Fry, Helen; Kachwaha, Shivani; Kim, Sunny S.; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Saville, Naomi M.; Tran, Lan Mai; Zagré, Rock R.; Landais, Edwige; Savy, Mathilde; Martin-Prevel, Yves; Lachat, Carl. 2024
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Background The Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women of Reproductive Age (MDD-W) indicator was validated as a proxy of micronutrient adequacy among nonpregnant women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). At that time, indeed, there was insufficient data to validate the indicator among pregnant women, who face higher micronutrient requirements. Objective This study aimed to validate a minimum food group consumption threshold, out of the 10 food groups used to construct MDD-W, to be used as a population-level indicator of higher micronutrient adequacy among pregnant women aged 15–49 y in LMICs. Methods We used secondary quantitative 24-h recall data from 6 surveys in 4 LMICs (Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, India, and Nepal, total n = 4909). We computed the 10-food group Women's Dietary Diversity Score (WDDS-10) and calculated the mean probability of adequacy (MPA) of 11 micronutrients. Linear regression models were fitted to assess the associations between WDDS-10 and MPA. Sensitivity, specificity, and proportion of individuals correctly classified were used to assess the performance of MDD-W in predicting an MPA of >0.60. Results In the pooled sample, median values (interquartile range) of WDDS-10 and MPA were 3 (1) and 0.20 (0.34), respectively, whereas the proportion of pregnant women with an MPA of >0.60 was 9.6%. The WDDS-10 was significantly positively associated with MPA in each survey. Although the acceptable food group consumption threshold varied between 4 and 6 food groups across surveys, the threshold of 5 showed the highest performance in the pooled sample with good sensitivity (62%), very good specificity (81%), and percentage of correctly classified individuals (79%). Conclusions The WDDS-10 is a good predictor of dietary micronutrient adequacy among pregnant women aged 15–49 y in LMICs. Moreover, the threshold of 5 or more food groups for the MDD-W indicator may be extended to all women of reproductive age, regardless of their physiologic status.
Polycentric governance of commons through multi-stakeholder platforms: Insights from two case studies in India
ElDidi, Hagar; Rawat, Shivanyaa; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth S.; Chaturvedi, Rahul; Sanil, Richu. 2024
ElDidi, Hagar; Rawat, Shivanyaa; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth S.; Chaturvedi, Rahul; Sanil, Richu. 2024
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This paper examines the complexities of commons governance, focusing on the role of multistakeholder platforms (MSPs) in addressing tensions among diverse decision-making centers. Drawing on the experiences of the Indian NGO Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) in Gujarat and Odisha, the study analyzes two MSPs operating at the block level, engaging communities, government, and private sector actors. Through surveys, interviews, and analysis of institutional reports, the research identifies key benefits of MSPs, including enhanced multi-stakeholder engagement, scale, and enabling conditions. It argues that MSPs can effectively support polycentric governance by facilitating inter-community collaboration, strengthening local voices, and building trust over time. The study also underscores the importance of external actors like NGOs in supporting community agency and fostering collaboration across different governance levels.
Utilization of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and its linkages with undernutrition in India
Singh, Shri K.; Chauhan, Alka; Alderman, Harold; Avula, Rasmi; Dwivedi, Laxmi K.; Kapoor, Rati; Meher, Trupti; Menon, Purnima; Nguyen, Phuong; Pedgaonker, Sarang; Puri, Parul; Chakrabarti, Suman. 2024
Singh, Shri K.; Chauhan, Alka; Alderman, Harold; Avula, Rasmi; Dwivedi, Laxmi K.; Kapoor, Rati; Meher, Trupti; Menon, Purnima; Nguyen, Phuong; Pedgaonker, Sarang; Puri, Parul; Chakrabarti, Suman. 2024
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The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme has been the central focus of the POSHAN Abhiyaan to combat maternal and child malnutrition under the national nutrition mission in India. This paper examined the linkages between utilization of ICDS and underweight among children aged 6-59 months. The study utilized data from two recent rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4 [2015-2016] and NFHS-5 [2019-2021]). Descriptive analyses were used to assess the change in utilization of ICDS and the prevalence of underweight at the national and state levels. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to examine factors associated with the utilization of ICDS and underweight. Linkages between utilization of ICDS and underweight were examined using the difference-in-differences (DID) approach. Utilization of ICDS increased from 58% in 2015-2016 to 71% in 2019-2021. The prevalence of underweight decreased from 37% to 32% in the same period. Changes in ICDS utilization and underweight prevalence varied considerably across states, socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Results from decomposition of DID models suggest that improvements in ICDS explained 9%-12% of the observed reduction in underweight children between 2016 and 2021, suggesting that ICDS made a modest but meaningful contribution in addressing undernutrition among children aged 6-59 months in this period.
Evidence of potential impacts of a nutrition-sensitive agroecology program in Andhra Pradesh, India, on dietary diversity, nutritional status, and child development
Ch, Lakshmi Durga; Bharath, Yandrapu; Bliznashka, Lilia; T., Vijay Kumar; Jonnala, Veerendra; Chekka, Vijayalakshmi; Yebushi, Srileka; Roy, Aditi; Venkateshmurthy, Nikhil Srinivasapura; Prabhakaran, Poornima; Jaacks, Lindsay M.. 2024
Ch, Lakshmi Durga; Bharath, Yandrapu; Bliznashka, Lilia; T., Vijay Kumar; Jonnala, Veerendra; Chekka, Vijayalakshmi; Yebushi, Srileka; Roy, Aditi; Venkateshmurthy, Nikhil Srinivasapura; Prabhakaran, Poornima; Jaacks, Lindsay M.. 2024
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Introduction While a number of studies have examined the nutritional impacts of agroecological interventions, few have examined impacts on child development, maternal and child anemia, and men’s dietary diversity. Moreover, there have been few such evaluations at scale. We evaluated the impact of a large-scale, multi-component food-based nutrition intervention involving homestead food production, nutrition counselling, cooking demonstrations, and crop planning exercises.
Methods A cross-sectional assessment was conducted in 2021–2022 of 50 intervention villages where the nutrition-sensitive agroecology program had been implemented since 2018 and 79 control villages where only the agroecology program had been implemented. Data on self-reported dietary intake, caregiver-reported early child development, anthropometric measurements, and hemoglobin concentrations were collected using standardized procedures by trained Nutrition Farming Fellows, who were also responsible for implementing the program.
Results A sample of 3,511 households (1,121 intervention and 2,390 control) participated in the survey. Dietary diversity scores (DDS) among women and men were mean (SD) 6.53 (±1.62) and 6.16 (±1.65), respectively, in intervention villages and 5.81 (±1.58) and 5.39 (±1.61), respectively, in control villages (p<0.01). DDS among children 6–24 months of age in intervention and control villages was 2.99 (±1.52) and 2.73 (±1.62), respectively (p<0.01). Children <2 years of age were less likely to be anemic in intervention versus control villages (59% versus 69%, p<0.01). Children 18–35 months age in intervention villages had higher child development scores than children in control villages (all p<0.05). Conclusion Nutrition-sensitive agroecological programs may be effective in improving diets, nutrition, and child development in rural India.
Deworming and micronutrient status by community open defecation prevalence: An observational study using nationally representative data from India, 2016–2018
Chakrabarti, Suman; Ajjampur, Sitara S. R.; Waddington, Hugh Sharma; Kishore, Avinash; Nguyen, Phuong H.; Scott, Samuel. 2024
Chakrabarti, Suman; Ajjampur, Sitara S. R.; Waddington, Hugh Sharma; Kishore, Avinash; Nguyen, Phuong H.; Scott, Samuel. 2024
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Background Micronutrient deficiencies are widespread in India. Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are acquired by interaction with soil and water contaminated by human feces and lead to blood loss and poor micronutrient absorption. The current recommendation for control of STH-related morbidity is targeted deworming, yet little is known about the effectiveness of deworming on micronutrient status in varying sanitation contexts. Ranging between 1% and 40% prevalence across Indian states, open defecation (OD) remains high despite India’s investments at elimination by promoting community-wide sanitation. This variation provides an opportunity to study the relationship between deworming, micronutrient status, and OD at-scale.
Impact of India’s Farm Science Centers (Krishi Vigyan Kendras) on farm households’ economic welfare: An evidence from a national farmer survey
Kumar, Anjani; Mishra, Ashok K.; Signh, A. K.; Saroj, Sunil; Madhaven, Misha; Joshi, Pramod Kumar. 2024
Kumar, Anjani; Mishra, Ashok K.; Signh, A. K.; Saroj, Sunil; Madhaven, Misha; Joshi, Pramod Kumar. 2024
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This study examines the impact of access to India’s farm science centers (Krishi Vigyan Kendras, or KVKs) on agricultural households’ welfare using household data from the nationally representative Situation Assessment Survey of Agricultural Households conducted by India’s National Sample Survey Office in 2013. Employing different matching techniques and endogenous switching regression models, it was observed that the KVKs have a positive and statistically significant impact on agricultural households’ economic welfare, although, that impact is heterogeneous. Further, the investments made in expansion of India’s network of KVKs have been quite remunerative, as the benefit- to-cost ratio of expenditure on KVKs ranges from 8–12. Moreover, present findings suggest that expanding rural formal credit markets and promoting literacy can maximize the potential impact of KVKs on agricultural households’ economic welfare.
Rural household vulnerability and COVID-19: Evidence from India
Jian, Junyan. 2024
Jian, Junyan. 2024
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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected vulnerable households’ livelihoods in developing countries. Using high-frequency phone survey data from the World Bank, we assess rural Indian households’ vulnerability and poverty status during the pandemic. Results reveal that over three-fifths of Indian rural households are vulnerable to poverty in the context of COVID-19, despite India’s evident progress in mitigating poverty in the pre-pandemic era. Poverty plays a major role in accounting for variations in household vulnerability; however, the impact of risks on household welfare is not negligible. On average, households with more members, older household heads, and more outmigrants are more vulnerable to poverty during the pandemic. The impacts of the gender of the household head, access to masks, consumption loans, and COVID-related information are nevertheless insignificant. Results stress the urgent necessity of deploying concerted interventions to strengthen household vulnerability in rural India.
Consumer food safety awareness and demand for fluid milk: A case study from India
Kumar, Anjani; Mishra, Ashok K.; Sonkar, Vinay K.; Roy, Devesh. 2024
Kumar, Anjani; Mishra, Ashok K.; Sonkar, Vinay K.; Roy, Devesh. 2024
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ABSTRACT: Despite significant improvements in consumers’ food safety awareness, the literature provides little or no evidence of the impact of food safety awareness on the quantity of fluid milk consumers purchased. This is especially true for India’s consumers, where the economy is changing rapidly regarding food marketing, incomes, urbanization, and increased demand for food safety.The study is based on primary data from a survey of consumers from urban and peri-urban districts in India. The survey collected information on socioeconomic characteristics, dairy consumption, purchasing patterns, and food safety awareness. This study first creates a food safety awareness (FSA) index to measure consumers’ awareness of food safety attitudes and perceptions. It investigates the factors affecting consumers’ food safety awareness and FSA’s impact on fluid milk demand. The study uses a newly developed impact evaluation method, continuous treatment matching estimation, and dose-response functions (DRFs) to assess the impact of FSA on consumers’ fluid milk purchases. Findings show that educational attainment, sources of information on food safety, age, and gender of the head of the household significantly influenced consumers’ food safety awareness. Further, the study finds that food safety awareness positively impacts the demand for fluid milk. After controlling for milk prices and family income, Indian consumers aware of and adopt seven or more food safety habits or practices are likely to demand more fluid milk. Results are robust to specifications, income levels, and the location of households. The link between food safety awareness and the quantity of milk purchased implies a latent consumer demand for food safety. Any consumer awareness programs and policies supporting milk and its products’ hygienic production will likely increase demand for milk and dairy products. At a policy level, credible systems can be put in place for food certification and labeling, which enhance the availability of safe and hygienic food.
Dynamics of comparative advantage in India’s agricultural exports
Kumar, Anjani; Elumalai, K. 2024
Kumar, Anjani; Elumalai, K. 2024
Impact of dairy cooperatives on milk productivity: Evidence from rural Bihar
Kumar, Anjani; Sen, Biswajit; Saroj, Sunil. 2024
Kumar, Anjani; Sen, Biswajit; Saroj, Sunil. 2024
Food systems interventions for nutrition: Lessons from six program evaluations in Africa and South Asia
Neufeld, Lynnette M.; Nordhagen, Stella; Leroy, Jef L.; Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Barnett, Inka; Wouabe, Eric Djimeu. 2024
Neufeld, Lynnette M.; Nordhagen, Stella; Leroy, Jef L.; Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Barnett, Inka; Wouabe, Eric Djimeu. 2024
Abstract | View
While there is growing global momentum behind food systems strategies to improve planetary and human health—including nutrition—there is limited evidence of what types of food systems interventions work. Evaluating these types of interventions is challenging due to their complex and dynamic nature and lack of fit with standard evaluation methods. In this paper, we draw on a portfolio of six evaluations of food systems interventions in Africa and South Asia that were intended to improve nutrition. We identify key methodological challenges and formulate recommendations to improve the quality of such studies. We highlight five challenges: a lack of evidence base to justify the intervention; the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the interventions; addressing attribution; collecting or accessing accurate and timely data; and defining and measuring appropriate outcomes. In addition to more specific guidance, we identify six cross-cutting recommendations, including a need to use multiple and diverse methods and flexible designs. We also note that these evaluation challenges present opportunities to develop new methods and highlight several specific needs in this space.
2018 Social Accounting Matrix for Indian State Odisha: A Nexus Project SAM
International Food Policy Research Institute. 2024
International Food Policy Research Institute. 2024
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The Nexus Project is a collaboration between IFPRI and its partners, including national statistical agencies and research institutions. Our aim is to improve the quality of the social accounting matrices (SAMs) used for computable general equilibrium (CGE) modeling. The Nexus Project develops toolkits and establishes common data standards, procedures, and classification systems for constructing and updating national SAMs. This addresses the need for greater transparency and consistency in SAM construction to strengthen model-based research and policy analysis in developing countries. Nexus SAMs allows for more robust cross-country comparisons of national and sub-national economic structure, especially agriculture-food systems. The Nexus Project’s guiding principles are that all data should be traceable to original sources and/or assumptions, and that all SAMs should be freely available online. Greater transparency and accessibility should facilitate more data validation and participation of the modeling community. Statistics are continuously being revised and errors are often only identified when data is used for analysis, and so we welcome your suggestions on how the SAMs can be improved to reflect new and/or better information.
Economic valuation of ecosystem services of selected interventions in agriculture in India
Kumara T M, Kiran; Birthal, Pratap Singh; Meena, Dinesh Chand; Kumar, Anjani. 2024
Kumara T M, Kiran; Birthal, Pratap Singh; Meena, Dinesh Chand; Kumar, Anjani. 2024
Abstract | View
Agriculture is multi-functional, producing economic goods including food, feed, fibre, and fuel, as well as providing several intangible or non-tradable services to society free of cost. Non-tradable services, unlike economic goods, remain unpriced; as a result, farmers are not compensated monetarily for the benefits of the several non-tradable services they provide through agriculture. Recognizing the monetary value of non-tradable ecosystem services is crucial to incentivize farmers to adopt eco-friendly technologies and practices for the sustainable development of agriculture. Through a meta-analysis of the existing evidence on ecosystem services, this study attempts to estimate the value of ecosystem services by using direct and indirect valuation methods—for example, carbon sequestration, methane emission, nutrient availability, biological nitrogen fixation, and water saving—generated by several important technological and agronomic interventions, namely the direct seeding of rice (DSR), zero-tillage in wheat, leguminous crops, organic manure, integrated nutrient management, and agroforestry, based on studies conducted in India. It also explores the trade-offs between the non-tradable and tradable ecosystem services attributable to these interventions. The monetary value of the non-tradable services resulting from most of these interventions is quite large, 34–77% of the total value of all the ecosystem services. However, not all interventions result in a win-win situation that yields improvements in both tradable and non-tradable outcomes. While no-till wheat, legumes, and integrated nutrient management result in a win-win outcome, there are trade-offs between the tradable and non tradable ecosystem services in the cases of directed seed rice, organic manure, and agroforestry. This evidence suggests that not all agricultural technologies and practices are beneficial for farmers, despite their higher environmental benefits. Thus, the findings of this study imply that agricultural policy should provide incentives for the adoption of technologies and practices to conserve ecosystems and natural resources.
Claim-making under India’s Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): Barriers and opportunities for women’s voice and agency over asset selection
Kosec, Katrina; Kyle, Jordan; Narayanan, Sudha; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Ray, Soumyajit. 2024
Kosec, Katrina; Kyle, Jordan; Narayanan, Sudha; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Ray, Soumyajit. 2024
Breeding efforts on grain micronutrient enhancement in pearl millet
Govindaraj, Mahalingam; Pujar, Mahesh. 2023
Govindaraj, Mahalingam; Pujar, Mahesh. 2023
DOI : 10.1007/978-981-19-4169-6_7
Challenges and opportunities in implementing video-based extension approaches targeting women farmers: An implementer’s perspective
Rwamigisa, Patience B.; Namyenya, Angella; Butele, Cosmas Alfred; Shah, Mansi; Githuku, Fridah; Njung’e, Dennis. Washington, DC 2023
Rwamigisa, Patience B.; Namyenya, Angella; Butele, Cosmas Alfred; Shah, Mansi; Githuku, Fridah; Njung’e, Dennis. Washington, DC 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.137057
Abstract | View
Agricultural extension services play an important role in agricultural development. Timely and reliable information services are key to improving farmers’ knowledge of strategies to increase agricultural productivity, assisting them in accessing inputs and credit, providing early warning against pests and other shocks, and offering them critical advice on climate action. However, equitable access to knowledge, information, and technology remains challeng ing in most countries. This inequity is even more pronounced among farmers from marginalized groups, including women farmers, resulting in their limited access to climate resilience-enhancing technologies and practices. This note summarizes findings from implementers of participatory video-based extension interventions in India, Kenya, and Uganda. The findings suggest that videos targeting women farmers can reach them effectively. Still, participa tory video-based extension should be accompanied by group discussions, providing complementary inputs, and dismantling other barriers that impede women’s agency and achievements in agriculture.
Welfare implications of public expenditure in Indian agriculture: New evidence from CS-ARDL Approach
Akbar, Nusrat; Kumar, Anjani. New Delhi, India 2023
Akbar, Nusrat; Kumar, Anjani. New Delhi, India 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.137035
Abstract | View
This study explores the welfare implications of public expenditure at the subnational level. We empirically examine the efficiency of different categories of public expenditure on agriculture and irrigation using the novel cross-sectional autoregressive distributed lag (CS-ARDL) model and the data from 1981 to 2019 for 17 major agricultural states of India. The findings reveal the strong long-term positive effect in rural India of public sector expenditure on crop husbandry, agricultural research and education, soil and water conservation, irrigation, food storage and warehousing, animal husbandry and dairy development, and fisheries on total factor productivity (TFP), farm income, and poverty alleviation. Irrigation and electricity subsidies do not significantly affect outcome variables, while fertilizer subsidies showed a long-term negative impact on TFP, and credit subsidies had a positive effect on income and on the reduction of rural poverty. Other factors that were shown to have welfare implications included rainfall, literacy rate, and agricultural terms of trade (TOT), that is, the ratio of agriculture GDP to non-agriculture GDP. Policymakers should thus better target and rationalize government expenditure programs by removing unproductive input subsidies and reallocating those funds toward other types of public investment in Indian agriculture.
Dataset of biological community structure in Deepor Beel using eDNA approach–A RAMSAR wetland of Assam, India
Nikita, Rajkumari; Ghosh, Anwesha; Yash; Kumar, Chakresh; Mandal, Arkaprava; Saini, Nirupama; Dubey, Sourabh Kumar; Gogoi, Kalpajit; Rajts, Francois; Belton, Ben; Bhadury, Punyasloke . 2023
Nikita, Rajkumari; Ghosh, Anwesha; Yash; Kumar, Chakresh; Mandal, Arkaprava; Saini, Nirupama; Dubey, Sourabh Kumar; Gogoi, Kalpajit; Rajts, Francois; Belton, Ben; Bhadury, Punyasloke . 2023
DOI : 10.1016/j.dib.2023.109786
Abstract | View
Deepor Beel, located in the state of Assam in India, is a Wetland of International Importance with a Wildlife Sanctuary and is the only RAMSAR site in the state. Though of invaluable ecological significance, the wetland is facing anthropogenic stressors, leading to rapid degradation of ecological health. In December 2022, surface water was collected from six stations of Deepor Beel to elucidate biological communities using the eDNA approach. At the time of sampling, in-situ environmental parameters were measured in triplicates. The dissolved nutrients and concentrations of metals and metalloids were estimated using UV–Vis Spectrophotometry and ICP-MS approaches respectively. The study revealed a high concentration of dissolved nitrate in the surface water. High-throughput sequencing using Nanopore sequencing chemistry in a MinION platform indicated the overwhelming abundance of Moraxellaceae (Prokaryotes) and Eumetazoa (Eukaryotes). The abundance of Cyprinidae were also encountered in the studied wetland reflecting the biodiversity of fish populations. High nitrate along with elucidated microbial signals are crucial to designate ecological health status of Deeper Beel. This study is aimed at generating baseline information to aid long-term monitoring and restoration of the Deepor Beel as well as the first comprehensive assessment of a RAMSAR Site located in northeast of India.
Agrifood system in India - state factsheet: Uttar Pradesh
Pal, Barun Deb; Ajmani, Manmeet; Thurlow, James; Pauw, Karl. Washington, DC 2023
Pal, Barun Deb; Ajmani, Manmeet; Thurlow, James; Pauw, Karl. Washington, DC 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.137026
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This factsheet provides a brief description of the economic structure and the size of the agrifood system of Uttar Pradesh (UP), an Indian state. The agrifood system comprises primary agriculture, food processing, agrifood trade, food services, and input supplies. We have constructed a multistate social accounting matrix (SAM) for the year 2017/18 to understand the size of UP’s agrifood system in comparison with the rest of India.
Agrifood system in India - state factsheet: Bihar
Pal, Barun Deb; Ajmani, Manmeet; Thurlow, James; Pauw, Karl. Washington, DC 2023
Pal, Barun Deb; Ajmani, Manmeet; Thurlow, James; Pauw, Karl. Washington, DC 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.137027
Abstract | View
This factsheet provides a brief description of the economic structure and the size of the agrifood system of Bihar, an Indian state. The agrifood system comprises primary agriculture, food processing, agrifood trade, food services, and input supplies. We have constructed a multistate social accounting matrix (SAM) for the year 2017/18 to understand the size of Bihar’s agrifood system in comparison with the rest of India.
Agrifood system in India - state factsheet: Odisha
Pal, Barun Deb; Ajmani, Manmeet; Thurlow, James; Pauw, Karl. Washington, DC 2023
Pal, Barun Deb; Ajmani, Manmeet; Thurlow, James; Pauw, Karl. Washington, DC 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.137028
Abstract | View
This factsheet provides a brief description of the economic structure and the size of the agrifood system of Odisha, an Indian state. The agrifood system comprises primary agriculture, food processing, agrifood trade, food services, and input supplies. We have constructed a multistate social accounting matrix (SAM) for the year 2017/18 to understand the size of Odisha’s agrifood system in comparison with the rest of India.
Insights from farmers and extension agents: Perceptions of a participatory video intervention in India, Kenya, and Uganda
Aladesuru, Damilola; Kasule, James Billy; Joshi, Garima. Washington, DC 2023
Aladesuru, Damilola; Kasule, James Billy; Joshi, Garima. Washington, DC 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.137024
Cracking the code of hatchery-based mass production of mola (Amblypharyngodon mola) seed for nutritionsensitive aquaculture
Rajts, Francois; Dubey, Sourabh Kumar; Gogoi, Kalpajit; Das, Rashmi Ranjan; Biswal, Saurava Kumar; Padiyar, Arun Panemangalore; Rajendran, Suresh; Thilsted, Shakuntala Haraksingh; Mohan, Chadag Vishnumurthy; Belton, Ben. 2023
Rajts, Francois; Dubey, Sourabh Kumar; Gogoi, Kalpajit; Das, Rashmi Ranjan; Biswal, Saurava Kumar; Padiyar, Arun Panemangalore; Rajendran, Suresh; Thilsted, Shakuntala Haraksingh; Mohan, Chadag Vishnumurthy; Belton, Ben. 2023
DOI : 10.3389/faquc.2023.1271715
Abstract | View
Introduction: Small indigenous fish species (SIS) can be particularly rich in micronutrients and make a crucial contribution toward improving human nutrition. The introduction of mola (Amblypharyngodon mola), an SIS, which is particularly rich in vitamin A, into smallholder carp aquaculture systems has been widely promoted over the past decade as a promising nutrition-sensitive innovation. However, standardized techniques for the hatchery mass production of mola do not yet exist. We hypothesized that the lack of commercial hatchery mass-production techniques for mola seed is the key barrier limiting potential for widespread adoption of carp–SIS polyculture.
Methods: To address this gap, we conducted breeding trials at a private hatchery in Odisha, India, from July to September 2022, to identify standardized methods for the hatchery-based mass production of mola seed. Breeding was induced using a synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (SGnRHa) at 0.5 mL and 0.25 mL per kg of body weight of female fish and male fish, respectively. Fish spawned in double hapas in breeding tanks.
Results: The average fertilization, spawning, and hatching rates over 10 breeding cycles were 81%, 82%, and 85%, respectively. A total of 8.5 million fertilized eggs and 6.4 million hatchlings were produced. The survival of fry during larval rearing trials at a stocking rate of 500 hatchlings/m2 was 58% after 22 days. The mola hatchlings and fry were sold to 29 farmers at prices comparable to those of Indian major carp.
Discussion: This article makes a unique contribution to the literature by documenting the entire process of hatchery-based mass mola seed production, including broodfish collection and maintenance, hormone dose optimization, breeding arrangements, breeder characteristics, breeding behavior and performance fecundity, larval rearing, and seed sales to farmers. This information is intended to serve as a protocol to be followed by any individual or institution with an interest in mola breeding and represents an important contribution to the development of nutrition-sensitive aquaculture.
Public expenditure and growth dynamics in Indian agriculture: Trends, structural breaks, and linkages
Akber, Nusrat; Kumar, Anjani; Bathla, Seema. Washington, DC 2023
Akber, Nusrat; Kumar, Anjani; Bathla, Seema. Washington, DC 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.137019
Abstract | View
The present study analyzes temporal and spatial trends in public expenditure on agriculture and irrigation in India. It links sub-period growth performance with expenditure based on structural breaks. The analysis pertains to the period between 1992/1993 and 2019/2020. This is a period that has witnessed a stagnation, and even a decrease in public expenditure in the agricultural sector and a resulting deceleration in productivity growth, which was then followed by a revival in both expenditure and output. Significantly expenditure on subsidies of key inputs, viz. fertilizer, irrigation, and power, however, has not incentivized farmers to increase output and productivity to achieve a higher rate of growth. Empirical findings based on the first-difference regression analysis confirm that agricultural growth is determined by public expenditure on agriculture and irrigation; across the states, however, input subsidies alone are shown to be less, or not at all, efficient. Funds to agriculture and irrigation should be increased in proportion to their contribution to the state domestic product, and input subsidies should be rationalized by weighing their positive welfare effects against their cost to the exchequer.
Impact of participatory video-based extension and posters on awareness, knowledge, and adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices: Insights from women farmers in Gujarat, India
Barooah, Prapti; Alvi, Muzna; Ringler, Claudia. Washington, DC 2023
Barooah, Prapti; Alvi, Muzna; Ringler, Claudia. Washington, DC 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.137022
Abstract | View
Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is critical for reducing smallholder farmers’ vulnerability and enhancing their capacity to cope with the adverse impacts of climate change. Constraints to information and extension access — especially among women farmers, who play a vital role in Indian agriculture — are increasingly acknowledged as a barrier for widespread adoption of CSA practices. This note summarizes results from a study implemented among smallholder women farmers in rural Gujarat, India, to assess the effectiveness of a participatory video and poster extension intervention on increasing awareness, knowledge, and adoption of CSA practices. The findings sug gest that videos and posters are a viable information delivery mechanism for promoting awareness around CSA practices but should be supplemented with additional capacity development, access to financial resources, and labor-sharing arrangements.
Trends and determinants of India’s virtual water trade in crop products
Kannan, Elumalai; Kumar, Anjani. Washington, DC 2023
Kannan, Elumalai; Kumar, Anjani. Washington, DC 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.137023
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This paper analyzed the determinants of India’s virtual water trade in crops and crop products for the period 2001 to 2020. The study used product data at the 6-digit level of commodity classification, covering 206 commodities traded across 218 partner countries. Analysis shows that India has a favorable virtual water trade balance and terms of trade with its partner countries. Among the commodities traded, rice accounted for over one-fourth of the total volume of virtual water exported, and sunflower/safflower oil constitute over one-third of the total volume of virtual water imported. No consistent pattern was observed with regard to the level of endowment of water resources of export destination countries. Gravity model results revealed, as expected, that partner countries’ GDP and population size had a positive effect on virtual water exports, while distance had a negative effect. The coefficient of membership in a free trade agreement (FTA) was negative and statistically significant, implying that FTA member countries are sensitive to the trading of water-intensive agricultural products. The effect of amount of arable land on virtual water exports was negative; this implies that larger virtual water exports correlate with land constraints in a destination country that impede domestic agricultural production. The water endowment variables did not show any significant relationship with virtual water export flows, which confirms the finding in the literature that the water stress of a partner countries does not affect the direction of virtual water flows.
Advancing a global collaborative partnership framework for sustainability standards and regulations
Halimatussadiah, Alin; Buchori, Damayanti; Carazo, Felipe; Swinnen, Johan; Adriansyah, Muhammad; Ghiffari, Muhammad Nur; Algamar, Rizal; Anky, Wildan Al Kautsar. 2023
Halimatussadiah, Alin; Buchori, Damayanti; Carazo, Felipe; Swinnen, Johan; Adriansyah, Muhammad; Ghiffari, Muhammad Nur; Algamar, Rizal; Anky, Wildan Al Kautsar. 2023
Abstract | View
Along with rising trade interdependency between the Global South and the Global North countries, there is growing pressure to implement ‘greener’ supply chains to ensure that traded commodities comply with sustainability norms. Sustainable standards and regulations are broadening their scope to take into account such concerns. Northern stakeholders play a far more extensive role in these processes, while their Southern counterparts are relegated to mere standard-takers as producers. Consequently, it is becoming increasingly challenging for Southern countries to meet sustainability standards, as these drive up their social and economic expenses. To address this, both sides need to make a concerted effort, in accordance with the reforms driving the development of these standards and regulations. Standards need to be globally agreed upon, built through multi-stakeholder forums, and followed up by cushioning financing facilities and mechanisms.
Do grassroots interventions relax behavioural constraints and improve adoption of nutrition-sensitive food production systems?
Alvi, Muzna; Ward, Patrick; Makhija, Simrin; Spielman, David J..
Alvi, Muzna; Ward, Patrick; Makhija, Simrin; Spielman, David J..
DOI : 10.1111/1467-8489.12535
“I had to bear this burden”: Youth transcending constraints to become farmers in Madhya Pradesh, India
Narayanan, Sudha. 2023
Narayanan, Sudha. 2023
DOI : 10.1007/978-3-031-15233-7_10
Abstract | View
In the context of a wider trend in India of young people’s reluctance to pursue farming as an occupation, the experience of young farmers in Madhya Pradesh provides evidence to the contrary. This case study of two districts in Madhya Pradesh suggests that several young farmers, given a choice, would rather engage in agriculture as a full-time activity. In this, the main barriers for young farmers are in the form of larger constraints such as water availability, the quality of land, and these farmers’ limited ability to expand farm size through land purchase. To be sure, several young farmers feel stuck in agriculture and are waiting to find off-farm jobs. Even for this group of farmers, however, agriculture seems to provide a fallback option, in a context where these off-farm jobs are difficult to obtain and often are of poor quality. As in many other contexts, significant differences exist between young men and women in terms of their aspirations to become farmers and their ability to fulfill these aspirations.
Food supply and security
Reddy, Anugu Amarender; Babu, Suresh; Kumar, Parmod; Kumar, Soora Naresh . 2023
Reddy, Anugu Amarender; Babu, Suresh; Kumar, Parmod; Kumar, Soora Naresh . 2023
DOI : 10.1007/978-981-19-7997-2_2
Abstract | View
India’s total food grain production in 1950–1951 was low at 50.8 million tonnes, with a population of 361 million. Thus, the food grain production in 1950–1951 was 140.7 kg per person per annum or 0.39 kg per day. Thanks to Indian farmers and agricultural scientists who worked hard to increase the food grain production through new crop varieties and production technologies, along with the supportive policies of the governments that paved the way for the Green Revolution in Indian Agriculture. Achievements of the green revolution further led to achievements in other agricultural and allied sectors like the white revolution with substantial gains from milk production, followed by the yellow revolution with a significant increase in edible oilseed production, and the pink revolution with an increase in meat and poultry production to a significant extent.
This chapter mainly discusses where does India stand today in terms of its agriculture when compared to its independence in 1947? As the data for 1947 for most of the indicators is not available, 1951 is considered the base year and compared the various indicators for the year 2021.
The youth dividend and agricultural revival in India
Narayanan, Sudha; Vijayabaskar, M.; Srinivasan, Sharada . 2023
Narayanan, Sudha; Vijayabaskar, M.; Srinivasan, Sharada . 2023
DOI : 10.1007/978-3-031-15233-7_8
Abstract | View
Fifty-four per cent of India’s population is under 25 years of age and, as per the 2011 Population Census, close to 34 per cent of India’s rural population belonged to the age group 15–34. While the presence of a sizeable young population is believed to offer a demographic dividend, policy efforts to realize the dividend have not met with success. Poor prospects for livelihoods within agriculture, its declining importance as a sector in the national economy, and aspirations of rural youth and their parents to find futures in nonfarm sectors suggest that, like elsewhere, agriculture today is an unlikely option for the young in India. The chapter brings the question of youth in agriculture into focus. Despite a large share of rural youth involved in farming, there is limited research or policy attention on the issues and challenges that they face around farming, non-farm opportunities, succession, and intergenerational transfer of resources and knowledge. It makes the case for improving the livelihood prospects within agriculture in a context of changing youth aspirations. We argue that a clearer understanding of the issues is essential to frame a nuanced approach to support the role of youth in agriculture and the role of agriculture in youth livelihood strategies.
The extent of women's empowerment across rural-urban areas and wealth categories and its role in nutrition outcomes of family members in Uttar Pradesh, India
Palani Samy, Venkatesh; Vellaichamy, Sangeetha; Girish Kumar, Jha; Sharma, Nitin; Babu, Suresh C. . 2023
Palani Samy, Venkatesh; Vellaichamy, Sangeetha; Girish Kumar, Jha; Sharma, Nitin; Babu, Suresh C. . 2023
Abstract | View
In the Indian family setting, women play a crucial role in the overall development of the households. Hence, development agencies and government programs mainly target women, assuming that empowering women would improve families. Given this background, we aim to construct a women's empowerment index (WEI) that encompasses all these domains and captures nutrition improvement for their and their
family members. We assigned the weights based on principal component analysis (PCA). Then, we examine the extent of empowerment and nutrition outcomes of the family members across the wealth category and place of residence (rural-urban setting). Finally, we validate the WEI by analyzing the relationship between WEI and nutrition outcomes of family members through logit analysis. We used Uttar Pradesh data from National Family Health Survey (NFHS) -5 conducted in 2019-21 for the study. We found a positive relationship between household wealth and women's empowerment, indicating the vulnerability of women in poor families, especially in rural areas. Our results also suggested that women's
empowerment differs across educational backgrounds and places of residence. Finally, we found that the prevalence of malnutrition is negatively associated with women's empowerment, especially children and women. These findings highlight the need for promoting women's empowerment-based policies and interventions to address the malnutrition problem
family members. We assigned the weights based on principal component analysis (PCA). Then, we examine the extent of empowerment and nutrition outcomes of the family members across the wealth category and place of residence (rural-urban setting). Finally, we validate the WEI by analyzing the relationship between WEI and nutrition outcomes of family members through logit analysis. We used Uttar Pradesh data from National Family Health Survey (NFHS) -5 conducted in 2019-21 for the study. We found a positive relationship between household wealth and women's empowerment, indicating the vulnerability of women in poor families, especially in rural areas. Our results also suggested that women's
empowerment differs across educational backgrounds and places of residence. Finally, we found that the prevalence of malnutrition is negatively associated with women's empowerment, especially children and women. These findings highlight the need for promoting women's empowerment-based policies and interventions to address the malnutrition problem
Climate change effects on chickpea yield and its variability in Andhra Pradesh, India
Kumar, K. Nirmal Ravi; Reddy, M. Jagan Mohan; Babu, Suresh Chandra. 2023
Kumar, K. Nirmal Ravi; Reddy, M. Jagan Mohan; Babu, Suresh Chandra. 2023
DOI : 10.31018/jans.v15i1.4102
Abstract | View
Farmers usually do not know the precise output that is affected by climatic factors such as temperature and rainfall and are characterized by inter-annual variability, part of which is caused by global climate change. No study covers the influences of climate factors on yield and yield risk in the context of chickpea farming in Andhra Pradesh, India. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the trends in climate change variables during Rabi season (October to January, 1996-2020) and evaluated their variability on chickpea yields across different agro-climatic zones in Andhra Pradesh by employing Just and Pope production function. Four non-parametric methods-Alexandersson’s Standard Normal Homogeneity Test, Buishand’s Range Test, Pettitt’s Test and Von Neumann’s Ratio Test are applied to detect homogeneity in the data. Mann–Kendall (MK) test and Sen’s slope (SS) method were employed to analyze monthly rainfall trends and minimum and maximum temperature trends. Results of Just and Pope (panel data) quadratic and Cobb-Douglas methods revealed that monthly minimum temperature positively influenced the mean yield of chickpea (0.22% and 0.16%, respectively). However, rainfall (-0.41% and -0.31%) and maximum temperature (-0.08% and -0.04%) negatively influenced the mean yield of chickpea under quadratic and Cobb-Douglas models, respectively. Accordingly, rainfall (0.08% and 0.06%) and maximum temperature (0.83% and 0.72%) positively influenced the yield variability and minimum temperature (-0.77% and -0.67%) reduced yield variability of chickpea under quadratic and Cobb-Douglas models respectively. In view of these findings, it is imperative to advocate the farmers about the importance of cultivating drought-tolerant chickpea varieties, drought-proofing and mitigation strategies, micro-irrigation practices and improving their access to agro-meteorological information towards sustainable chickpea cultivation in Andhra Pradesh.
MGNREGA Program Asset Selection: A leaflet providing women information on how to participate
Kosec, Katrina; Kyle, Jordan; Narayanan, Sudha; Raghunathan, Kalyani. Washington, DC 2023
Kosec, Katrina; Kyle, Jordan; Narayanan, Sudha; Raghunathan, Kalyani. Washington, DC 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.137001
Scaling up experiential learning tools for sustainable water governance in India: Outreach event report
Carrillo, Lucia; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Priyadarshini, Pratiti; Sanil, Richu. New Delhi, India 2023
Carrillo, Lucia; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Priyadarshini, Pratiti; Sanil, Richu. New Delhi, India 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136980
Abstract | View
This report provides an overview of discussions that transpired during the outreach event titled "Scaling up Experiential Learning Tools for Sustainable Water Governance in India." Held in New Delhi, India, on October 18th, 2023, this event served as a platform for renowned experts, practitioners, and members of the donor community to engage in conversations concerning the complex landscape of water governance in India. The primary focus of this event was to address the challenges and seizing opportunities in this critical domain while emphasizing the need to extend sustainable water management initiatives beyond the current project areas.
Integrating gender perspectives to prevent or reduce climate crisis impacts
Alvi, Muzna; Ringler, Claudia; Bryan, Elizabeth. 2023
Alvi, Muzna; Ringler, Claudia; Bryan, Elizabeth. 2023
Abstract | View
We cannot overcome the multiple crises facing our world, including the climate crisis, the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing food and energy price crisis linked to the war on Ukraine, without integrating a gender perspective into resilience interventions, particularly in the agri-food sector where women have particular roles.
However, to date, most climate change policies, investments, and interventions remain gender-blind. As a result, they might exacerbate gender inequalities in food systems by, for instance, increasing women’s labor burden and time poverty, reducing their access to and control over income and assets, and reducing their decision-making power.
Qualitative fieldwork to identify CSA practices preferred by women farmers in India, Kenya, and Uganda
Magalhaes, Marilia; Kawerau, Laura; Kweyu, Janerose; Pathak, Vishak. Washington, DC 2023
Magalhaes, Marilia; Kawerau, Laura; Kweyu, Janerose; Pathak, Vishak. Washington, DC 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136965
Abstract | View
Promoting the adoption of climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices is an important step toward enhancing farmer resilience to climate change. Given the differences in the resilience capacities, operating space, and response options of men and women farmers, it is imperative to understand the gendered preferences for and constraints to their adoption of CSA practices. This policy brief summarizes qualitative research conducted in rural India, Kenya, and Uganda to identify CSA practices preferred by women and men farmers. The findings highlight the need for gender-responsive finance models and information channels to ensure that support to climate change adaptation does not further widen the gender gap in agricultural resources, agency, and achievement.
Gendered information channels for climate-smart agriculture practices: Evidence from India, Kenya, and Uganda
Welk, Lukas; Barooah, Prapti; Kato, Edward; Ndegwa, Michael K.. Washington, DC 2023
Welk, Lukas; Barooah, Prapti; Kato, Edward; Ndegwa, Michael K.. Washington, DC 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136966
Abstract | View
Lack of access to information is an important barrier affecting women farmers’ adoption of climate-smart agri culture (CSA) practices and technologies. To overcome this barrier, the use of information and communication technologies is increasingly being promoted. However, digital tools might widen, rather than reduce, gendered information gaps given women’s lower use of mobile phones and mobile Internet as compared to men in sub Saharan African and South Asia. This policy note summarizes data on information channels that women and men farmers use for CSA practices in Gujarat, India, parts of Kenya, and central Uganda. The results can be used by governments, nongovernmental organizations, and other actor groups interested in ensuring equity in access to information on CSA practices in low- and middle-income countries.
Do climate-smart agricultural practices support adaptation, mitigation and productivity? A review of CSA practices used in participatory video interventions in India, Kenya, and Uganda
Welk, Lukas. Washington, DC 2023
Welk, Lukas. Washington, DC 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136967
Abstract | View
Climate change poses a threat to smallholder farmers worldwide, impacting livelihoods and agricultural pro duction. At the same time, agrifood systems account for about one-third of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) offers synergistic practices that boost productivity, aid farmers in adapting to cli mate change, and have the potential to mitigate GHG emissions. This note reviews the extent to which a set of practices identified by smallholder farmers in India, Kenya, and Uganda for inclusion in a participatory video-based extension intervention meet the CSA criteria. The findings suggest that the practices hold triple-win potential but often several need to be applied as a package; they also need to be adapted to local conditions.
Adoption and impact of hybrid rice in India: Evidence from a large-scale field survey
Negi, Digvijay Singh; Kumar, Anjani; Birthal, Pratap Singh; Tripathi, Gaurav. Article in press
Negi, Digvijay Singh; Kumar, Anjani; Birthal, Pratap Singh; Tripathi, Gaurav. Article in press
DOI : 10.1108/JADEE-05-2023-0118
Crises and women’s access to agricultural information: Insights from India and Nepal during the COVID-19 pandemic
Alvi, Muzna; Barooah, Prapti; Gupta, Shweta; Saini, Smriti. Washington, DC 2023
Alvi, Muzna; Barooah, Prapti; Gupta, Shweta; Saini, Smriti. Washington, DC 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136951
Abstract | View
Strict lockdown measures implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic had extensive impacts on agriculture, and especially on women farmers. These effects were worsened by a lack of reliable and timely access to agricultural extension. This note summarizes findings from panel phone surveys conducted in India and Nepal on the impacts of lockdown measures on women's ability to access agricultural extension services and their perceived impact on agricultural productivity. We find that women's already limited access to formal extension services was further reduced during the pandemic, leading to greater reliance on informal social networks. In both countries, approximately 50 percent of farmers reported negative consequences on productivity due to the unavailability of information during the lockdown. We propose strategies to enhance the inclusivity and resilience of extension systems in India and Nepal in future crises, including through the use of group- and community-based approaches.
Government response to ultra-processed and sugar beverages industries in developing nations: The need to build coalitions across policy sectors
Gómez, Eduardo J.. Washington, DC; Oxford, UK 2023
Gómez, Eduardo J.. Washington, DC; Oxford, UK 2023
DOI : 10.1093/oso/9780198882121.003.0006
Abstract | View
How were the governments of three middle-income countries with high levels of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—India, Mexico, and South Africa—able to implement sugar-sweetened beverage taxes (SSBs) despite intense opposition from powerful corporations? Employing a multiple streams analytical framework to explain the agenda-setting process, this chapter highlights several factors that generated supportive coalitions for SSBs, including the importance of transnational advocacy in each country as well as governments’ interest in generating more revenue from the tax. By contrast, regulatory measures to regulate the soda and snack food industries, such as limits on advertising, sales, and food labeling, have been less accepted by the same governments. To explain why, the chapter argues that coalitions around these policies are weaker, regulation generates lower levels of public contestation and visibility, and the prospect for generating government revenue is less pronounced.
The political economy of bundling socio-technical innovations to transform agri-food systems
Barrett, Christopher B.. Washington, DC; Oxford, UK 2023
Barrett, Christopher B.. Washington, DC; Oxford, UK 2023
DOI : 10.1093/oso/9780198882121.003.0009
Abstract | View
Agri-food systems transformation requires accelerated innovations to address multiple economic, environmental and health objectives. No innovation serves everyone’s interests. Political opposition to innovations is therefore inevitable. Promotion of agrifood systems innovations requires overcoming such opposition. One strategy is to bundle multiple technological, socio-cultural, policy, and/or institutional innovations to build political coalitions sufficient to champion bundled innovation that might not suffice to advance one-off innovations. Bundling can translate the potential Pareto improvements of individual innovations into actual Pareto improvements more likely to enjoy political support and advance multiple societal objectives simultaneously. This chapter lays out conceptually why bundling is therefore important for the political economy of innovation to transform agri-food systems. It then illustrates the logic using three cases from Asian agricultural development: China’s Science and Technology Backyards program, a comparison of genetic advances in Green Revolution and golden rice, and the contrasting cases of Bt brinjal in India and Bangladesh.
Biofortification: A responsible research and innovation strategy for the G20
Srinivas, Krishna Ravi; Anand, P. K.; Babu, Suresh . 2023
Srinivas, Krishna Ravi; Anand, P. K.; Babu, Suresh . 2023
Abstract | View
Poor nutritional quality and micronutrient deficiency are major barriers to achieving goal 2 of the Sustainable Development Goals (ensuring food security and nutrition for better health), especially in developing countries, including the least developed countries. Biofortifi cation has been widely adopted as a relevant solution with potential for expansion and diversifi cation. New technological options such as crop genome editing and nanotechnology offer the scope to make biofortification more effective. However, biofortification cannot be a stagnant solution that can be considered a panacea. This policy brief recommends evaluating biofortification as a solution and suggests a responsible research and innovation approach to improve it continually. The brief further proposes that the G20 commits to international initiatives that consider the needs and consumer preferences in biofortification, while also localising it.
Assessing policy options for sustainable water use in India’s cereal production system
Singh, Vartika; Stevanović, Miodrag; Jha, Chandan Kumar; Beier, Felicitas; Ghosh, Ranjan Kumar; Lotze-Campen, Hermann; Popp, Alexander. 2023
Singh, Vartika; Stevanović, Miodrag; Jha, Chandan Kumar; Beier, Felicitas; Ghosh, Ranjan Kumar; Lotze-Campen, Hermann; Popp, Alexander. 2023
DOI : 10.1088/1748-9326/acf9b6
Abstract | View
In India, the production of rice and wheat account for more than 80% of its total agricultural water use. As farming is highly dependent on water availability, rapidly receding water levels require urgent measures to manage withdrawals. We assess policy instruments that can reduce pressures on water resources, while at the same time limiting adverse impacts on water-intensive cereal production systems, land-use changes and economic welfare. To this end, we use a dynamic and integrated partial equilibrium model of agricultural production and its impact on the environment to reflect two options: an increase in energy costs for irrigation water (price-related effects), and alternatively, physical quotas on water withdrawals (quantity-related effects). We conclude that it is possible to increase energy prices for agriculture with minimal impacts on agricultural production, agricultural prices, and trade in cereal crops, and moderately reduce water withdrawals by 2050. We find that the intermediate effects of pricing policies are negative for all indicators as compared to quota policies. However, by 2050, both policies yield similar outcomes for all indicators. Our results offer insights into ways in which these policies drive different mechanisms and trade-offs on important agro-economic indicators, and they offer the choice for water conservation policy decision-making based on other critical factors such as implementation costs.
Pearl millet
Govindaraj, Mahalingam; Pujar, Mahesh . Singapore 2023
Govindaraj, Mahalingam; Pujar, Mahesh . Singapore 2023
DOI : 10.1007/978-981-19-3627-2_7-1
Intensive and extensive margins of India's agricultural trade: Implications for export diversification and development
Elumalai, Kanan; Kumar, Anjani. Article in press
Elumalai, Kanan; Kumar, Anjani. Article in press
DOI : 10.1108/JADEE-04-2023-0095
Exploiting Indian landraces to develop biofortified grain sorghum with high protein and minerals
Venkata, Nagesh Kumar Mallela; Vittal, Ramya; Setaboyine, Maheshwaramma; Kuyyamudi, Ganapathy N.; Govindaraj, Mahalingam; Kosnam, Kavitha; Kalisetti, Vanisree . 2023
Venkata, Nagesh Kumar Mallela; Vittal, Ramya; Setaboyine, Maheshwaramma; Kuyyamudi, Ganapathy N.; Govindaraj, Mahalingam; Kosnam, Kavitha; Kalisetti, Vanisree . 2023
DOI : 10.3389/fnut.2023.1228422
Abstract | View
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is the staple cereal and is the primary source of protein for millions of people in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Sorghum grain value has been increasing in tropical countries including India owing to its gluten-free nature, anti-oxidant properties and low glycemic index. However, the nutrient composition of modern cultivars is declining thus necessitating genetic biofortification of sorghum to combat malnutrition and improve nutritional balance in the human diet. Keeping this in view, efforts were made to utilize valuable alleles, associated with nutrient composition, that might have been left behind in the varietal development in sorghum. The study aimed to determine the genetic improvement for nine nutritional and quality parameters (crude protein, in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD), total iron (Fe), total zinc (Zn), bioavailable Fe (%), bioavailable Zn (%), total phenolics, tannins and antioxidant activity) in the grains of 19 sorghum genotypes (high yield, drought and grain mold tolerant) developed from 11 superior India's landraces. After selection and advancement made from 2017-2022 through single seed descent method, the improvement in the nine nutritional and quality parameters was assessed. Significant variation was observed for all the nine parameters among the landraces and the genotypes. Sorghum genotypes PYPS 2 and PYPS 13 recorded the highest crude protein (13.21 and 12.80 % respectively) and IVPD (18.68 and 19.56 % respectively). Majority of the sorghum genotypes recorded high Fe (14.21 -28.41 mg/100g) and Zn (4.81 -8.16 mg/100g). High phenolics and antioxidant activity were recorded in sorghum genotypes PYPS 18 (85.65 mg/g gallic acid equivalents) and PYPS 19 (89.78 %) respectively. Selections through SSD method revealed highest improvement in genotype PYPS 10 for crude protein (32.25 %), total phenolics (18.48 %) and antioxidant activity (15.43 %). High improvements in genotypes PYPS 12 (23.50%), PYPS 3 (26.79%), PYPS 15 (21.18 %) were recorded for total Fe, available Fe and high tannins respectively.The study demonstrated that landraces could be effectively utilized as a potential, low-cost and ecofriendly approach in sorghum genetic biofortification to improved sorghum productivity and nutritional supply in semi-arid tropics.
Public benefits of private technology adoption: Spatial externalities of water conservation in India
Bhargava, Anil K.; Lybbert, Travis J.; Spielman, David J.. 2023
Bhargava, Anil K.; Lybbert, Travis J.; Spielman, David J.. 2023
DOI : 10.1142/S2382624X23500029
India's rice export restrictions and BIMSTEC countries: Implications and recommendations
Kamar, Abul; Roy, Devesh; Pradhan, Mamata; Saroj, Sunil. Washington, DC 2023
Kamar, Abul; Roy, Devesh; Pradhan, Mamata; Saroj, Sunil. Washington, DC 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136875
Abstract | View
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) brings together five South Asian countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka) and two Southeast Asian countries (Myanmar and Thailand). Recent events have raised global concerns on food security, including for BIMSTEC countries; these events include Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative with Ukraine, India’s prohibition on the export of non-basmati white rice, and its 20 percent export duty on parboiled rice. This policy note spells out the likely impact of one of these events, that is, India’s restrictions on rice exports to its fellow BIMSTEC nations.
Trade moves food from surplus to deficit regions and hence is crucial for maintaining a stable food supply. Historically, the global supply of cereals has been stable (Bradford et al. 2022); this implies that trade (or the lack of it) can be directly mapped onto area-specific food insecurity. At the same time, shocks leading to trade disruption can pose serious challenges, particularly for countries with high import penetration in food.
Trade moves food from surplus to deficit regions and hence is crucial for maintaining a stable food supply. Historically, the global supply of cereals has been stable (Bradford et al. 2022); this implies that trade (or the lack of it) can be directly mapped onto area-specific food insecurity. At the same time, shocks leading to trade disruption can pose serious challenges, particularly for countries with high import penetration in food.
Caste, religion and the labor force participation of women: Evidence from India
Alvi, Muzna Fatima.
Alvi, Muzna Fatima.
DOI : 10.1080/00346764.2023.2223167
Policy preferences of experts seeking to raise and stabilise farm incomes in the Eastern Gangetic Plains
Cooper, Bethany; Crase, Lin; Burton, Michael; Rigby, Dan; Alam, Mohammad Jahangir; Kishore, Avinash . 2023
Cooper, Bethany; Crase, Lin; Burton, Michael; Rigby, Dan; Alam, Mohammad Jahangir; Kishore, Avinash . 2023
DOI : 10.1111/1467-8489.12511
Abstract | View
Poverty is endemic in the highly populated Eastern Gangetic Plains where agriculture is critical to more than half the population. However, the mechanisms to support agriculture for development are contested. For example, some have advocated a strong role for government support and assistance due to market weaknesses, while others have promoted the need for more market-oriented approaches. We use an elicitation process focussed on expert policymaking communities, employing stated preference techniques to explore these options. Differences in perceptions about the effectiveness of policies and their delivery are reported between countries, while also empirically examining the influence of the respondents' organisational background. The results show support for policies that improve farmers' access to inputs, especially when delivered by private sector actors. The research provides an important contribution to the literature on policies for agricultural development.
Concurrent undernutrition and overnutrition within indian families between 2006 and 2021
Dwivedi, Laxmi Kant; Puri, Parul; Pant, Anjali; Chauhan, Alka; Scott, Samuel; Sigh, Shrikant; Pedgaoker, Sarang; Nguyen, Phuong. 2023
Dwivedi, Laxmi Kant; Puri, Parul; Pant, Anjali; Chauhan, Alka; Scott, Samuel; Sigh, Shrikant; Pedgaoker, Sarang; Nguyen, Phuong. 2023
DOI : 10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.101987
Abstract | View
Background
The double burden of malnutrition (DBM), characterized by concurrent undernutrition and overnutrition, is a growing global concern. Families share resources and eating behaviors and programs often target households, yet evidence of the DBM at the family level is scarce.
Objectives
This study examined trends and inequality in the intrahousehold DBM in India between 2006 and 2021.
Methods
Data were from 3 waves of India’s National Family Health Survey (NFHS 2006, 2016, and 2021). We examined 3 types of household member (with children aged <5 y) combinations: mother–child (N = 328,039 across 3 waves), father–child, and parent (mother and father)–child (N = 47,139 for each pair). The DBM was defined as one or more individuals with undernutrition (either wasting or stunting in children or underweight in adults) and one or more overweight individuals within the same household. DBM was examined over time, at national and subnational levels, and by residence and wealth. Results Nearly all DBM was in the form of an overweight parent and an undernourished weight or stunted child. The prevalence of parent–child DBM increased from 15% in 2006 to 26% in 2021. Father–child pairs experienced the most rapid DBM increase, from 12% in 2006 to 22% in 2021, an 83% increase, driven by increasing overweight among men. In 2021, the DBM was highest in North-Eastern and Southern states, and among relatively rich households from urban areas. The increase in the DBM was faster in rural areas and among poor households compared with that in urban areas and rich households. Urban–rural and rich–poor inequalities in the DBM have decreased over time. Conclusions The intrahousehold DBM has increased over time, affecting 1 in 4 households in India in 2021. Family-based interventions that can simultaneously address child underweight and parent overweight are required to address India’s increasing intrahousehold DBM.
The double burden of malnutrition (DBM), characterized by concurrent undernutrition and overnutrition, is a growing global concern. Families share resources and eating behaviors and programs often target households, yet evidence of the DBM at the family level is scarce.
Objectives
This study examined trends and inequality in the intrahousehold DBM in India between 2006 and 2021.
Methods
Data were from 3 waves of India’s National Family Health Survey (NFHS 2006, 2016, and 2021). We examined 3 types of household member (with children aged <5 y) combinations: mother–child (N = 328,039 across 3 waves), father–child, and parent (mother and father)–child (N = 47,139 for each pair). The DBM was defined as one or more individuals with undernutrition (either wasting or stunting in children or underweight in adults) and one or more overweight individuals within the same household. DBM was examined over time, at national and subnational levels, and by residence and wealth. Results Nearly all DBM was in the form of an overweight parent and an undernourished weight or stunted child. The prevalence of parent–child DBM increased from 15% in 2006 to 26% in 2021. Father–child pairs experienced the most rapid DBM increase, from 12% in 2006 to 22% in 2021, an 83% increase, driven by increasing overweight among men. In 2021, the DBM was highest in North-Eastern and Southern states, and among relatively rich households from urban areas. The increase in the DBM was faster in rural areas and among poor households compared with that in urban areas and rich households. Urban–rural and rich–poor inequalities in the DBM have decreased over time. Conclusions The intrahousehold DBM has increased over time, affecting 1 in 4 households in India in 2021. Family-based interventions that can simultaneously address child underweight and parent overweight are required to address India’s increasing intrahousehold DBM.
Gender, agriculture policies, and climate-smart agriculture in India
Barooah, Prapti; Alvi, Muzna; Ringler, Claudia; Pathak, Vishal . 2023
Barooah, Prapti; Alvi, Muzna; Ringler, Claudia; Pathak, Vishal . 2023
DOI : 10.1016/j.agsy.2023.103751
Abstract | View
CONTEXT: India's agricultural systems are increasingly affected by climate change's adverse effects. The Government of India has an impressive set of programs to address this issue, but they have substantial shortcomings, especially in reaching women farmers.
OBJECTIVE: We aim to understand policy and implementation gaps in reaching women farmers with climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices and study how women and men farmer's different roles in agriculture shape their needs and access to complementary services needed to adapt to climate change.
METHODS: An extensive review of India's agriculture and climate policies and program and a series of focus group discussions with farmers in Gujarat, India to discuss constraints and potential entry points for better reaching women farmers with CSA practices.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Women's increased vulnerability to climate change and reduced access to CSA practices can be attributed to limited land ownership, poor access to credit, reduced access to information and formal extension, and multiple pressures on their time. Village cooperatives and self-help groups can be leveraged to support women's access to agricultural information and adoption of CSA practices.
SIGNIFICANCE: This paper highlights constraints to information and extension access by Indian women farmers that could impede the widespread adoption of CSA practices. It fills an important knowledge gap in designing gender-responsive policies and inclusive agricultural extension systems to promote adoption of CSA practices among smallholder farmers.
OBJECTIVE: We aim to understand policy and implementation gaps in reaching women farmers with climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices and study how women and men farmer's different roles in agriculture shape their needs and access to complementary services needed to adapt to climate change.
METHODS: An extensive review of India's agriculture and climate policies and program and a series of focus group discussions with farmers in Gujarat, India to discuss constraints and potential entry points for better reaching women farmers with CSA practices.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Women's increased vulnerability to climate change and reduced access to CSA practices can be attributed to limited land ownership, poor access to credit, reduced access to information and formal extension, and multiple pressures on their time. Village cooperatives and self-help groups can be leveraged to support women's access to agricultural information and adoption of CSA practices.
SIGNIFICANCE: This paper highlights constraints to information and extension access by Indian women farmers that could impede the widespread adoption of CSA practices. It fills an important knowledge gap in designing gender-responsive policies and inclusive agricultural extension systems to promote adoption of CSA practices among smallholder farmers.
Role of intensive and extensive margins in India’s agricultural exports
Elumalai, K.; Kumar, Anjani. 2023
Elumalai, K.; Kumar, Anjani. 2023
Skewed food policies, distorted inter-crop parity, and nutri-cereal farmers: An empirical analysis
Nuthalapati, Chandra S.; Beero, Susanto K.; Kumar, Anjani; Sonkar, Vinay; Areef, Mulla . 2023
Nuthalapati, Chandra S.; Beero, Susanto K.; Kumar, Anjani; Sonkar, Vinay; Areef, Mulla . 2023
Availability of national polices, programmes, and survey-based coverage data to track nutrition interventions in South Asia
Neupane, Sumanta; Jangid, Manita; Scott, Samuel P.; Kim, Sunny S.; Murira, Zivai; Heidkamp, Rebecca; Carducci, Bianca; Menon, Purnima. 2024
Neupane, Sumanta; Jangid, Manita; Scott, Samuel P.; Kim, Sunny S.; Murira, Zivai; Heidkamp, Rebecca; Carducci, Bianca; Menon, Purnima. 2024
DOI : 10.1111/mcn.13555
Abstract | View
Progress to improve nutrition among women, infants and children in South Asia has fallen behind the pace needed to meet established global targets. Renewed political commitment and monitoring of nutrition interventions are required to improve coverage and quality of care. Our study aimed to assess the availability of national nutrition policies, programmes, and coverage data of nutrition interventions for women, children, and adolescents in eight countries in South Asia. We reviewed relevant policy and programme documents, examined questionnaires used in the most recent rounds of 20 nationally representative surveys, and generated an evidence gap map on the availability of policies, programmes, and survey data to track progress on coverage of globally recommended nutrition interventions. Current policies and programmes in South Asian countries addressed almost all the recommended nutrition interventions targeted at women, children, and adolescents. There was a strong policy focus in all countries, except Maldives, on health system platforms such as antenatal and postnatal care and child growth and development. Survey data on nutrition intervention coverage was most available in India and Nepal, while Bangladesh and Bhutan had the least. Though countries in South Asia have committed to national nutrition policies and strategies, national surveys had substantial data gaps, precluding progress tracking of nutrition intervention coverage. Greater attention and effort are needed for multisectoral collaboration to promote and strengthen nutrition data systems.
Cultural and contextual drivers of triple burden of malnutrition among children in India
Singh, Shri Kant; Chauhan, Alka; Sharma, Santosh Kumar; Puri, Parul; Pedgaonkar, Sarang; Dwivedi, Laxmi Kant; Taillie, Lindsey Smith . 2023
Singh, Shri Kant; Chauhan, Alka; Sharma, Santosh Kumar; Puri, Parul; Pedgaonkar, Sarang; Dwivedi, Laxmi Kant; Taillie, Lindsey Smith . 2023
DOI : 10.3390/nu15153478
Abstract | View
This study examines malnutrition’s triple burden, including anaemia, overweight, and stunting, among children aged 6–59 months. Using data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–2021), the study identifies risk factors and assesses their contribution at different levels to existing malnutrition burden. A random intercept multilevel logistic regression model and spatial analysis are employed to identify child, maternal, and household level risk factors for stunting, overweight, and anaemia. The study finds that 34% of children were stunted, 4% were overweight, and 66% were anaemic. Stunting and anaemia prevalence were higher in central and eastern regions, while overweight was more prevalent in the north-eastern and northern regions. At the macro-level, the coexistence of stunting, overweight, and anaemia circumstantiates the triple burden of childhood malnutrition with substantial spatial variation (Moran’s I: stunting-0.53, overweight-0.41, and anaemia-0.53). Multilevel analysis reveals that child, maternal, and household variables play a substantial role in determining malnutrition burden in India. The nutritional health is significantly influenced by a wide range of determinants, necessitating multilevel treatments targeting households to address this diverse group of coexisting factors. Given the intra-country spatial heterogeneity, the treatment also needs to be tailor-made for various disaggregated levels.
Reforming the agricultural extension system in India
Raabe, Katharina. Washington, DC 2008
Raabe, Katharina. Washington, DC 2008
Abstract | View
"In order to realize agricultural potential and to increase agricultural yields, India's extension system has experienced major conceptual, structural, and institutional changes since the late 1990s. This paper reviews existing reform programs and strategies currently existing in agricultural extension in India. It distinguishes strategies that have been employed to strengthen both the supply and demand sides of service provision in the area of agricultural extension, and it reviews the effects of the demand- and supply-side strategies on the access to and the quality of agricultural extension services. The ultimate objectives are (1) to gain a view on what works where and why in improving the effectiveness of agricultural extension in a decentralized environment; (2) to identify measures that strengthen and improve agricultural extension service provision; and (3) to reveal existing knowledge gaps. Although the range of extension reform approaches is wide, this paper shows that an answer to the question of what works where and why is complicated by the absence of sound and comprehensive qualitative and quantitative impact and evaluation assessment studies. Even evidence from the National Agricultural Technology Project and the Diversified Agricultural Support Project of the World Bank, the women empowerment programs of the Danish International Development Agency, the Andhra Pradesh Tribal Development Project, and the e-Choupal program of the Indian Tobacco Company is subject to methodological and identification problems. Conclusions regarding the importance (1) of implementing both decentralized, participatory, adaptive, and pluralistic demand- and supply-side extension approaches; (2) of involving the public, private, and third (civil society) sectors in extension service provision and funding; and (3) of strengthening the capacity of and the collaboration between farmers, researchers, and extension workers are necessarily tentative and require further quantification. The paper seeks to inform policymakers and providers of extension services from all sectors about the need to make performance assessments and impact evaluations inherent components of any extension program so as to increase the effectiveness of extension service reforms." -- from Author's Abstract
Revisiting the relationship between public and private capital formation in Indian agriculture: A disaggregated analysis
Kumar, Anjani; Bathla, Seema; Verma, Smriti. 2023
Kumar, Anjani; Bathla, Seema; Verma, Smriti. 2023
Feeding India’s babies: Insights on trends and patterns from the National Family Health Surveys, 2015-16 to 2019-21
Ray, Soumyajit; Ashok, Sattvika; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Hemalatha, R.; Singh, S. K.; Chamois, Sylvie; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2023
Ray, Soumyajit; Ashok, Sattvika; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Hemalatha, R.; Singh, S. K.; Chamois, Sylvie; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136838
Abstract | View
Early life nutrition sets the stage for the health, nutrition, and development of young children. Optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices begin with timely initiation of breastfeeding, followed by exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding. This Data Note provides an overview of trends and patterns in IYCF practices in India at the national-, state-, and district levels based on the 2015-16 and 2019-21 National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) data. IYCF indicators were created following World Health Organization and UNICEF’s 2021 guidelines.
Agricultural mechanisation and gendered labour activities across sectors: Micro-evidence from multi-country farm household data
Takeshima, Hiroyuki. Article in press
Takeshima, Hiroyuki. Article in press
DOI : 10.1111/1477-9552.12564
Agricultural research and urban poverty in India
Fan, Shenggen. Washington, DC 2002
Fan, Shenggen. Washington, DC 2002
Abstract | View
Using a similar analytical approach to a study in China, this paper analyzes the impact of agricultural research on urban poverty reduction in India. State level data from 1970 to 1995 were used in the empirical analysis. It is found that in addition to its large impact on rural poverty reduction, agricultural research investments have also played a major role in the reduction of urban poverty. Agricultural research investments increase agricultural production, and increased production in turn lowers food prices. The urban poor often benefit proportionately more than the non-poor since they spend 50-80% of their income on food. Among all the rural investments considered in this study, agricultural research has the largest impact on urban poverty reduction per additional unit of investment. The results from this study are similar to earlier findings for China. Today, urban poverty still accounts for one quarter of total poverty in India, and this share is expected to rise in the future. Policymakers cannot afford to be complacent about this trend and continued investments are still needed to keep food prices low. Among all government policy instruments, increased agricultural research is still the most effective way to achieve this objective.
Exchange rate misalignment and its effects on agricultural producer support estimates
Cheng, Fuzhi; Orden, David. Washington, D.C. 2005
Cheng, Fuzhi; Orden, David. Washington, D.C. 2005
Abstract | View
There have been different degrees of exchange rate disequilibrium in the developing countries during transition or reform periods since the mid 1980s. The level of the exchange rate and its misalignment can have significant impacts on agricultural policy measures such as Producer Support Estimates (PSEs). In the conventional PSE analysis, however, the actual (nominal) exchange rates are used. There is general agreement that the use of actual exchange rates may introduce a bias in the PSE calculations, and that this bias can be substantial in some cases. But there is less agreement on the most appropriate alternative. In this study, we utilize various time series techniques to derive estimates of the equilibrium exchange rates in India and China from the 1970s to 2002 as determined by real economic fundamentals. The relevance and usefulness of the equilibrium exchange rates in the calculation of PSE for the two countries are then discussed. Drawing on the data sets and analyses developed earlier by Mullen, Orden and Gulati (2005) and Sun (2003), we find that agricultural support levels measured by the PSEs (from 1985-2002 for India and from 1995-2001 for China) are sensitive to alternative exchange rate assumptions. Specifically, exchange rate misalignments have either amplified or counteracted the direct effects from sectoral-specific policies. In India, such indirect effects are relatively small and mostly dominated by the direct effects. But in China, especially in recent years, the indirect effect from exchange rate misalignment (undervaluation) has been quite substantial. Results from this study also show that the effect of the exchange rate depends on the relative importance of different PSE components. The increasing share of budgetary expenditures in India’s total agricultural support in recent years has resulted in more pronounced exchange rate effects measured by commodity-specific percentage “PSEs” that use the value of production at international prices as the denominator compared to those measured by commodity-specific percentage Market Price Support (MPS) with the same denominator. For China, the exchange rate effects are more similar between the PSE and the MPS measures because budgetary expenditures have been relatively small. The exchange rate effect when the PSE is “scaled up” from covered commodities to an estimate for the total agricultural sector is also demonstrated. Since the commodity coverage in both countries tends to be incomplete and the scaling-up procedure leads to a total MPS of greater magnitude, larger exchange rate effects are found in the scaled-up than the non-scaled-up version of total PSEs. The impact of scaling-up on the indirect effect is proportional to the share of covered commodities in the total value of agricultural production." -- Authors' Abstract
Service provision and rural development in India
Wanmali, Sudhir. Washington, DC 1983
Wanmali, Sudhir. Washington, DC 1983
Adolescents’ health and wellbeing: Trends and insights from the National Family Health Surveys, 2006, 2016, and 2021
Pant, Anjali; Patwardhan, Sharvari; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Avula, Rasmi; Hemalatha, R.; Singh, S.K.; Chamois, Sylvie; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2023
Pant, Anjali; Patwardhan, Sharvari; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Scott, Samuel; Avula, Rasmi; Hemalatha, R.; Singh, S.K.; Chamois, Sylvie; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136834
Abstract | View
South Asia is home to more adolescents than any global region, and one in five adolescents globally live in India. Among the many issues that adolescents face, poor nutrition, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), marriage, and childbearing are of key importance as they have far-ranging and intergenerational consequences. This Data Note examines the national-level trends and spatial variability at state and district levels for a set of key nutrition outcomes, NCDs, marriage, and childbearing status among Indian adolescents (15-19 years; girls and boys). The findings are based on data from the three rounds of India’s National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) – NFHS 2006, 2016, and 2021. The Data Note concludes with key takeaways for adolescents’ wellbeing and identifies areas for improvement. This Data Note can be used for further inquiry by stakeholders including researchers, policymakers, and program staff at multiple levels.
Opportunities and barriers for maternal nutrition behavior change: An in-depth qualitative analysis of pregnant women and their families in Uttar Pradesh, India
Jhaveri, Neha R.; Poveda, Natalia E.; Kachwaha, Shivani; Comeau, Dawn L.; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Young, Melissa F. . 2023
Jhaveri, Neha R.; Poveda, Natalia E.; Kachwaha, Shivani; Comeau, Dawn L.; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Young, Melissa F. . 2023
DOI : 10.3389/fnut.2023.1185696
Abstract | View
Background: Maternal undernutrition during pregnancy remains a critical public health issue in India. While evidence-based interventions exist, poor program implementation and limited uptake of behavior change interventions make addressing undernutrition complex. To address this challenge, Alive & Thrive implemented interventions to strengthen interpersonal counseling, micronutrient supplement provision, and community mobilization through the government antenatal care (ANC) platform in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Objective: This qualitative study aimed to: (1) examine pregnant women’s experiences of key nutrition-related behaviors (ANC attendance, consuming a diverse diet, supplement intake, weight gain monitoring, and breastfeeding intentions); (2) examine the influence of family members on these behaviors; and (3) identify key facilitators and barriers that affect behavioral adoption.
Methods: We conducted a qualitative study with in-depth interviews with 24 pregnant women, 13 husbands, and 15 mothers-in-law (MIL). We analyzed data through a thematic approach using the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) framework.
Results: For ANC checkups and maternal weight gain monitoring, key facilitators were frontline worker home visits, convenient transportation, and family support, while the primary barrier was low motivation and lack understanding of the importance of ANC checkups. For dietary diversity, there was high reported capability (knowledge related to the key behavior) and most family members were aware of key recommendations; however, structural opportunity barriers (financial strain, lack of food availability and accessibility) prevented behavioral change. Opportunity ranked high for iron and folic acid supplement (IFA) intake, but was not consistently consumed due to side effects. Conversely, lack of supply was the largest barrier for calcium supplement intake. For breastfeeding, there was low overall capability and several participants described receiving inaccurate counseling messages.
Conclusion: Key drivers of maternal nutrition behavior adoption were indicator specific and varied across the capability-opportunity-motivation behavior change spectrum. Findings from this study can help to strengthen future program effectiveness by identifying specific areas of program improvement.
Three criteria for establishing the usefulness of biotechnology for reducing micronutrient malnutrition
Bouis, Howarth E.. 2002
Bouis, Howarth E.. 2002
DOI : 10.1177/156482650202300405
Restore agriculture’s broken link with nutrition. That is solution to India’s hidden hunger
Bouis, Howarth; Gulati, Ashok . Noida, India 2020
Bouis, Howarth; Gulati, Ashok . Noida, India 2020
From plate to plough: Sowing nutrition security
Bouis, Howarth E.; Gulati, Ashok. 2020
Bouis, Howarth E.; Gulati, Ashok. 2020
POSHAN’s abstract digest on maternal and child nutrition research - Issue 49
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2023
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2023
Abstract | View
The 49th issue of Abstract Digest features a set of studies on child growth, including patterns of child stunting in low- and middle-income countries, various forms of inequities in child growth, and the role of milk in child growth. It also includes studies on obesity in India and the double burden of malnutrition. Anemia is also highlighted in this issue, with one article presenting a framework on integrated action for anemia and the other exploring the timely diagnosis of anemia. This edition also presents various studies examining the factors associated with coverage of antenatal coverage, with maternal behavior change, with kangaroo mother care, and with breastfeeding practices. Two articles focus on frontline workers, and there is a systematic review that examines dietary diversity and undernutrition among school children. Moreover, this issue features authors’ correspondence and responses in The Lancet on gender sensitivity in the National Family Health Surveys.
An assessment of India's multiple national social protection schemes in improving nutrition and health
Narayanan, Sudha; Naraparaju, Karthikeya; Gerber, Nicolas
. 2023
Narayanan, Sudha; Naraparaju, Karthikeya; Gerber, Nicolas
. 2023
DOI : 10.1007/s12571-023-01376-2
Abstract | View
This paper examines whether the combined participation in workfare and food grain subsidy programmes in India impacts the nutritional and health status of women and children, using body mass index (BMI) and short-term morbidity as indicators. Based on a nationally representative panel data survey conducted in 2005 and 2012, we estimate the participants’ average treatment effects by applying a semi-parametric differences-in-differences (DID) approach on the full sample and a regression-based DID approach on a matched sample. We find that simultaneous participation in these programmes lowers women’s morbidity by at least 25%, but women’s BMI increases only in states implementing those programmes well. For children, there is no robust evidence of impacts. Our results suggest that various social protection programmes can operate synergistically and deliver positive impacts on children and women’s nutrition or health, even though this is not their main objective. However, the effects are heterogeneous and confirm that the nutrition and health benefits, reached through a combination of the two social protection programmes, are mediated by intrahousehold dynamics. Synergistic and mediating effects must be considered in future efforts to upscale social protection in the Global South in order to deliver simultaneous progress across the Sustainable Development Goals.
Women's empowerment, production choices, and crop diversity in Burkina Faso, India, Malawi, and Tanzania: A secondary analysis of cross-sectional data
Connors, Kaela; Jaacks, Lindsay M.; Awasthi, Ananya; Becker, Karoline; Kerr, Rachel Bezner; Fivian, Emily; Gelli, Aulo; Harris-Fry, Helen; Heckert, Jessica; Kadiyala, Suneetha; Martinez, Elena; Santoso, Marianne V.; Young, Sera L.; Bliznashka, Lilia. 2023
Connors, Kaela; Jaacks, Lindsay M.; Awasthi, Ananya; Becker, Karoline; Kerr, Rachel Bezner; Fivian, Emily; Gelli, Aulo; Harris-Fry, Helen; Heckert, Jessica; Kadiyala, Suneetha; Martinez, Elena; Santoso, Marianne V.; Young, Sera L.; Bliznashka, Lilia. 2023
DOI : 10.1016/S2542-5196(23)00125-0
Abstract | View
Background: Bolstering farm-level crop diversity is one strategy to strengthen food system resilience and achieve global food security. Women who live in rural areas play an essential role in food production; therefore, we aimed to assess the associations between women's empowerment and crop diversity.
Methods: In this secondary analysis of cross-sectional data, we used data from four cluster-randomised controlled trials done in Burkina Faso, India, Malawi, and Tanzania. We assessed women's empowerment using indicators from the Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index. Farm-level crop diversity measures were the number of food crops grown, number of food groups grown, and if nutrient-dense crops were grown. We used a two-stage modelling approach. First, we analysed covariate-adjusted country-specific associations between women's empowerment and crop diversity indicators using multivariable generalised linear models. Second, we pooled country-specific associations using random-effects models.
Findings: The final analytic sample included 1735 women from Burkina Faso, 4450 women from India, 547 women from Malawi, and 574 women from Tanzania. Across all countries, compared with households in which women provided input into fewer productive decisions, households of women with greater input into productive decisions produced more food crops (mean difference 0·36 [95% CI 0·16–0·55]), a higher number of food groups (mean difference 0·16 [0·06–0·25]), and more nutrient-dense crops (percentage point difference 3 [95% CI 3–4]). Across all countries, each additional community group a woman actively participated in was associated with cultivating a higher number of food crops (mean difference 0·20 [0·04–0·35]) and a higher number of food groups (mean difference 0·11 [0·03–0·18]), but not more nutrient-dense crops. In pooled associations from Burkina Faso and India, asset ownership was associated with cultivating a higher number of food crops (mean difference 0·08 [0·04–0·12]) and a higher number of food groups (mean difference 0·05 [0·04–0·07]), but not more nutrient-dense crops.
Interpretation: Greater women's empowerment was associated with higher farm-level crop diversity among low-income agricultural households, suggesting that it could help enhance efforts to strengthen food system resilience.
Methods: In this secondary analysis of cross-sectional data, we used data from four cluster-randomised controlled trials done in Burkina Faso, India, Malawi, and Tanzania. We assessed women's empowerment using indicators from the Women's Empowerment in Agriculture Index. Farm-level crop diversity measures were the number of food crops grown, number of food groups grown, and if nutrient-dense crops were grown. We used a two-stage modelling approach. First, we analysed covariate-adjusted country-specific associations between women's empowerment and crop diversity indicators using multivariable generalised linear models. Second, we pooled country-specific associations using random-effects models.
Findings: The final analytic sample included 1735 women from Burkina Faso, 4450 women from India, 547 women from Malawi, and 574 women from Tanzania. Across all countries, compared with households in which women provided input into fewer productive decisions, households of women with greater input into productive decisions produced more food crops (mean difference 0·36 [95% CI 0·16–0·55]), a higher number of food groups (mean difference 0·16 [0·06–0·25]), and more nutrient-dense crops (percentage point difference 3 [95% CI 3–4]). Across all countries, each additional community group a woman actively participated in was associated with cultivating a higher number of food crops (mean difference 0·20 [0·04–0·35]) and a higher number of food groups (mean difference 0·11 [0·03–0·18]), but not more nutrient-dense crops. In pooled associations from Burkina Faso and India, asset ownership was associated with cultivating a higher number of food crops (mean difference 0·08 [0·04–0·12]) and a higher number of food groups (mean difference 0·05 [0·04–0·07]), but not more nutrient-dense crops.
Interpretation: Greater women's empowerment was associated with higher farm-level crop diversity among low-income agricultural households, suggesting that it could help enhance efforts to strengthen food system resilience.
Separability, spillovers, and segmented markets: Evidence from dairy in India
Narayanan, Sudha; Negi, Digvijay S.; Gupta, Tanu. 2023
Narayanan, Sudha; Negi, Digvijay S.; Gupta, Tanu. 2023
DOI : 10.1111/agec.12786
Abstract | View
A long history of empirical research has focused on testing whether and when household consumption and production decisions are separable. If markets were perfect, household consumption would be independent of production. In this article, we propose that market channel choice complicates this relationship. Our analysis of household panel data from rural India, focusing on dairy, leads us to four key conclusions. First, milk consumption is correlated with production, and markets are not a complete substitute for household production. Second, a large presence of formal milk buyers in a village is associated with lower milk consumption in dairy households, overturning the positive association of participation in formal value chains with household milk consumption. Third, contrary to expectations, for households that do not own dairy animals and net buyers, the presence of formal value chains remains uncorrelated with milk consumption. Fourth, we infer, test for and find suggestive evidence of segmented milk markets, that is, different types of households participate in different markets for milk that do not seem to interact with each other. Policymakers focused on market development or production-based strategies need to factor in the possibility of market segmentation based on market channels while designing interventions.
Determinants and impacts of contract farming: Evidence from cultivation of onion, okra and pomegranate in Maharashtra, India
Kumar, Anjani; Roy, Devesh; Tripathi, Gaurav; Joshi, Pramod Kumar. Article in press
Kumar, Anjani; Roy, Devesh; Tripathi, Gaurav; Joshi, Pramod Kumar. Article in press
DOI : 10.1108/JADEE-05-2022-0094
Crop insurance and rice productivity: Evidence from eastern India
Kumar, Anjani; Saroj, Sunil; Mishra, Ashok K.. 2023
Kumar, Anjani; Saroj, Sunil; Mishra, Ashok K.. 2023
Production technology adoption and electronic market participation intensity of chilli (dry) farmers in India: Application of triple-hurdle model
Kumar, K. Nirmal; Mishra, S. N.; Shafiwu, Adinan Bahahudeen; Gajanan, Shailendra N.; Babu, Suresh Chandra; Neelima, A. Sandhya. 2023
Kumar, K. Nirmal; Mishra, S. N.; Shafiwu, Adinan Bahahudeen; Gajanan, Shailendra N.; Babu, Suresh Chandra; Neelima, A. Sandhya. 2023
DOI : 10.1080/23322039.2023.2207939
Abstract | View
Agricultural and food system transformation helps increase farm productivity and encourages farmers to participate in updated value chains, adopt newer technologies, thereby helping farmers transform their livelihoods in a sustainable manner. Relatedly, value chain innovations depend on multiple decisions farmers make at various stages of the value chain, adequate participation being a primary factor. In this paper, we integrate farmers’ adoption decision of a new variety of chilli crop (“Teja”) along with their electronic market participation decision and e-market participation intensity, based on data from the chilli farming sector in India, where agricultural markets have been modernized through digitization (Kalgudi e-Market). Thus, the employed Triple-Hurdle Model (THM) integrates adoption decision of “Teja” variety of chilli, e-Market Participation Decision and e-market participation intensity thereby, allowing us to make inferences relating to chilli farmers in Andhra Pradesh, India. Our results, showed that the drivers of “Teja” variety adoption, e-market participation, and e-participation intensity include education, reliable extension services, access to seeds of high yielding varieties, market information, and membership in farmer-producer organizations. Added to these, personnel training visits, prompt deliveries of inputs, and prompt payment of sales proceeds are also important in influencing participation and intensities. Results show that the three stochastic decisions of THM are strongly correlated implying that the adoption decision of “Teja” variety of chilli by the farmers influences the e-market participation decision and consequently, e-market participation intensity and these three decisions are sequential. On the contrary, the decisions viz., e-market participation decision and e-market participation intensity as input buyers and consequent adoption of “Teja” variety of chilli are simultaneous. So, the policy measures that promote production technology interventions (say, “Teja” variety of chilli) will definitely enhance better e-market access of chilli farmers. Accordingly, the breeding programs of the agricultural research stations should enhance the uptake of improved varieties in tune with modern marketing (e-market) technologies. Future farm policy and agricultural-research and innovations must recognize the potential that the digital marketing systems have to offer. Such considerations coupled with the provision of market infrastructure including assaying, grading, storage, and market information will promote digital transformation in agricultural value chains in developing countries like India.
Ethnicity, information and cooperation: Evidence from a group-based nutrition intervention
Raghunathan, Kalyani; Alvi, Muzna Fatima; Sehgal, Mrignyani. 2023
Raghunathan, Kalyani; Alvi, Muzna Fatima; Sehgal, Mrignyani. 2023
DOI : 10.1016/j.foodpol.2023.102478
Abstract | View
Development programs often rely on locally hired agents for service delivery, especially for interventions promoting agricultural practices, health, and nutrition. These agents are key to reaching underserved communities, especially women, with information and services around recommended practices. However, where societies are socially stratified, differences in ethnic identities between agents and beneficiaries may impact the effectiveness of information and service delivery and the uptake of recommended behaviors. We explore the salience of shared ethnic identity between agents and beneficiaries in promoting collective action using a field experiment with women’s self-help groups (SHGs) in India. We cross-randomize an information treatment and a group-agent shared ethnicity treatment at the SHG level. We measure impacts on individual group member information retention and willingness to contribute to a group-owned kitchen garden that could improve access to a diverse and nutritious diet. We find information retention is better when the group is matched with an agent lower in the ethnic hierarchy, but that agents higher in the hierarchy elicit greater individual contributions to the group-owned kitchen garden. We suggest some hypotheses for these seemingly contradictory results. Other characteristics like education, group cohesion and perceived agent ability also matter in changing knowledge and contribution. Our findings have important implications for effective program design and implementation, suggesting that implementers need to consider factors beyond the information content, target group and pedagogical mode of delivery for their strategies to be transformative.
Comprehensive approach for improving adherence to prenatal Iron and folic acid supplements based on intervention studies in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, and India
Sanghvi, Tina; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Forissier, Thomas; Ghosh, Sebanti; Zafimanjaka, Maurice; Walissa, Tamirat; Mahmud, Zeba; Kim, Sunny S.. 2023
Sanghvi, Tina; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Forissier, Thomas; Ghosh, Sebanti; Zafimanjaka, Maurice; Walissa, Tamirat; Mahmud, Zeba; Kim, Sunny S.. 2023
DOI : 10.1177/03795721231179570
Seven principles for mobilizing open data to power India's Agri Stack
Mothkoor, Venugopal; Reddy, Murali; Koganti, Dharani. Montpellier, France 2023
Mothkoor, Venugopal; Reddy, Murali; Koganti, Dharani. Montpellier, France 2023
Abstract | View
Digitalization is transforming existing agricultural business processes and services and enabling new means to deploy innovative services and products at scale. At the core of these services and innovations is open data. In India, Central and State Governments, academic, research institutions, and the private sector have done critical work in conceptualizing different approaches and aspects of an AgriStack to digitally transform agriculture. Recognizing the need to integrate these efforts and incorporate use cases, CGIAR Research Initiative on Digital Innovation, in partnership with The Agri Collaboratory (TAC), organized a consultation workshop in Delhi in November 2022. Participated by 70 stakeholders representing 54 organizations, the workshop enabled in-depth discussion on the design principles of thematic use cases and facilitated a broader debate on the specific building blocks needed. This document summarizes key principles discussed throughout the workshop.
More is not enough: High quantity and high quality antenatal care are both needed to prevent low birthweight in South Asia
Neupane, Sumanta; Scott, Samuel; Piwoz, Ellen; Kim, Sunny S.; Menon, Purnima; Nguyen, Phuong Hong. 2023
Neupane, Sumanta; Scott, Samuel; Piwoz, Ellen; Kim, Sunny S.; Menon, Purnima; Nguyen, Phuong Hong. 2023
DOI : 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001991
Abstract | View
Antenatal care (ANC) is an opportunity to receive interventions that can prevent low birth weight (LBW). We sought to 1) estimate LBW prevalence and burden in South Asia, 2) describe the number of ANC visits (quantity) and interventions received (quality), and 3) explore associations between ANC quantity, quality and LBW. We used Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from Afghanistan (2015), Bangladesh (2018), India (2016), Nepal (2016), Pakistan (2018) and Sri Lanka (2016) (n = 146,284 children <5y). Women were categorized as follows: 1) low quantity (<4 ANC visits) and low quality (<5 of 10 interventions received during ANC), 2) low quantity and high quality (≥5 of 10 interventions), 3) high quantity (≥4 visits) and low quality, 4) high quantity and high quality. We used fixed effect logistic regressions to examine associations between ANC quality/quantity and LBW (<2500 grams). LBW prevalence was highest in Pakistan (23%) and India (18%), with India accounting for two-thirds of the regional burden. Only 8% of women in Afghanistan received high quantity and high quality ANC, compared to 42–46% in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, 65% in Nepal and 92% in Sri Lanka. Compared to the low quantity/quality reference group, children of women with high quantity/quality ANC had lower odds of LBW in India (Adjusted Odds Ratio 0.84, 95% CI 0.78–0.89), Nepal (0.57, 0.35–0.94), Pakistan (0.45, 0.23–0.86), and Sri Lanka (0.73, 0.57–0.92). Low quantity but high quality ANC was protective in India (0.90, 0.84–0.96), Afghanistan (0.53, 0.27–1.05) and Pakistan (0.49, 0.23–1.05). High quantity but low quality ANC was protective in Sri Lanka (0.76, 0.61–0.93). Neither frequent ANC without appropriate interventions nor infrequent ANC with appropriate interventions are sufficient to prevent LBW in most South Asian countries, though quality may be more important than quantity. Consistent measurement of interventions during ANC is needed.
Jeevika Women Agri Producer Company Limited: The timid rise of an all-women state-promoted FPC in an “aspirational” district of Bihar
Narayanan, Sudha; Parmar, Milee; Pandey, Ritesh . London, United Kingdom 2023
Narayanan, Sudha; Parmar, Milee; Pandey, Ritesh . London, United Kingdom 2023
DOI : 10.4324/9781003308034
Report on improving smallholder women farmers’ access to finance for small-scale irrigation technologies
Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Small Scale Irrigation. 2023
Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Small Scale Irrigation. 2023
Abstract | View
Widespread use of small power pumps in South Asia has revolutionized agricultural production since the 1970s. In the past few years, solar photovoltaic pumps have become affordable alternatives to diesel and grid-powered electric pumps. While their initial investment is higher, the near-zero operating costs make them extremely attractive (Xie et al. 2021; Lefore et al. 2021). They have additional benefits, including reducing the national fuel import bill; and producing no greenhouse gases. Small solar-powered pumps are portable and can be used for many purposes. India, among others, is investing billions of Indian Rupees in subsidies to ramp up their use; and partnerships among private firms, NGOs, governments, researchers, and investors are trying to expand their uptake in sub-Saharan Africa. A major downside is that most irrigation pumps are being acquired by relatively wealthy male farmers, exacerbating already high levels of inequality in rural communities. Poor smallholders, especially women, cannot meet the required credit checks and therefore cannot purchase the pumps. Nor do they have access to finance to purchase complementary inputs such as fertilizer and seeds. In response, various research institutions, pump manufacturers, and NGOs are exploring how to target irrigation pumps to poor smallholders, women, and youth. Many studies and pilot programs have been implemented and shown positive results. The challenge is to scale out the successful pilots based on lessons learned. This brief explores the lessons learned and identifies potential ways forward.
A gender-responsive approach to designing agricultural risk management bundles
Adhikari, Roshan; Kramer, Berber; Ward, Patrick S.; Foster, Timothy; Sharma, Varun; Gaur, Pushkar; Pattnaik, Subhransu. Washington, DC 2023
Adhikari, Roshan; Kramer, Berber; Ward, Patrick S.; Foster, Timothy; Sharma, Varun; Gaur, Pushkar; Pattnaik, Subhransu. Washington, DC 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136692
Abstract | View
- Bundling agricultural insurance with risk-reducing agricultural technologies can lower the cost of insurance for farmers, but before implementing bundled solutions, it is important to analyze how these bundles would impact men and women differently.
- Using a survey with 900 men and women farmers in Odisha, India, we find that women and men have similar farming practices and input use in general, but women face more difficulties in hiring labor and transplant rice later than men.
- Using biophysical crop models, we show that this delay in transplanting lowers expected yields and increases risk exposure for women farmers.
- Direct-seeded rice (DSR) is a promising alternative method for establishing rice that can help to mitigate the risks posed by climate change. Our findings indicate DSR is especially beneficial for women farmers.
- Gender-responsive policies are needed to ensure that women farmers have equitable access to agricultural insurance and risk-reducing technologies.
- Using a survey with 900 men and women farmers in Odisha, India, we find that women and men have similar farming practices and input use in general, but women face more difficulties in hiring labor and transplant rice later than men.
- Using biophysical crop models, we show that this delay in transplanting lowers expected yields and increases risk exposure for women farmers.
- Direct-seeded rice (DSR) is a promising alternative method for establishing rice that can help to mitigate the risks posed by climate change. Our findings indicate DSR is especially beneficial for women farmers.
- Gender-responsive policies are needed to ensure that women farmers have equitable access to agricultural insurance and risk-reducing technologies.
Learning together: Experimental evidence on the impact of group-based nutrition interventions in rural Bihar
Raghunathan, Kalyani; Kumar, Neha; Gupta, Shivani; Chauhan, Tarana; Kathuria, Ashi Kohli; Menon, Purnima. 2023
Raghunathan, Kalyani; Kumar, Neha; Gupta, Shivani; Chauhan, Tarana; Kathuria, Ashi Kohli; Menon, Purnima. 2023
DOI : 10.1016/j.worlddev.2023.106267
Abstract | View
India accounts for a large proportion of the global prevalence of maternal and child undernutrition, and recent trends have renewed the call for large-scale concerted efforts to improve outcomes. With their reach to millions of rural Indian women, self-help groups (SHGs) offer a possible solution. We provide evidence from a cluster-randomized controlled trial in the state of Bihar of the impact of a health and nutrition intervention that provided behavior change communication to SHG members and worked to strengthen utilization of services. Over the course of 2.5 years, the intervention resulted in a 7% increase in the number of food groups consumed by children and a 30% increase in the proportion of women achieving minimum dietary diversity but had no impact on women’s body mass index or child underweight and wasting. Both knowledge and adoption of key behaviors along the impact pathway improved as a result of the treatment. SHGs certainly have the potential to effect social change and accelerate improvements in maternal and child health and nutrition outcomes, but in resource-constrained settings such as these, information-only interventions delivered through these platforms will likely have limited impact.
Moderate accuracy of survey responses about infant and young child feeding counseling reported by mothers with children less than 1 year of age in India
Kim, Sunny S.; Ashok, Sattvika; Avula, Rasmi; Mahapatra, Tanmay; Gokhale, Priya; Walton, Shelley; Heidkamp, Rebecca A.; Munos, Melinda K.. 2023
Kim, Sunny S.; Ashok, Sattvika; Avula, Rasmi; Mahapatra, Tanmay; Gokhale, Priya; Walton, Shelley; Heidkamp, Rebecca A.; Munos, Melinda K.. 2023
DOI : 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.02.010
Abstract | View
Background
Counseling on infant and young child feeding (IYCF) to support optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices is an essential intervention, and accurate coverage data is needed to identify gaps and monitor progress. However, coverage information captured during household surveys has not yet been validated.
Counseling on infant and young child feeding (IYCF) to support optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices is an essential intervention, and accurate coverage data is needed to identify gaps and monitor progress. However, coverage information captured during household surveys has not yet been validated.
Objectives
We examined the validity of maternal reports of IYCF counseling received during community-based contacts and factors associated with reporting accuracy.
Methods
Direct observations of home visits conducted by community workers in 40 villages in Bihar, India served as the “gold standard” to maternal reports of IYCF counseling received during 2-wk follow-up surveys (n = 444 mothers with children less than 1 y of age, interviews matched to direct observations). Individual-level validity was assessed by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and AUC. Population-level bias was measured using the inflation factor (IF). Multivariable regression models were used to examine factors associated with response accuracy.
Results
Prevalence of IYCF counseling during home visits was very high (90.1%). Maternal report of any IYCF counseling received in the past 2 wk was moderate (AUC: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.52, 0.67), and population bias was low (IF = 0.90). However, the recall of specific counseling messages varied. Maternal report of any breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, and dietary diversity messages had moderate validity (AUC > 0.60), but other child feeding messages had low individual validity. Child age, maternal age, maternal education, mental stress, and social desirability were associated with reporting accuracy of multiple indicators.
Conclusions
Validity of IYCF counseling coverage was moderate for several key indicators. IYCF counseling is an information-based intervention that may be received from various sources, and it may be challenging to achieve higher reporting accuracy over a longer recall period. We consider the modest validity results as positive and suggest that these coverage indicators may be useful for measuring coverage and tracking progress over time.
Assessing the hidden burden and costs of COVID-19 pandemic in South Asia: Implications for health and well-being of women, children and adolescents
Owais, Aatekah; Rizvi, Arjumand; Jawwad, Muhammad; Horton, Susan; Das, Jai K.; Merritt, Catherine; Moreno, Ralfh; Asfaw, Atnafu G.; Rutter, Paul; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Menon, Purnima; Bhutta, Zulfiqar A.. 2023
Owais, Aatekah; Rizvi, Arjumand; Jawwad, Muhammad; Horton, Susan; Das, Jai K.; Merritt, Catherine; Moreno, Ralfh; Asfaw, Atnafu G.; Rutter, Paul; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Menon, Purnima; Bhutta, Zulfiqar A.. 2023
DOI : 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001567
Abstract | View
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations. With its intensity expected to be cyclical over the foreseeable future, and much of the impact estimates still modeled, it is imperative that we accurately assess the impact to date, to help with the process of targeted rebuilding of services. We collected data from administrative health information systems in six South Asian countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), to determine essential health services coverage disruptions between January–December 2020, and January–June 2021, compared to the same calendar months in 2019, and estimated the impact of this disruption on maternal and child mortality using the Lives Saved Tool. We also modelled impact of prolonged school closures on continued enrollment, as well as potential sequelae for the cohort of girls who have likely dropped out. Coverage of key maternal and child health interventions, including antenatal care and immunizations, decreased by up to 60%, with the largest disruptions observed between April and June 2020. This was followed by a period of recovery from July 2020 to March 2021, but a reversal of most of these gains in April/May 2021, likely due to the delta variant-fueled surge in South Asia at the same time. We estimated that disruption of essential health services between January 2020 and June 2021 potentially resulted in an additional 19,000 maternal and 317,000 child deaths, an increase of 19% and 13% respectively, compared to 2019. Extended school closures likely resulted in 9 million adolescents dropping out permanently, with 40% likely being from poorest households, resulting in decreased lifetime earnings. A projected increase in early marriages for girls who dropped out could result in an additional 500,000 adolescent pregnancies, 153,000 low birthweight births, and 27,000 additional children becoming stunted by age two years. To date, the increase in maternal and child mortality due to health services disruption has likely exceeded the overall number of COVID-19 deaths in South Asia. The indirect effects of the pandemic were disproportionately borne by the most vulnerable populations, and effects are likely to be long-lasting, permanent and in some cases inter-generational, unless policies aimed at alleviating these impacts are instituted at scale and targeted to reach the poorest of the poor. There are also implications for future pandemic preparedness.
POSHAN’s abstract digest on maternal and child nutrition research - Issue 48
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2023
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2023
Abstract | View
The 48th issue of Abstract Digest features studies on anemia highlighting trends, inequities, and determinants of anemia among various population groups. Another study examined micronutrient deficiencies and their association with cognitive function among children and adolescents. This issue also includes the latest Lancet 2023 Breastfeeding Series editorial and three-papers that outline the multifaceted and highly effective strategies used by commercial formula manufacturers to target parents, health-care professionals, and policy-makers. Other studies included are on patterns in the prevalence of unvaccinated children, variations in measures of poverty, and an assessment of progress on the sustainable development goals. Another study examined the validity of maternal reports of receiving counseling on infant and young child feeding, and yet another one examined utilization of systematic review-based evidence in formulating guidelines for the National Health Programme.
Data issues in analyzing agri-food trade in BIMSTEC: Challenges and recommendations
Saroj, Sunil; Roy, Devesh; Kamar, Abul; Pradhan, Mamata. Washington, DC 2023
Saroj, Sunil; Roy, Devesh; Kamar, Abul; Pradhan, Mamata. Washington, DC 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136645
Abstract | View
The focus of research on international trade has recently shifted from industries and countries to firms. Firm heterogeneity is shown to be a determinant of trade at both the intensive margin (increase exports per firm/product) and extensive margins (the number of firms exporting – new products, new partners, new varieties, and new prices). It is now widely accepted that exporting firms are larger, comparatively productive, more skilled, and capital-intensive, and pay higher wages than non-exporting firms.
The innovations in international trade literature that explains both the emergence as well as levels and the nature of trade flows through value chain integration necessitates examining trade-based exchanges at the highest possible levels of product disaggregation. Developments in trade theory emphasize that it is individual firms not countries that trade and analysis needs to incorporate firm characteristics in decisions and ability for exporting and importing. Firms are the appropriate unit of analysis for trade flows. It helps several paradoxes once the import of firm heterogeneity is understood.
Despite the substantive importance of granular level data and the significant level of disaggregated product-level bilateral trade flow data and enhanced computing power that are becoming available, most studies have tended to rely on analysis with high level of aggregation. Recent research on firm heterogeneity in international trade highlights the importance of extensive margins i.e., new products, new partners, new varieties, and cumulative of these i.e., new prices in trade patterns and firms' responses to trade liberalization and other policy changes. However, the high dimensionality of the data and the large number of responses to changes can easily overwhelm researchers. Additionally, bigger data sets may contain more noise, which can mask important systematic patterns. In analysis of trade flows, notwithstanding the rising incidence of differentiated products (varieties) and value chains that transcend national boundaries, methods in agri-food trade analysis in particular have not kept pace in terms of empirical methods and suitable data.
The innovations in international trade literature that explains both the emergence as well as levels and the nature of trade flows through value chain integration necessitates examining trade-based exchanges at the highest possible levels of product disaggregation. Developments in trade theory emphasize that it is individual firms not countries that trade and analysis needs to incorporate firm characteristics in decisions and ability for exporting and importing. Firms are the appropriate unit of analysis for trade flows. It helps several paradoxes once the import of firm heterogeneity is understood.
Despite the substantive importance of granular level data and the significant level of disaggregated product-level bilateral trade flow data and enhanced computing power that are becoming available, most studies have tended to rely on analysis with high level of aggregation. Recent research on firm heterogeneity in international trade highlights the importance of extensive margins i.e., new products, new partners, new varieties, and cumulative of these i.e., new prices in trade patterns and firms' responses to trade liberalization and other policy changes. However, the high dimensionality of the data and the large number of responses to changes can easily overwhelm researchers. Additionally, bigger data sets may contain more noise, which can mask important systematic patterns. In analysis of trade flows, notwithstanding the rising incidence of differentiated products (varieties) and value chains that transcend national boundaries, methods in agri-food trade analysis in particular have not kept pace in terms of empirical methods and suitable data.
Community watershed management in semi-arid India
Shiferaw, Bekele; Kebede, Tewodros; Ratna Reddy, V.. Washington, DC 2008
Shiferaw, Bekele; Kebede, Tewodros; Ratna Reddy, V.. Washington, DC 2008
DOI : 10.2499/CAPRiWP85
Abstract | View
Spatial and temporal attributes of watersheds and the associated market failures that accelerate degradation of agricultural and environmental resources require innovative institutional arrangements for coordinating use and management of resources. Effective collective action (CA) allows smallholder farmers to jointly invest in management practices that provide collective benefits in terms of economic and sustainability gains. The Government of India takes integrated watershed management (IWM) as a key strategy for improving productivity and livelihoods in the rain-fed and drought-prone regions. This study investigates the institutional and policy issues that limit effective participation of people in community watershed programs and identifies key determinants for the degree of CA and its effectiveness in achieving economic and environmental outcomes. We use empirical data from a survey of 87 watershed communities in semi-arid Indian villages to identify a set of indicators of CA and its performance in attaining desired outcomes. Factor analysis is used to develop aggregate indices of CA and its effectiveness. Regression methods are then employed to test the effects of certain policy relevant variables and to determine the potential effects of CA in achieving desired poverty reduction and resource improvement outcomes. We find a positive and highly significant effect of CA on natural resource investments, but no evidence of its effects on household assets and poverty reduction outcomes. This may be attributable to longer gestation periods for realizing indirect effects from collective natural resource investments and the lack of institutional mechanisms to ensure equitable distribution of such gains across the community, including the landless and marginal farmers.
Unlocking agricultural trade potential in the BIMSTEC region: Policy challenges and implications
Kamar, Abul; Roy, Devesh. Washington, DC 2023
Kamar, Abul; Roy, Devesh. Washington, DC 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136626
Abstract | View
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is a regional organization that comprises seven nations, five of which are from South Asia (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka) and two from Southeast Asia (Myanmar and Thailand). BIMSTEC aims to increase trade including agri-food products to much higher levels than its historical low values lying much below potential. In 2020, intra-BIMSTEC trade accounted for a mere 6.15% of the total trade among its member countries. In contrast, intra-ASEAN trade made up around 23% of the total trade within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). These figures highlight the significant room for growth
in intra-regional trade among BIMSTEC member countries. Importantly the low share of intra BIMSTEC trade is not due to greater integration with supra-BIMSTEC partners. This policy note seeks to spell out some of the key agricultural trade policy-related challenges in the BIMSTEC region and their implications for economic integration in the area.
in intra-regional trade among BIMSTEC member countries. Importantly the low share of intra BIMSTEC trade is not due to greater integration with supra-BIMSTEC partners. This policy note seeks to spell out some of the key agricultural trade policy-related challenges in the BIMSTEC region and their implications for economic integration in the area.
Take-home rations in the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): Study of coverage and uptake in Tamil Nadu
Nair, Sapna; Ashok, Sattvika; Menon, Purnima; Avula, Rasmi. New Delhi, India 2023
Nair, Sapna; Ashok, Sattvika; Menon, Purnima; Avula, Rasmi. New Delhi, India 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136627
Abstract | View
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), a flagship program of the Government of India, offers nutrition services to support child development. One major component of ICDS is the Supplementary Nutrition Program (SNP), which provides take-home rations for all children under 6 years of age and pregnant and lactating women to bridge the calorie and protein gaps in their diets. Current SNP guidelines recommend providing the rations in the form of micronutrient-fortified food or energy-dense food to bridge the nutrient gap between the Recommend Dietary Allowance and Average Daily Intake (MoWCD 2014). In Tamil Nadu, the take-home rations are a fortified-blended product called Sathumaavu. Coverage of take-home rations in Tamil Nadu is above the national average for all beneficiary groups, but variability across districts is high (IIPS and ICF 2021). Little is known about household use of Sathumaavu, perceptions of its quality, or its integration into standard diets. This study, a collaboration between LEAD at Krea University and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) with the Government of Tamil Nadu, explored the uptake and use of Sathumaavu among women and children across the state. The study aimed to: • Assess the uptake and use of the ICDS-provided Sathumaavu in Tamil Nadu• Examine demand- and supply-side factors related to the coverage and use of Sathumaavu
Records of the discussion on the policy roundtable on transforming Odisha's agri-food systems
Government of Odisha; International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
Government of Odisha; International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). Washington, DC 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136612
Abstract | View
“Transforming Odisha’s Agri-Food Systems”, a policy roundtable meeting and discussion held at Bhuba-neswar, Odisha, was inaugurated on October 20, 2022. It was attended by a number of honoured guests, including: the Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment (A&FE), Fisheries & Animal Re-sources Development Department with august presence of the Agriculture Production Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Water Resources (DoWR), the Principal Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Empowerment, the Principal Secretary of the Department of Co-operation, the Director of International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) South Asia region, the Directors of the Departments of Agriculture & Farmers' Empowerment and Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, senior officials from A&FE, F&ARD, the DoWR, the Odisha State Seeds Corporation, representatives of various NGOs, and progressive farmers.
Assessing residue and tillage management options for carbon sequestration in future climate change scenarios
Aditi, Kumari; Abbhishek, Kumar; Chander, Girish; Singh, Ajay; Falk, Thomas; Mequanint, Melesse B.; Cuba, Perumal; Anupama, G.; Mandpati, Roja; Nagaraji, Satish. 2023
Aditi, Kumari; Abbhishek, Kumar; Chander, Girish; Singh, Ajay; Falk, Thomas; Mequanint, Melesse B.; Cuba, Perumal; Anupama, G.; Mandpati, Roja; Nagaraji, Satish. 2023
DOI : 10.1016/j.crsust.2023.100210
Abstract | View
Soil carbon depletion is a major concern for food security in drylands. The objective of this study is to test tillage with residue management under sequential and intercropping systems for carbon sequestration in semi-arid tropical drylands of India. We report the findings from a long-term field experiment (9 years) used to simulate the effect of residue and tillage management in Maize-chickpea sequential and Maize-Pigeonpea intercropping systems for the four possible future climate projections using APSIM model. These findings demonstrate a sustainable route with inclusive growth, as pledged at the UN climate change summit. A comparison of results under SSP 2.6 and 4.5 Wm−2 with SSP 8.5 shows that demand pressure from competitive marketplaces inhibits the establishment of soil carbon sinks and significantly reduces crop yields, likely due to indiscriminate chemical fertilizer use. We observed that a better decision in selecting cropping system might improve soil organic carbon content (SOC). SOC content ranging from 0.9 to 1.2% in Maize-pigeonpea intercropping and 0.85–1.1% in maize-chickpea sequential cropping systems, demonstrate good potential in the climate change mitigation exertions. Early SOC saturation (20 years) led to a decreased carbon stock in topsoil without residue addition practises. The addition of crop residues significantly increased SOC levels under both conventional and minimum tillage and created additional income for farmers. Simulation analysis showed impact of SOC changes on crop yield which remained nearly stable for 85 years. Therefore, hardy straw biomass of crops covering a large tract in dryland tropics, can be a scalable and sustainable solution to yield losses, while mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration.
Benefit-cost analysis of iron fortification of rice in India: Modelling potential economic gains from improving haemoglobin and averting anaemia
Qureshy, Lubina Fatimah; Alderman, Harold; Manchanda, Navneet. 2023
Qureshy, Lubina Fatimah; Alderman, Harold; Manchanda, Navneet. 2023
DOI : 10.1080/19439342.2023.2168728
Games for experiential learning: Triggering collective changes in commons management
Falk, Thomas; Zhang, Wei; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Bartels, Lara; Sanil, Richu; Priyadarshini, Pratiti; Soliev, Ilkhom. 2023
Falk, Thomas; Zhang, Wei; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Bartels, Lara; Sanil, Richu; Priyadarshini, Pratiti; Soliev, Ilkhom. 2023
DOI : 10.5751/ES-13862-280130
Abstract | View
As resource users interact and impose externalities onto each other, institutions are needed to coordinate resource use, create trust, and provide incentives for sustainable management. Coordinated collective action can play a key role in enabling communities to manage natural resource commons more sustainably. But when such collective action is not present, what can be done to foster it? We contribute to the understanding of how experiential learning through games can affect behavioral change, potentially leading to more sustainable commons management. We present a conceptual framework describing the most important processes involved in experiential learning games. The framework highlights the importance of the game context for achieving game outcomes. We list game features that have been argued to influence learning and behavioral determinants, focusing on the game narrative and experience, game rules, and attributes of players. We briefly describe how each game feature influences the processes in the framework. Next, we apply the conceptual framework to examine design features that were particularly important for influencing behavioral drivers in commons management in three intervention cases from India relating to groundwater, surface water, and forests. Our conceptual reflections underpin the need to debate about underlying assumptions in using games as intervention tools. Making assumptions transparent can help to understand why or under what conditions experiential learning works or fails. There is a critical need for more systematic choices of the right tools for the right purpose. This includes participants of the experiential learning who must be able to relate the game to their real life. A social dilemma in the game should at least, in its basic structure, represent a real-life dilemma. We close by highlighting future research needs both from the conceptual behavioral change as well as the game design perspective.
Youth entrepreneurship in agribusiness in India
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Zhou, Yuan. 2023
Babu, Suresh Chandra; Zhou, Yuan. 2023
Abstract | View
This report documents a selected set of case studies of young entrepreneurs in agribusiness in India. Using field visits to their operations and online interviews, we document the issues, challenges, constraints, and opportunities that young agribusiness entrepreneurs face and provide insights for improving the enabling environment, institutional arrangements, and individual capacity for successful entrepreneurship in agribusiness in India.
Indian policies related to youth entrepreneurship have evolved rapidly over the past decade. It is a recognition that the youth force, particularly in agriculture and allied sectors, is key to the effective inclusiveness and engagement of youth and women in improving the livelihood and long-term transformation of the agriculture sector. Further, given the recent policy reforms and the associated challenges, studying opportunities for youth in the agriculture sector becomes paramount to guiding the policy and program implementation process from the youth entrepreneurial perspective.
Indian policymakers operating in the agricultural and rural development sectors recognize youth entrepreneurship as a critical driver for transforming these sectors. Policy and program interventions at the national level reflect this recognition. Recent economic growth in the last two decades in India has also brought the needed preconditions for youth entrepreneurship. Yet the challenges for entering business opportunities for youth in agriculture remain. There are several structural constraints related to access to technology, finance, institutional support, market access, and business mentorship. These challenges are accentuated further by the needed skills and experience relevant for initiating and running businesses, which remain a significant challenge for the youth in rural India.
Indian policies related to youth entrepreneurship have evolved rapidly over the past decade. It is a recognition that the youth force, particularly in agriculture and allied sectors, is key to the effective inclusiveness and engagement of youth and women in improving the livelihood and long-term transformation of the agriculture sector. Further, given the recent policy reforms and the associated challenges, studying opportunities for youth in the agriculture sector becomes paramount to guiding the policy and program implementation process from the youth entrepreneurial perspective.
Indian policymakers operating in the agricultural and rural development sectors recognize youth entrepreneurship as a critical driver for transforming these sectors. Policy and program interventions at the national level reflect this recognition. Recent economic growth in the last two decades in India has also brought the needed preconditions for youth entrepreneurship. Yet the challenges for entering business opportunities for youth in agriculture remain. There are several structural constraints related to access to technology, finance, institutional support, market access, and business mentorship. These challenges are accentuated further by the needed skills and experience relevant for initiating and running businesses, which remain a significant challenge for the youth in rural India.
Farm size limits agriculture's poverty reduction potential in Eastern India even with irrigation-led intensification
Urfels, Anton; Mausch, Kai; Harris, Dave; McDonald, Andrew J.; Kishore, Avinash; Singh, Vartika. 2023
Urfels, Anton; Mausch, Kai; Harris, Dave; McDonald, Andrew J.; Kishore, Avinash; Singh, Vartika. 2023
DOI : 10.1016/j.agsy.2023.103618
Abstract | View
CONTEXT: Millions of people living in the Eastern Gangetic Plains (EGP) of India engage in agriculture to support their livelihoods yet are income poor, and food and climate insecure. To address these challenges, policymakers and development programs invest in irrigation-led agricultural intensification. However, the evidence for agricultural intensification to lift farmers' incomes above the poverty line remains largely anecdotal. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to use a large household survey (n = 15,572; rice: 8244, wheat: 7328; 2017/18) to assess the link between agricultural intensification and personal daily incomes from farming (FPDI) in the rice-wheat systems of the EGP – the dominant cropping system of the region. METHODS: We use the Intensification Benefit Index (IBI), a measure that relates farm size and household size to FPDI, to assess how daily incomes from rice-wheat production change with irrigation-led intensification across the EGP. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Relative to the international poverty line of 1.90 Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)$ day−1 and accounting for variations in HH size in the analysis, we found that small farm sizes limit the potential for agricultural intensification from irrigation to transform the poverty status of households in the bottom three quartiles of the IBI. The estimated median FPDI of households with intensified systems in the bottom three quartiles is only 0.51 PPP$ day−1 (a 0.15 PPP$ gain). The median FPDI increases to 2.10 PPP$ day−1 for households in the upper quartile of the IBI distribution (a 0.30 PPP$ gain). Irrigation-led agricultural intensification of rice-wheat systems in the EGP may provide substantial benefits for resilience to climatic change and food security but achieving meaningful poverty reduction will require complementary investments. SIGNIFICANCE: Transforming the poverty status of most smallholder farmers in the EGP requires diversified portfolios of rural on- and off-farm income-generating opportunities. While bolstering food- and climate security, agronomic intervention programs should consider smallholders' limited monetary incentives to invest in intensification. Irrigation-led agricultural intensification programs and policies should explicitly account for the heterogeneity in household resources, irrigation levels, and degree of dependence on agricultural income.
Moderate accuracy of survey responses about infant and young child feeding counseling reported by mothers with children less than one year of age in India
Kim, Sunny S.; Ashok, Sattvika; Avula, Rasmi; Mahapatra, Tanmay; Gokhale, Priya; Walton, Shelley; Heidkamp, Rebecca; Munos, Melinda. 2023
Kim, Sunny S.; Ashok, Sattvika; Avula, Rasmi; Mahapatra, Tanmay; Gokhale, Priya; Walton, Shelley; Heidkamp, Rebecca; Munos, Melinda. 2023
DOI : 10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.02.010
Abstract | View
Background: Counseling on infant and young child feeding (IYCF) to support optimal breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices is an essential intervention, and accurate coverage data is needed to identify gaps and monitor progress. However, coverage information captured during household surveys have not yet been validated.
Objectives: We examined the validity of maternal report of IYCF counseling received during community-based contacts and factors associated with reporting accuracy.
Methods: Direct observations of home visits conducted by community workers in 40 villages in Bihar, India, served as the “gold standard” to maternal report of IYCF counseling received during 2-week follow-up surveys (n=444 mothers with children less than 1 year of age, interviews matched to direct observations). Individual-level validity was assessed by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and area under ROC curve (AUC). Population-level bias was measured using the inflation factor (IF). Multivariable regression models were used to examine factors associated with response accuracy.
Results: Prevalence of IYCF counseling during home visits was very high (90.1%). Maternal report of any IYCF counseling received in the past 2 weeks was moderate (AUC=0.60, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.67), and population bias was low (IF=0.90). However, recall of specific counseling messages varied. Maternal report of any breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, and dietary diversity messages had moderate validity (AUC>0.60), but other child feeding messages had low individual validity. Child age, maternal age, maternal education, mental stress, and social desirability were associated with reporting accuracy of multiple indicators.
Conclusions: Validity of IYCF counseling coverage was moderate for several key indicators. IYCF counseling is an information-based intervention that may be received from various sources, and it may be challenging to achieve higher reporting accuracy over a longer recall period. We consider the modest validity results as positive and suggest that these coverage indicators may be useful for measuring coverage and tracking progress over time.
Objectives: We examined the validity of maternal report of IYCF counseling received during community-based contacts and factors associated with reporting accuracy.
Methods: Direct observations of home visits conducted by community workers in 40 villages in Bihar, India, served as the “gold standard” to maternal report of IYCF counseling received during 2-week follow-up surveys (n=444 mothers with children less than 1 year of age, interviews matched to direct observations). Individual-level validity was assessed by calculating sensitivity, specificity, and area under ROC curve (AUC). Population-level bias was measured using the inflation factor (IF). Multivariable regression models were used to examine factors associated with response accuracy.
Results: Prevalence of IYCF counseling during home visits was very high (90.1%). Maternal report of any IYCF counseling received in the past 2 weeks was moderate (AUC=0.60, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.67), and population bias was low (IF=0.90). However, recall of specific counseling messages varied. Maternal report of any breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, and dietary diversity messages had moderate validity (AUC>0.60), but other child feeding messages had low individual validity. Child age, maternal age, maternal education, mental stress, and social desirability were associated with reporting accuracy of multiple indicators.
Conclusions: Validity of IYCF counseling coverage was moderate for several key indicators. IYCF counseling is an information-based intervention that may be received from various sources, and it may be challenging to achieve higher reporting accuracy over a longer recall period. We consider the modest validity results as positive and suggest that these coverage indicators may be useful for measuring coverage and tracking progress over time.
Technology and policy options for reducing India's import dependence on edible oils
S. J., Balaji; Sharma, Purushottam; P., Venkatesh; Kapoor, Shreya. New Delhi, India 2022
S. J., Balaji; Sharma, Purushottam; P., Venkatesh; Kapoor, Shreya. New Delhi, India 2022
Abstract | View
India heavily depends on imports to meet its edible oil demand. In 2020-21, it imported 54% of the total edible oil demand, spending Rs. 1.17 lakh crores. Notably, most of the imports are from a few countries. About 94% of the crude palm oil and 99% of the RBD palmolein are imported from Indonesia and Malaysia; 97% of the soybean oil from Argentina and Brazil; and 97% of the sunflower oil from Ukraine, Russia, and Argentina. This means higher supply risks and price uncertainty, especially during climatic shocks, conflicts, and pandemics such as COVID-19. Uncertain supply inflates prices and erodes purchasing power, forcing governments to resort to subsidies and cash transfers to protect domestic consumers, and reduce import duties and provide other incentives for industries and importers. The surge in import bills due to rising international prices and increasing domestic support amplify fiscal deficits, curtailing investments that could have positively influenced economic growth. Enhancing domestic production capacity should help bring down import bills. The Government of India has taken several policy measures to promote oilseeds and edible oil production. The production has increased, but the demand has outpaced it, leading to a continued increase in imports. The improvements in production technology and protective tariffs could be the instruments of choice. This brief looks at the recent trends in edible oil imports and the possibilities of reducing these by increasing domestic production, adopting yield-enhancing technologies, and raising
import tariffs.
import tariffs.
Is greater decisionmaking power of women associated with reduced gender discrimination in South Asia?
Smith, Lisa C.; Byron, Elizabeth. Washington, DC 2005
Smith, Lisa C.; Byron, Elizabeth. Washington, DC 2005
Abstract | View
To investigate this issue, the study draws on Demographic and Health Survey data collected during the 1990s in four countries: Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. The main empirical technique employed is multivariate regression analysis with statistical tests for significant differences in effects for girl and boy children. A total of 30,334 women and 33,316 children under three years old are included in the analysis. The study concludes that, for the South Asia region as a whole, an increase in women’s decisionmaking power relative to men’s, if substantial, would be an effective force for reducing discrimination against girl children.
Antenatal care is associated with adherence to iron supplementation among pregnant women in selected low-middle-income-countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America & the Caribbean regions: Insights from Demographic and Health Surveys
Karyadi, Elvina; Reddy, J. C.; Dearden, Kirk A.; Purwanti, Tutut; Asri, Eriana; Roquero, Loreto B.; Juguan, Jocelyn A.; Sapitula-Evidente, Anjali; Alam, M. K.; Das, Susmita; Nair, Gopa K.; Srivastava, Anuj; Raut, Manoj K.. 2023
Karyadi, Elvina; Reddy, J. C.; Dearden, Kirk A.; Purwanti, Tutut; Asri, Eriana; Roquero, Loreto B.; Juguan, Jocelyn A.; Sapitula-Evidente, Anjali; Alam, M. K.; Das, Susmita; Nair, Gopa K.; Srivastava, Anuj; Raut, Manoj K.. 2023
DOI : 10.1111/mcn.13477
Abstract | View
Anaemia is a global public health problem affecting 800 million women and children globally. Anaemia is associated with perinatal mortality, child morbidity and mortality, mental development, immune competence, susceptibility to lead poisoning and performance at work. The objective of this article is to identify whether antenatal care-seeking was associated with the uptake of iron supplementation among pregnant women, adjusting for a range of covariates. This article used data from the cross-sectional recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) of 12 countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America & the Caribbean regions. The individual-level data from 273,144 women of reproductive age (15−49 years) were analysed from multi-country DHS. Multiple Logistic regression analyses were conducted using Predictive Analytics Software for Windows (PASW), Release 18.0. Receiving at least four antenatal care visits was significantly associated with the consumption of 90 or more iron-containing supplements in 12 low and middle income countries across three regions after adjusting for different household and respondent characteristics, while mass media exposure was found to be a significant predictor in India and Indonesia. Antenatal care seems to be the most important predictor of adherence to iron intake in the selected countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Caribbean regions.
Tracking anemia and its determinants from 2015-16 to 2019-21 in India
Gune, Soyra; Christopher, Anita; Scott, Samuel; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Joe, William; Singh, S. K.; Dwivedi, L. K.; Pedgaonkar, Sarang; Puri, Parul; Chauhan, Alka; Yadav, Kapil; Chamois, Sylvie . New Delhi, India 2023
Gune, Soyra; Christopher, Anita; Scott, Samuel; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Joe, William; Singh, S. K.; Dwivedi, L. K.; Pedgaonkar, Sarang; Puri, Parul; Chauhan, Alka; Yadav, Kapil; Chamois, Sylvie . New Delhi, India 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136562
Abstract | View
This Data Note provides an update on the prevalence of anemia and its determinants in India at state and districts levels, as well as coverage of a nutrition specific and nutrition sensitive interventions. Data were from the National Family Health Surveys in 2005 06, 2015 2016 and 2019 21. We first report national trends for 8 population groups (Figure 1 below). For each population group, we show anemia prevalence by severity category and at state and district levels using the two latest rounds of data. Lastly, we show recent trends in determinants of anemia and, nutrition and health interventions.
Coverage of nutrition and health interventions in India: Insights from the National Family Health Surveys
Christopher, Anita; Gune, Soyra; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Menon, Purnima; Singh, S. K.; Dwivedi, L. K.; Pedgaonkar, Sarang; Puri, Parul; Chauhan, Alka; . New Delhi, India 2023
Christopher, Anita; Gune, Soyra; Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Menon, Purnima; Singh, S. K.; Dwivedi, L. K.; Pedgaonkar, Sarang; Puri, Parul; Chauhan, Alka; . New Delhi, India 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136564
Abstract | View
Nutrition-specific interventions are aimed at improving the food, health, and care environment for women and children during the first 1000 days. These interventions span pregnancy, postnatal, and early childhood periods and include food and micronutrient supplementation, nutrition education and/or counselling, growth monitoring and promotion, as well as routine immunization, deworming, and care during illness. At 90% coverage, these interventions can contribute to 20% reduction in stunting and 61% reduction in severe wasting. India’s policy framework for health and nutrition is robust and includes most evidence-based nutrition and health interventions. Two large-scale national program platforms – the Integrated Child Development Services and the National Health Mission – together deliver these interventions across the country. India’s efforts at scaling up nutrition interventions are now also bolstered by the National Nutrition Mission. This Data Note describes the coverage of key nutrition and health interventions for which data are available in the National Family Health Surveys for 2015-2016 and 2019-2021. To examine coverage of interventions, indicators were created based on global definitions and making adaptations to Indian policy context where necessary. Data on women of reproductive age (15-49 years) with a child below five years of age from the most recent birth was used to compute these indicators. Indicator definitions are provided in Annex 1 of this Note.
How is India doing on malnutrition and non-communicable diseases? Insights from the National Family Health Surveys (2005-06 to 2019-21)
Kapoor, Rati; Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Singh, S. K. ; Dwivedi, L. K.; Pedgaonkar, Sarang; Puri, Parul; Chauhan, Alka; Khandelwal, Shweta; Chamois, Sylvie. New Delhi, India 2023
Kapoor, Rati; Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Singh, S. K. ; Dwivedi, L. K.; Pedgaonkar, Sarang; Puri, Parul; Chauhan, Alka; Khandelwal, Shweta; Chamois, Sylvie. New Delhi, India 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136565
Abstract | View
A set of global nutrition targets for maternal and child nutrition together with diet related non communicable diseases ( to be achieved by 2025 was endorsed by the World Health Assembly in 2013 These targets provide goals against which progress towards ending malnutrition in all its forms can be measured and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals This data note describes trends in multiple forms of malnutrition and NCD outcomes at the national, state, and district levels for India using survey data from NFHS 3 2005 06 NFHS 4 2015 2016 and NFHS 5 2019 2021 Insights on other malnutrition targets such as anemia and breastfeeding will be forthcoming
Effects of weather and food market risks on household agriculture-nutrition linkage: Micro-level insights from India
Takeshima, Hiroyuki; Saroj, Sunil; Kumar, Anjani. Washington, DC 2023
Takeshima, Hiroyuki; Saroj, Sunil; Kumar, Anjani. Washington, DC 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136557
Abstract | View
Agriculture-nutrition linkages in developing countries remain complex and continue evolving as weather and market risks intensify due to climate change and other geopolitical and socioeconomic factors. Knowledge gaps remain regarding the exact interrelationship among these dimensions of agriculture-nutrition linkages. This study aimed to partly fill this knowledge gap by assessing how the associations between home production of various food groups and household/individual level nutritional outcomes are affected by weather anomalies and price risks of these food groups in the market, using panel data from India. Our results indicate that, generally, the associations between home production and nutritional outcomes are greater under more normal weather, with rainfall and temperature during the production season being closer to the historical median, potentially because of greater productivity realized and sufficient harvest that can be consumed throughout the year. The associations are also greater when households face greater market price fluctuations of food commodities conditional on the distance to the market, potentially because such price risks lead to reduced food purchases from the market. These effects generally hold not only during the average month but also during the lean month, indicating robustness against seasonality. These results also hold more consistently in remote areas than in areas closer to the market. Overall, our results suggest that efforts to promote nutrition-sensitive agriculture in developing countries should also consider evolving patterns of weather risks and agrifood market price risks to improve their effectiveness.
Common lands in India: Spatial distribution and overlay with socioeconomic and environmental indicators
ElDidi, Hagar; Khurana, Ritika; Zhang, Wei; Jadav, Maheshkumar Kalidas; Guha, Chiranjit; Priyadarshini, Pratiti; Guo, Zhe; Sandhu, Harpinder; Nagendra, Harini; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela. Washington, DC 2023
ElDidi, Hagar; Khurana, Ritika; Zhang, Wei; Jadav, Maheshkumar Kalidas; Guha, Chiranjit; Priyadarshini, Pratiti; Guo, Zhe; Sandhu, Harpinder; Nagendra, Harini; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela. Washington, DC 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136556
Abstract | View
Common pool resources provide important socioeconomic and ecological benefits for local communities and beyond, with around 2.5-3 billion people depending on commons for their livelihoods and other needs globally. In India, common lands constitute around a quarter of the country’s landmass, help meet the subsistence and livelihood needs of at least 350 million people and are of social and cultural significance to rural communities, as well as providing ecosystem services that benefit wider society. Despite these vital contributions, India’s commons have been facing widespread degradation, and policymakers tend to perceive some commons as “wastelands” because their true extent and value is not known. This study contributes to improved understanding of the magnitude and vitality of commons for rural communities, focusing on land-based commons in India. We provide a national assessment of the spatial extent and usage of common lands across districts, using publicly available spatial datasets and 2011 Census of India data and Household Census data. We further examine the spatial overlap between common lands and officially recognized protected areas to shine light on the possible locations where sustainable management or restoration of commons can potentially add value to conservation, in addition to benefiting local communities. Our results show that common lands are spread out spatially across the country and are intertwined, with more than one type of commons often present within the same district. Further, communities, especially poor, marginalized and indigenous communities such as Scheduled Tribe rely on forest commons, barren lands, pastures and culturable wastelands for their livelihoods, including for extraction of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for housing and cooking, grazing livestock, among others. Common lands and the communities that depend on them also often live in proximity to or are surrounded by officially recognized protected areas. Our study points to the need to drill down to more disaggregated level for commons mapping, which, in conjunction with information on the values of ecosystem services provide by commons, could inform land use policies and conservation and development planning.
Reform of agricultural markets in India: A critical analysis
Narayanan, Sudha. 2022
Narayanan, Sudha. 2022
Abstract | View
Why is agricultural marketing so crucial for the farmer? Agriculture and allied sectors accounted for only 17.7 per cent of the GDP of India in 2020. Yet, as much as 54.6 per cent of India’s workforce, as per the Census of 2011, relied on this sector for employment and incomes. Although agricultural households earned incomes from several sources, a major portion was still earned from agriculture and allied activities. As per the 2013 Situation Assessment Survey of Agricultural Households (SAS), agricultural households earned 48 per cent of their income from crop cultivation, 12 per cent of their income from animal husbandry and 32 per cent of their income from wages.
Understanding local food systems in South Asia: An assessment approach and design
Gupta, Manavi; Kishore, Avinash; Scott, Samuel; Chakraborty, Shreya; Chellattan, Prakashan Veettil; Choudhury, Samira; Krupnik, Timothy; Kumar, Neha; Neupane, Sumanta; Patwardhan, Sharvari; Sununtnasuk, Celeste; Urfels, Anton; Menon, Purnima. Washington, DC 2022
Gupta, Manavi; Kishore, Avinash; Scott, Samuel; Chakraborty, Shreya; Chellattan, Prakashan Veettil; Choudhury, Samira; Krupnik, Timothy; Kumar, Neha; Neupane, Sumanta; Patwardhan, Sharvari; Sununtnasuk, Celeste; Urfels, Anton; Menon, Purnima. Washington, DC 2022
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136543
Abstract | View
Home to one-quarter of humanity—one-fifth of whom are youth—South Asia has the world’s largest concentration of poverty and malnutrition (1–3). Despite producing one-quarter of the world’s consumed food, the region’s agrifood systems face formidable challenges in producing an adequate and affordable supply of the diverse foods needed for sustainable healthy diets (4,5). Unhealthy food consumption is rising, and farming systems are threatened by unsustainable groundwater withdrawal due to poorly developed food and energy policies. In addition, South Asia’s farmers are both contributors and victims of climate change and extreme weather, which contributes to rural out-migration—particularly of youth—resulting in rising labor scarcity and increased production costs.
TAFSSA (Transforming Agrifood Systems in South Asia), a CGIAR Regional Integrated Initiative, aims to address these challenges by delivering actionable evidence and scalable innovations across these regions through a coordinated program of research and engagement from farmer to consumer.
One of the roadblocks to addressing these challenges is the lack of credible and high-resolution data on food systems in the region. The TAFSSA food systems assessment aims to provide a reliable, accessible and integrated evidence base that links farm production, market access, dietary patterns, climate risk responses, and natural resource management in Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan. It is intended to be a multi-year assessment.
TAFSSA (Transforming Agrifood Systems in South Asia), a CGIAR Regional Integrated Initiative, aims to address these challenges by delivering actionable evidence and scalable innovations across these regions through a coordinated program of research and engagement from farmer to consumer.
One of the roadblocks to addressing these challenges is the lack of credible and high-resolution data on food systems in the region. The TAFSSA food systems assessment aims to provide a reliable, accessible and integrated evidence base that links farm production, market access, dietary patterns, climate risk responses, and natural resource management in Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan. It is intended to be a multi-year assessment.
Availability of data on diets in South Asia: A data availability assessment for Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan
Scott, Samuel; Neupane, Sumanta; Menon, Purnima; Kishore, Avinash; Krupnik, Timothy. Washington, DC 2022
Scott, Samuel; Neupane, Sumanta; Menon, Purnima; Kishore, Avinash; Krupnik, Timothy. Washington, DC 2022
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136544
Abstract | View
ABOUT THIS NOTE
This research note presents findings on the availability of diet-related data in publiclyavailable population-based surveys conducted in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan in the last decade. It is intended to be used by researchers and policymakers to understand the data landscape and identify measurement priorities for future surveys.
KEY FINDINGS
• Data on diets for older children and adolescents are captured less frequently than
for younger children and women of reproductive age.
• Data are mostly available on food group consumption and for infants and young
children; data on consumption of unhealthy foods is poor.
• Few surveys capture quantity of foods consumed; estimating nutrient intake from
population-based surveys is therefore not possible.
• Only Bangladesh currently has large-scale publicly available and repeated rounds of
data on dietary intakes for multiple age groups.
• Dietary data are essential to shape public policy on nutrition; financial and technical
investments are needed to scale up data availability in South Asia.
This research note presents findings on the availability of diet-related data in publiclyavailable population-based surveys conducted in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan in the last decade. It is intended to be used by researchers and policymakers to understand the data landscape and identify measurement priorities for future surveys.
KEY FINDINGS
• Data on diets for older children and adolescents are captured less frequently than
for younger children and women of reproductive age.
• Data are mostly available on food group consumption and for infants and young
children; data on consumption of unhealthy foods is poor.
• Few surveys capture quantity of foods consumed; estimating nutrient intake from
population-based surveys is therefore not possible.
• Only Bangladesh currently has large-scale publicly available and repeated rounds of
data on dietary intakes for multiple age groups.
• Dietary data are essential to shape public policy on nutrition; financial and technical
investments are needed to scale up data availability in South Asia.
The political economy of reforming agricultural support policies
Vos, Rob; Martin, Will; Resnick, Danielle. Washington, D.C. 2022
Vos, Rob; Martin, Will; Resnick, Danielle. Washington, D.C. 2022
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136545
Abstract | View
Agricultural support policies cost more than US$800 billion per year in transfers to the farm sector worldwide. Support policies based on subsidies and trade barriers are highly distortive to markets and are also regressive as most support is provided to larger farmers. On balance, the incentives this support creates appear to increase greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. In addition, some subsidies undermine the production of more nutrient-dense commodities that are otherwise critical for the improvement of dietary outcomes. This paper first highlights that better outcomes could be achieved if even a small portion of agricultural subsidies were repurposed into investments in research and development (R&D) dedicated to productivity-enhancing and emission-reducing technologies. This would create multiple wins — mitigating global climate change, reducing poverty, increasing food security, and improving nutrition. Nonetheless, the political economy challenges to doing so are sizeable. Because current support policies are often politically popular and serve well-organized interests, reform is difficult without committed political leadership and multilateral collaboration. Using several case studies of both successful and failed changes of agricultural support policies in China, India, and the EU and the United States, we highlight lessons learned about the political economy constraints on and possibilities for reform.
Gender, agriculture policies and climate smart agriculture in India
Barooah, Prapti; Alvi, Muzna Fatima; Ringler, Claudia; Pathak, Vishal. Washington, D.C. 2022
Barooah, Prapti; Alvi, Muzna Fatima; Ringler, Claudia; Pathak, Vishal. Washington, D.C. 2022
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136537
Abstract | View
India’s agricultural systems are increasingly affected by the adverse effects of climate change. While the Government of India has put together an impressive set of programs to address climate change impacts on agriculture, substantial shortcomings of these programs have been identified, especially in reaching women farmers. Women’s increased vulnerability to climate change and reduced access to climate smart agricultural practices can be attributed to limited land ownership, poor access to credit, reduced access to information and formal extension, and time pressures from multiple domestic and productive demands on their time. We undertake an extensive policy review of India’s agriculture and climate policies and program, and supplement that with a series of focus group discussions with women and men farmers in Gujarat to discuss constraints and potential entry points for better reaching women farmers with climate smart agriculture practices. Village cooperatives and self-help groups can be key intermediary organizations that can support women’s access at the local, state and country level.
Trends and patterns in consumption of foods among Indian adults: Insights from National Family Health Surveys, 2005-06 to 2019- 21
Patwardhan, Sharvari; Kapoor, Rati; Scott, Samuel; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Chamois, Sylvie; Singh, S.K.; Dwivedi, L.K.; Pedgaonkar, Sarang; Puri, Parul; Chauhan, Alka; Laxmaiah, Avula; Menon, Purnima . New Delhi, India 2023
Patwardhan, Sharvari; Kapoor, Rati; Scott, Samuel; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Chamois, Sylvie; Singh, S.K.; Dwivedi, L.K.; Pedgaonkar, Sarang; Puri, Parul; Chauhan, Alka; Laxmaiah, Avula; Menon, Purnima . New Delhi, India 2023
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136530
Abstract | View
BACKGROUND| Healthy diets are necessary for optimal growth and to carry out daily mental and physical tasks. Unhealthy diets drive all forms of malnutritionand dietary risks are the number one risk factor globally for deaths and disability (Global Burden of Disease collaborators, 2019). Given the importance of diet as a key driver of health and wellbeing, this Data Note examines available data from three rounds of India’s National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) on food consumption patterns of adult men and women.
MEASUREMENT| NFHS asks women (15-49 years) and men (15-54 years) how frequently (daily, weekly, occasionally or never) they consume nine food groups including two unhealthy food groups (Figure 1). The 2020 Nutrient Requirements for Indiansoutlines the quantity per day of vegetarian foods to be consumed as part of a balanced diet (ICMR-NIN, 2020). The guidelines indicate that pulses can be replaced with animal-source foods for non-vegetarians. Thus, for this Data Note we constructed an additional indicator –daily consumption of pulses or egg or fish or chicken or meat –to estimate any protein consumption (Figure 1). Estimates are first presented at the national levelto provide an overall view of how diets have changed from 2005-06 to 2019-21. On subsequent pages, we show trends between 2015-16 and 2019-21 by stateand district.
USE| This data note provides a broad view of diet patterns among adults and should be used for further inquiry by stakeholders including researchers, policymakers, and program staff at multiple levels. We recognize that NFHS is not a detailed dietary survey and does not ask about individual food items or the quantity of food consumed. Thus, this data note should be used as a starting point for discussion and to identify major areas of improvement in consumption and measurement.
MEASUREMENT| NFHS asks women (15-49 years) and men (15-54 years) how frequently (daily, weekly, occasionally or never) they consume nine food groups including two unhealthy food groups (Figure 1). The 2020 Nutrient Requirements for Indiansoutlines the quantity per day of vegetarian foods to be consumed as part of a balanced diet (ICMR-NIN, 2020). The guidelines indicate that pulses can be replaced with animal-source foods for non-vegetarians. Thus, for this Data Note we constructed an additional indicator –daily consumption of pulses or egg or fish or chicken or meat –to estimate any protein consumption (Figure 1). Estimates are first presented at the national levelto provide an overall view of how diets have changed from 2005-06 to 2019-21. On subsequent pages, we show trends between 2015-16 and 2019-21 by stateand district.
USE| This data note provides a broad view of diet patterns among adults and should be used for further inquiry by stakeholders including researchers, policymakers, and program staff at multiple levels. We recognize that NFHS is not a detailed dietary survey and does not ask about individual food items or the quantity of food consumed. Thus, this data note should be used as a starting point for discussion and to identify major areas of improvement in consumption and measurement.
Cash transfer is positively associated with better dietary outcomes: Evidence from a phone survey among women with children less than two years in six states of India
Neupane, Sumanta; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi. New Delhi, India 2022
Neupane, Sumanta; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Avula, Rasmi. New Delhi, India 2022
Abstract | View
Introduction
• Women’s diet is one of the immediate determinants of maternal and child nutrition
Objectives
• Examine dietary intake of women with children <2 years of age • Examine inequity in dietary intake by wealth status • Assess the role of food or cash transfers in maternal diet diversity Methods • Data came from a phone survey of 6,227 women in six states of India. • Dietary intake was assessed using the diet quality questionnaire which was then recategorized to calculate score for food diversity, consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods, and minimum diet diversity (MDD) for women. • Inequity in dietary intake was examined using wealth quintiles • Association between food and cash transfer on maternal diet was examined using multivariate regression analysis controlling for maternal, child, households' factors and state fixed effects.
• Women’s diet is one of the immediate determinants of maternal and child nutrition
Objectives
• Examine dietary intake of women with children <2 years of age • Examine inequity in dietary intake by wealth status • Assess the role of food or cash transfers in maternal diet diversity Methods • Data came from a phone survey of 6,227 women in six states of India. • Dietary intake was assessed using the diet quality questionnaire which was then recategorized to calculate score for food diversity, consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods, and minimum diet diversity (MDD) for women. • Inequity in dietary intake was examined using wealth quintiles • Association between food and cash transfer on maternal diet was examined using multivariate regression analysis controlling for maternal, child, households' factors and state fixed effects.
Do wealthy politicians underreport their income? Evidence from general election data
Ray, Soumyjit; Singh, Ram. Delhi, India 2022
Ray, Soumyjit; Singh, Ram. Delhi, India 2022
Abstract | View
The income reporting behaviour of wealthy Indians is a critical public finance issue. It has remained under-researched due to the lack of data sources required for the purpose. In this article, we use a new and unique source of information to examine the income reporting behaviour of politicians from across a wide range of wealth spectrums. The new dataset compiled and used by us is based on the affidavits filed by contestants in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections. We find that, on average, wealthier candidates and their households report less income relative to their wealth. Consequently, most affluent families do not necessarily figure among those reporting the highest income to tax authorities. The income declared to tax authorities by the 10% least wealthy candidates is more than 300% of their wealth. In contrast, the income level reported by the wealthy group is a tiny fraction of their wealth. The wealthiest 5% of candidates have reported income amounting to only 3.4% of their wealth. The reported income of the wealthiest 0.1% is less than 2% of their wealth. The results are very similar for the households. We show that the abysmally low income reported by the wealthy groups stands in sharp contrast to the returns on assets owned by them. We argue that the missing income of the wealth groups is a result of the creative accounting and financial engineering used by them to avoid paying taxes.
Impact of the Targeted Extension Program on rice productivity in Tamil Nadu, India
Ghosh, Parijat; Babu, Suresh Chandra; Debnath, Deepayan; Paneru, Khyam. 2022
Ghosh, Parijat; Babu, Suresh Chandra; Debnath, Deepayan; Paneru, Khyam. 2022
DOI : 10.3126/njs.v6i01.50796
Abstract | View
Background: Based on a randomized experiment by treating one group of farmers with an extension package and the other group as usual in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, India, we examined the impact of the targeted extension package on farmers’ rice yield.
Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate whether the chosen targeted extension package would significantly increase farmers’ rice yields or not.
Materials and Methods: We estimated a multiple linear regression model to determine the effect of several independent variables, including plot size, amount of money borrowed, and farmers’ income on the rice yield.
Results: We found that the rice yield among the farmers who received the extension package had increased compared to the group of farmers with no extension support. The regression coefficient of extension (1 = yes, 0 = no) is statistically significant (p-value = 0.063) at a 10% level of significance.
Conclusion: Assessing the impact of the targeted extension package on the farmers is important in utilizing good agricultural practices to increase rice productivity. We concluded that a targeted extension program is crucial for increasing rice yield among rural farmers in Southern India.
Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate whether the chosen targeted extension package would significantly increase farmers’ rice yields or not.
Materials and Methods: We estimated a multiple linear regression model to determine the effect of several independent variables, including plot size, amount of money borrowed, and farmers’ income on the rice yield.
Results: We found that the rice yield among the farmers who received the extension package had increased compared to the group of farmers with no extension support. The regression coefficient of extension (1 = yes, 0 = no) is statistically significant (p-value = 0.063) at a 10% level of significance.
Conclusion: Assessing the impact of the targeted extension package on the farmers is important in utilizing good agricultural practices to increase rice productivity. We concluded that a targeted extension program is crucial for increasing rice yield among rural farmers in Southern India.
Institutional and policy process for climate-smart agriculture: Evidence from Nagaland State, India
Patra, Nirmal K.; Babu, Suresh Chandra. 2023
Patra, Nirmal K.; Babu, Suresh Chandra. 2023
DOI : 10.2166/wcc.2022.024
Abstract | View
A critical global policy question is how the environmental management interventions could be repurposed to meet the sustainable development goals and their target for food security, climate protection, and environmental sustainability. A common challenge facing food systems in developing countries is to improve agricultural productivity to ensure food security for all without increasing the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from agriculture. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) approaches help to reduce GHG emissions from agriculture and address the challenges of climate change (CC) and food insecurity. Yet, CSA lack understanding of the institutional arrangements and policy processes. This paper examines 38 aspects to assess the institutional and policy status for CC mitigation and adaptation and CSA in Nagaland, India. Furthermore, we use these aspects to develop a scale to measure the policy and institutional environment for mitigation and adaptation of CC and implementation of CSA. Nagaland is relatively in a better position in nine aspects, although it can improve. Methodologically, the scale developed in this paper and the identified factors can help study the institutional and policy status of a country, state, or region. We identify several implications for understanding CC and CSA institutions and policies for informing policy research and practice.
Post-farmgate food businesses of India: The enterprises, the entrepreneurs, and the employees
Gupta, Manavi; Kishore, Avinash; Roy, Devesh; Saroj, Sunil. 2023
Gupta, Manavi; Kishore, Avinash; Roy, Devesh; Saroj, Sunil. 2023
DOI : 10.1016/j.gfs.2022.100665
POSHAN’s abstract digest on maternal and child nutrition research - Issue 47
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2022
Avula, Rasmi, ed.. New Delhi, India 2022
Abstract | View
Season’s greetings! The 47th issue of POSHAN’s Abstract Digest features studies on maternal nutrition, anemia, and infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices. The maternal nutrition articles include a modeling study that examines the importance of prenatal nutrition for reducing the global burden of non-communicable diseases, and a gap analysis study to identify key elements to strengthen maternal nutrition counselling during routine health services. There are two anemia articles: one examines the association of adolescent anemia and physical growth with learning outcomes, while the other investigates the prevalence and determinants of anemia among men. Among the two articles covering IYCF practices, one assesses food group consumption patterns among children in 59 countries and the other investigates the association between IYCF practices and nutrition indicators. Other interesting studies in this issue include two articles based on learnings from interventions through women’s self-help groups, an assessment of anthropometric data quality in India’s National Family Health Survey, another on implementation characteristics of father-inclusive interventions in low- and middle-income countries, and one on the perceptions, risk factors, and behaviors of overweight adults.
CGIAR initiative on One Health: Protecting human health through a One Health approach
Nguyen-Viet, Hung; Hoffmann, Vivian; Bett, Bernard; Fèvre, Eric; Moodley, Arshnee; Mateo-Sagasta, Javier; Mohan, Chadag; Daszak, Peter; Bonfoh, Bassirou. Nairobi, Kenya 2022
Nguyen-Viet, Hung; Hoffmann, Vivian; Bett, Bernard; Fèvre, Eric; Moodley, Arshnee; Mateo-Sagasta, Javier; Mohan, Chadag; Daszak, Peter; Bonfoh, Bassirou. Nairobi, Kenya 2022
Abstract | View
This initiative aims to show how a One Health approach – which recognizes the interconnections between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment – can help reduce antimicrobial resistance, improve food and water safety, and manage zoonotic diseases, leading to better human, animal, and environment health. It forms part of CGIAR’s new research portfolio, delivering science and innovation to transform food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis.
Valuing ecosystem services provided by land commons in India: Implications for research and policy
Sandhu, Harpinder; Zhang, Wei; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; ElDidi, Hagar; Perveen, Saiqa; Sharma, Janvi; Kaur, Japneet; Priyadarshini, Pratiti. 2023
Sandhu, Harpinder; Zhang, Wei; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; ElDidi, Hagar; Perveen, Saiqa; Sharma, Janvi; Kaur, Japneet; Priyadarshini, Pratiti. 2023
DOI : 10.1088/1748-9326/acadf4
Abstract | View
Commons provide many ecosystem services that support the livelihoods of billions around the world. However, their contribution to people and the economy are rarely estimated in economic terms. Here, we estimate the economic contribution of the land-based commons in India, which cover 66.5 million hectares. We conducted a systematic literature review of publications between 1990 and 2020 and selected 161 peer-reviewed studies to develop an ecosystem services valuation database for India. We identified 34 ecosystem services from this database. We estimate that forest commons provide ecosystem services worth $2108 per ha per year. Culturable wastelands and permanent pastures, and other grazing lands provide $861 per ha per year each, and barren and unculturable lands provide $196 per ha per year. Using the value transfer method, the average value of ecosystem services provided by land commons in India is estimated at $90.5 billion per year (range $24 – 192 billion). This broad range reflects the status and condition of those commons. Based on the trends in the decline of land-based commons, we estimate the value of ecosystem services will decline to $68 billion by 2050: $750 million worth of ecosystem services can be lost each year over the next 30 years. This will have devastating implications for rural populations that depend on the commons for livelihoods and the delivery of critical ecosystem services. We highlight the need to use ecosystem services valuation in decision-making and policy to protect and sustainably manage commons in India.
How do game design, gender, and players’ backgrounds affect behavior in framed field experiments? Evidence from community forestry in India
Zhang, Wei; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Valappanandi, Sanoop; Balakrishna, Raksha; Reddy, Hemalatha; Janssen, Marco A.; Thomas, Liya. 2022
Zhang, Wei; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Valappanandi, Sanoop; Balakrishna, Raksha; Reddy, Hemalatha; Janssen, Marco A.; Thomas, Liya. 2022
DOI : 10.5334/ijc.1179
Abstract | View
Framed field experiments (experimental games) are widely used to assess factors affecting cooperation in management of the commons. However, there is relatively little attention to how details of the games affect experimental results. This paper presents qualitative and quantitative results from a framed field experiment in which participants make decisions about extraction of a common-pool resource, a community forest. The experiment was conducted in 2017–2018 with 120 groups of resource users (split by gender) from 60 habitations in two Indian states, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan. We test whether within-subject treatments (non-communication, communication, and optional election of institutional arrangements (rules)), remuneration methods, and design of the game board affect harvest behavior and groups’ tendency to cooperate. We also examine how characteristics of the community and players affect players’ choices in the game, with special attention to gender differences. Results reveal participants harvested substantially less than the Nash prediction even in the absence of communication, with men extracting less than women in both states. For male groups in both states, both communication and optional rule election were associated with lower group harvest per round, as compared to the reference non-communication game. For female groups in both states communication itself did not significantly slow resource depletion; but introduction of optional rule election did reduce harvest amounts. For both men and women in Andhra Pradesh and men in Rajasthan, incentivized payments to individual participants significantly lowered group harvest, relative to community flat payment, suggesting such payments stimulated deliberation among game players. Findings have methodological and practical implications for designing behavioral intervention programs to improve common-pool resource governance.
Scale and sustainability: The impact of a women’s self-help group program on household economic well-being in India
Raghunathan, Kalyani; Kumar, Neha; Gupta, Shivani; Thai, Giang; Scott, Samuel; Choudhury, Avijit; Khetan, Madhu; Menon, Purnima; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. 2023
Raghunathan, Kalyani; Kumar, Neha; Gupta, Shivani; Thai, Giang; Scott, Samuel; Choudhury, Avijit; Khetan, Madhu; Menon, Purnima; Quisumbing, Agnes R.. 2023
DOI : 10.1080/00220388.2022.2154151
Abstract | View
Microfinance groups are a prominent source of small-scale rural credit in many developing countries. In India, evidence of the impact of the now ubiquitous women-only savings and credit self-help groups (SHGs) on household consumption and asset accumulation is inconclusive and based on small-scale interventions. Further, little is known about the sustainability of impacts at scale. We use panel data on close to 2500 households from five states in India to estimate the impact of SHG membership on household expenditure and asset ownership. Over four years, we find small but significant impacts of SHG membership on household expenditure and livestock ownership. Membership duration has a modest effect, suggesting that initial impacts may taper off as the program scales up, though small sample sizes limit our ability to draw inferences. Accompanying evidence on pathways is compelling; related work shows that SHG participation improves information, empowerment, and access to entitlements. While the direct impacts of SHG membership may not suffice to fill gaps in access to credit faced by the rural poor, impacts along these additional pathways could intensify the benefits of these groups.
Income, saving and investment of agricultural households: A state and farm level analysis based NAFIS 2016-17
Bathla, Seema; Kumar, Anjani; Saroj, Sunil; Kumar, Ashutosh; Gupta, Neha. Mumbai, India 2022
Bathla, Seema; Kumar, Anjani; Saroj, Sunil; Kumar, Ashutosh; Gupta, Neha. Mumbai, India 2022
Abstract | View
The present study analyses the income, saving and saving gap among agricultural households (HHs) to understand their investment behaviour, using the data obtained from the NABARD All India Rural Financial Inclusion Survey (NAFIS) 2016-17, which was conducted by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). The NAFIS had the crop year 2015-16 (kharif and rabi seasons) as the reference year. It covered more than 40,000 households, of which 55% were agricultural HHs and the remaining were non-agricultural HHs. The sample was drawn from all the states, and covered farmers with different size of land holdings. Direct enquiries were made about HHs income, expenditure on food and non-food items including farm inputs, amount deposited in bank and invested in financial and physical assets, outreach of institutional credit, financial inclusion and so on.
Women's voice and agency in choosing assets: A new study on MGNREGA in India
Karachiwalla, Naureen; Kosec, Katrina; Kyle, Jordan; Narayanan, Sudha; Raghunathan, Kalyani. Washington, DC 2022
Karachiwalla, Naureen; Kosec, Katrina; Kyle, Jordan; Narayanan, Sudha; Raghunathan, Kalyani. Washington, DC 2022
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136479
Abstract | View
In 2005, India passed the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA, “the Act”), a law guaranteeing all rural households 100 days of work at a minimum wage through the building of durable assets, which created one of the largest anti-poverty programs in the world. Now known as the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA (MGNREGA), a notable feature of the program is that it envisions a democratic, bottom-up process of choosing which durable assets would be built within a community. Toward this end, the Act gives citizens the right to participate in the process of identifying potential projects and delegates responsibility to village governments in selecting which assets to build.
Yet, in the long history of public works programs, there has been limited research on how assets created under such workfare programs are selected, or how to increase the role of women or other marginalized groups in the decision-making process. The Act provides a list of permissible works that span natural resource management, individual and community assets, common infrastructure for women’s groups, and rural infrastructure more broadly. Given the scale of the program, the assets selected at the village level have tremendous potential to enhance rural resilience to unexpected shocks and crises, especially those related to climate change. This is important, as extreme weather events on the Indian subcontinent are increasing, both in frequency and in the magnitude of their impacts on agricultural productivity, household livelihoods, assets and incomes, and health and nutrition. These events, as well as their impacts on incomes, often affect women more severely (Mason and Agan 2015; Kosec et al. forthcoming).
Understanding how to enhance women’s voice and agency within the process of selecting community assets is important for three major reasons. First, women and men may have different asset preferences (Chattopadhyay and Duflo 2004). Recent time-use survey data from India find that women spend far more time on unpaid domestic and care work than men (eight times as much) (India, NSO 2019). Thus, women may place relatively more value on projects that reduce effort in collecting fuel and water, for example. If their voices are not included in the asset selection process, the village could miss out on a range of development projects that would improve overall productivity, resilience, and well-being. Second, where projects are built affects who benefits from them. Households that had MGNREGA assets built on their own land or that live near an asset cultivate more land, use more inputs (including their own labor), and have higher agricultural output (Gehrke 2015; Muralidharan et al. 2021). Ensuring that women influence asset placement is thus critical. Third, greater participation and inclusivity in the process of selecting community development projects can increase the perceived legitimacy and satisfaction with projects, as well as willingness to contribute toward their construction and maintenance (Olken 2010). Within MGNREGA, households that report playing a greater role in project selection also report greater satisfaction with the usefulness, quality, and maintenance of the projects (Ranaware et al. 2015).
Yet, in the long history of public works programs, there has been limited research on how assets created under such workfare programs are selected, or how to increase the role of women or other marginalized groups in the decision-making process. The Act provides a list of permissible works that span natural resource management, individual and community assets, common infrastructure for women’s groups, and rural infrastructure more broadly. Given the scale of the program, the assets selected at the village level have tremendous potential to enhance rural resilience to unexpected shocks and crises, especially those related to climate change. This is important, as extreme weather events on the Indian subcontinent are increasing, both in frequency and in the magnitude of their impacts on agricultural productivity, household livelihoods, assets and incomes, and health and nutrition. These events, as well as their impacts on incomes, often affect women more severely (Mason and Agan 2015; Kosec et al. forthcoming).
Understanding how to enhance women’s voice and agency within the process of selecting community assets is important for three major reasons. First, women and men may have different asset preferences (Chattopadhyay and Duflo 2004). Recent time-use survey data from India find that women spend far more time on unpaid domestic and care work than men (eight times as much) (India, NSO 2019). Thus, women may place relatively more value on projects that reduce effort in collecting fuel and water, for example. If their voices are not included in the asset selection process, the village could miss out on a range of development projects that would improve overall productivity, resilience, and well-being. Second, where projects are built affects who benefits from them. Households that had MGNREGA assets built on their own land or that live near an asset cultivate more land, use more inputs (including their own labor), and have higher agricultural output (Gehrke 2015; Muralidharan et al. 2021). Ensuring that women influence asset placement is thus critical. Third, greater participation and inclusivity in the process of selecting community development projects can increase the perceived legitimacy and satisfaction with projects, as well as willingness to contribute toward their construction and maintenance (Olken 2010). Within MGNREGA, households that report playing a greater role in project selection also report greater satisfaction with the usefulness, quality, and maintenance of the projects (Ranaware et al. 2015).
Climate change and women’s voice and agency beyond the household: Insights from India
Takeshima, Hiroyuki; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Kosec, Katrina. Washington, DC 2022
Takeshima, Hiroyuki; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Kosec, Katrina. Washington, DC 2022
DOI : 10.2499/p15738coll2.136475
Abstract | View
Women’s Voice & Agency beyond the household (VABH) has increasingly been recognized as critical to strengthening resilience, increasing women’s access to important resources, improving women’s decision-making power, and facilitating broader social networks (Njuki et al. 2022). Despite rapidly intensifying climate change in recent years, a knowledge gap persists as to how climate change may affect women’s VABH in developing countries. This has been particularly challenging in countries like India, which host one of the largest numbers of the poor and has been increasingly plagued by droughts, floods, cyclones, rising temperatures, and increasing rainfall fluctuations. This study provides a conceptual discussion on the linkages between climate change and VABH and analyzes their empirical relationship using multiple rounds of nationwide household data from India (India Human Development Survey 2005, 2012; World Values Survey 2001, 2006, 2012); climate data; and data on women’s political representation at the district level. Our results suggest that in rural parts of India, adverse climate change and natural disasters, such as cyclones and/or floods, have consistently negative associations with a broad range of VABH-related outcomes. Moreover, in rural areas, greater political representation by women in district assemblies broadly mitigates the potential effects of adverse climate change on VABH-related outcomes. These patterns generally hold across various populations, differentiated by marriage status and age groups, and are more robust in rural compared to urban areas. There are also generally consistent gender differences in these associations. Specifically, results indicate that women’s VABH are disproportionately more negatively affected by adverse CC than men’s VABH, while greater female representation at local district assemblies has greater effects in mitigating adverse CC on VABH among women than men. The results underscore the importance of enhancing women’s political representation as a means to improve women’s VABH.
Assessing the institutional foundations of adaptive water governance in South India
Vallury, Sechindra; Shin, Hoon C.; Janssen, Marco A.; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Kandikuppa, Sandeep; Rao, R. Kaushalendra; Chaturvedi, Rahul. 2022
Vallury, Sechindra; Shin, Hoon C.; Janssen, Marco A.; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Kandikuppa, Sandeep; Rao, R. Kaushalendra; Chaturvedi, Rahul. 2022
DOI : 10.5751/ES-12957-270118
Abstract | View
Institutional structures can fundamentally shape opportunities for adaptive governance of water resources at multiple ecological and societal scales. The properties of adaptive governance have been widely examined in the literature. However, there has been limited focus on how institutions can promote or hinder the emergence of adaptive governance. Elinor Ostrom’s institutional theory stresses the importance of formal and informal norms and rules in effective governance of natural resources. Specifically, Ostrom’s “design principles” (DPs) are considered important because they increase the capacity for adaptive decision making and facilitate the emergence of self-organization at smaller scales. Self-organizing agents can frequently modify rules-in-use, procedures, and technical methods to tackle changing ecological conditions and address significant management issues left by more traditional governments. In this study, we examine institutional arrangements for successful water governance by analyzing (1) the co-occurrence of DPs in irrigation systems, and (2) the combination(s) of DPs leading to social and ecological success. We collaborated with a local non-profit organization to review institutional records and conduct interviews in 50 irrigation communities in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in South India. Using qualitative comparative analysis, we found that the effectiveness of design principles is contingent on biophysical properties, such as the size of the watershed being governed, and attributes of the community, such as population size. We also discuss the methodological and data-related challenges involved in collecting primary data for conducting a context-specific institutional analysis. Our study offers a much-needed example of empirical research that investigates the role of operational level rules in adaptive water governance.
Mapping above ground carbon storage and sequestration in Thoria Watershed, India: A spatially explicit ecosystem service assessment using InVEST Model
Guo, Zhe; Sharma, Himani; Jadav, Mahesh; Zhang, Wei. 2022
Guo, Zhe; Sharma, Himani; Jadav, Mahesh; Zhang, Wei. 2022
DOI : 10.1109/Agro-Geoinformatics55649.2022.9858976
Abstract | View
Globally, the commons provide important ecosystem functions and services and contribute towards sustainable development and human population. About 2.5 billion people depend on these commons for many material and non-material benefits and to support and improve their livelihoods. However, the contribution of the commons to the smallholder farmers and the economy are not very clear. Quantitative analysis of the contribution of ecosystem services will help to develop policies to better support their management and allocate resources to protect them. In this study, we assess the carbon storage and sequestration of the commons in the Thoria watershed, India using the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) model. InVEST is a suite of spatially explicit models for evaluating trade-offs associated with land-use induced ecosystem service changes, developed by the partners of the Natural Capital Project. The InVEST Carbon Storage and Sequestration model uses maps of land use along with stocks in carbon pools to estimate the amount of carbon currently stored in a landscape or the amount of carbon sequestered over time. Aboveground biomass comprises all living plant material above the soil (e.g., bark, trunks, branches, leaves). The model maps carbon storage densities to LCLU rasters which may include classes such as forest, pasture, or agricultural land. The carbon stocking contents of over a hundred samples are measured in the field among major land cover types. The average of carbon stocking values is used and assigned to designated land cover types. The LCL U map is developed by using a machine learning algorithm with Landsat 7 imageries and ground truth points collected by the local collaborators. The model summarizes results into raster outputs of storage, sequestration, and value, as well as aggregate totals. The ground truth data and remotely sensed data are used to calibrate the parameters of the model inputs. We also perform two scenario analyses: 1) expansion of forest, 2) expansion of agricultural land. The two land-use scenarios are generated using proximity-based approaches where the user determines which land-use type can be converted to, as well as the type of patterns based on proximity of the edge of focal land use. Results of the scenario analysis demonstrate the potential changes of carbon stocking to land cover and land-use change.
Chinese and Indian economic relations and development assistance to Zimbabwe: Rationale, controversies and significance
Tinarwo, Joseph; Babu, Suresh Chandra. 2023
Tinarwo, Joseph; Babu, Suresh Chandra. 2023
DOI : 10.1002/jid.3704
Abstract | View
Recent economic relations including foreign assistance scenario in Africa show expansion of China and India as emerging bilateral partners, competing with traditional countries in Europe and North America. The results of this paper found that the relationship of China and India with Zimbabwe has resulted in several challenges including increasing resource-backed debt burden, exploitation of the natural resources, and flouting of constitutional, environmental, and labor provisions. The paper recommends that the Zimbabwean government must demand loans and investments that are contracted under clear terms and conditions, with parliamentary oversight and public scrutiny to avoid abuse by the elites.
Reducing poverty and hunger in India
Ahluwalia, Montek S.. Washington, DC 2005
Ahluwalia, Montek S.. Washington, DC 2005
DOI : 10.2499/0896297519.E02
Abstract | View
India's strategy for reducing poverty and hunger has always placed a great deal of importance on the agricultural sector, reflecting the fact that 70 percent of the population lives in rural areas and the overwhelming majority of them depend upon agriculture as their primary source of income. The focus of attention has of course changed over time.
The COVID-19 pandemic and food security in low- and middle-income countries: A review
Bloem, Jeffrey R.; Farris, Jarrad. 2022
Bloem, Jeffrey R.; Farris, Jarrad. 2022
DOI : 10.1186/s40066-022-00391-4
Abstract | View
We review findings from the emerging microeconomic literature on observed changes in food insecurity associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. To do so, we focus our review on studies in low- and middle-income countries that include household survey data measuring food insecurity collected both before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. We first focus on several studies—seven from countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and one from India—that estimate immediate changes in food insecurity associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Next, we review subsequent analysis studying longer term changes in food insecurity associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. This review, therefore, complements existing macroeconomic projections of food insecurity based on expected changes in income and prices.
Child labor and school decisions in urban and rural areas
Ersado, Lire. Washington, DC 2003
Ersado, Lire. Washington, DC 2003
Abstract | View
"Child labor is widespread in developing countries, but its causes are debatable. Poverty is considered the primary reason, but many theoretical and empirical analyses show that other factors, such as lack of access to credit, poor school quality, and labor market opportunities play equal or even greater roles in the decision to have children work. This study surveys the existing literature and, taking into account urban-rural divides, aims to shed light on the debate with empirical evidence from Nepal, Peru, and Zimbabwe. We find that while poverty drives child work and schooling in rural areas, it does not appear to significantly influence such decisions in urban areas. This suggests that policies such as trade sanctions or a ban on child labor in rural areas could have an adverse effect as child labor decisions in such areas are more likely a response to poverty and subsistence requirements. Similarly, improving access to credit has greater potential for alleviating child labor and enhancing school enrollment in rural than urban areas, particularly in Nepal and Zimbabwe. On the other hand, the availability of alternative childcare options appears to considerably decrease child labor and create conditions for higher school attendance rates in urban than in rural areas. Finally, evidence from all three countries indicates that efforts to bolster adult educational levels and wages will help curb the prevalence and intensity of child labor and improve the likelihood that children stay in school." -- Author's Abstract
Case study -- India responds to international food safety requirements
Sareen, Shashi. Washington, DC 2003
Sareen, Shashi. Washington, DC 2003
Abstract | View
As awareness grows about food safety issues, the need for countries to provide greater assurance about the safety and quality of food also grows....This brief reviews (1) how India utilizes the international framework for food safety standards set forth by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (hereafter referred to as Codex), and (2) how India provides safety assurances for exports and promotes access to international markets for exporters.
Haciendo Retroceder la Pobreza en India
Fritschel, Heidi; Mohan, Uday. Washington, DC 2002
Fritschel, Heidi; Mohan, Uday. Washington, DC 2002
Abstract | View
En las últimas décadas, el mundo ha hecho un progreso impresionante para mejorar la calidad de vida de millones de personas; sin embargo, todavía sigue inconclusa la tarea de garantizar la seguridad alimentaria a los más pobres de una manera sostenible. La explosión demográfica, la expansión urbana, la desnutrición y la mala salud persistentes, las tierras agrícolas degradadas y el agua escasa, la carencia de poder de las mujeres, la globalización acelerada y la rápida aparición de nuevas tecnologías - todos estos y muchos otros factores están influenciando este esfuerzo continuo. Este libro compila docenas de resúmenes y artículos para presentar las perspectivas de los expertos sobre estos tópicos vitales. Producidas como parte de la iniciativa “Visión de la alimentación, la agricultura y el medio ambiente en el año 2020,” del Instituto Internacional de Investigaciones sobre Políticas Alimentarias, las piezas coleccionadas aquí ofrecen una representación completa de los temas de política que el mundo debe abordar si ha de superar la pobreza, el hambre y la degradación ambiental; y le señalan además el camino a las acciones de política que deben ejecutarse para lograr estos objetivos.
Title page
Alderman, Harold; Mergos, George; Slade, Roger. Washington, D.C. 1987
Alderman, Harold; Mergos, George; Slade, Roger. Washington, D.C. 1987
Table of Contents
Alderman, Harold; Mergos, George; Slade, Roger. Washington, D.C. 1987
Alderman, Harold; Mergos, George; Slade, Roger. Washington, D.C. 1987
Introduction
Alderman, Harold; Mergos, George; Slade, Roger. Washington, D.C. 1987
Alderman, Harold; Mergos, George; Slade, Roger. Washington, D.C. 1987
The history of AMUL, the dairy cooperative movement, and Operation Flood
Alderman, Harold; Mergos, George; Slade, Roger. Washington, D.C. 1987
Alderman, Harold; Mergos, George; Slade, Roger. Washington, D.C. 1987
Some aggregate constraints to dairy expansion
Alderman, Harold; Mergos, George; Slade, Roger. Washington, D.C. 1987
Alderman, Harold; Mergos, George; Slade, Roger. Washington, D.C. 1987
Evidence of effects of Operation Flood on milk production
Alderman, Harold; Mergos, George; Slade, Roger. Washington, D.C. 1987
Alderman, Harold; Mergos, George; Slade, Roger. Washington, D.C. 1987
Evidence of effects on incomes, income distribution, and nutrition
Alderman, Harold; Mergos, George; Slade, Roger. Washington, D.C. 1987
Alderman, Harold; Mergos, George; Slade, Roger. Washington, D.C. 1987
Conclusions and microeconomic research priorities
Alderman, Harold; Mergos, George; Slade, Roger. Washington, D.C. 1987
Alderman, Harold; Mergos, George; Slade, Roger. Washington, D.C. 1987
Bibliography
Alderman, Harold; Mergos, George; Slade, Roger. Washington, D.C. 1987
Alderman, Harold; Mergos, George; Slade, Roger. Washington, D.C. 1987
Cooperatives and the commercialization of milk production in India
Alderman, Harold; Mergos, George; Slade, Roger. Washington, DC 1987
Alderman, Harold; Mergos, George; Slade, Roger. Washington, DC 1987
Sustaining rapid growth in India's fertilizer consumption
Desai, Gunvant M.. Washington, DC 1982
Desai, Gunvant M.. Washington, DC 1982
Two analyses of Indian foodgrain production and consumption data
Sarma, J. S.; Roy, Shyamal; George, P. S. (Poykayil Simon). Washington, DC 1979
Sarma, J. S.; Roy, Shyamal; George, P. S. (Poykayil Simon). Washington, DC 1979
Reply to: Intergenerational nutrition benefits of India’s national school feeding program: Reality or a bridge too far?
Chakrabarti, Suman; Scott, Samuel; Alderman, Harold; Menon, Purnima; Gilligan, Daniel. 2022
Chakrabarti, Suman; Scott, Samuel; Alderman, Harold; Menon, Purnima; Gilligan, Daniel. 2022
DOI : 10.1038/s41467-022-33340-7
Abstract | View
We thank Sachdev et al. for engaging with our original article that explored whether India’s national school feeding program has intergenerational nutrition benefits. Here, we reply to the critiques raised in their Matters Arising (MA) and clarify important aspects of our work related to: (1) the exposure, (2) the pathway from exposure to outcome, (3) the interpretation of the program contribution to future child nutrition, (4) the role of the program in a context of increasing noncommunicable diseases.
Instability in Indian foodgrain production
Hazell, P. B. R.. Washington, DC 1982
Hazell, P. B. R.. Washington, DC 1982
Property rights and the management of animal genetic resources
Anderson, Simon; Centose, Roberta. Washington, DC 2006
Anderson, Simon; Centose, Roberta. Washington, DC 2006
Abstract | View
"Genetic erosion in animal genetic resources (AnGR) is of concern where livelihoods of the poor are affected and option values for society are being lost. The poor often live in marginal areas and their livestock maintain adaptive characteristics. However, processes leading to genetic erosion do not precipitate adaptation through natural selection. This paper explores how local property rights systems in poor communities for AnGR are organized. The dynamism and dialectical aspects of these systems are considered and the impact of their breakdown assessed in terms of AnGR diversity. The conservation of AnGR option values through livestock husbandry by the poor is a hitherto unrecognized and unrewarded service to society." -- Author's Abstract
The dragon and the elephant
Gulati, Ashok; Fan, Shenggen; Dalafi, Sara. Washington, DC 2005
Gulati, Ashok; Fan, Shenggen; Dalafi, Sara. Washington, DC 2005
Abstract | View
China’s and India’s rapid rise in the global arena has not only captured the attention of the world but has also set into motion a rethinking of the very paradigm of economic development....Today, China and India together account for 40 percent of the world’s population. Both have implemented a series of economic reforms in the past two and half decades: China initiated this process at the end of the 1970s, while India began in the early 1990s. These reforms have led to rapid economic growth, with a growth rate of 8–9 percent per annum in China and 6–7 percent per annum in India. Despite similar trends in the reforms, the two countries have taken different reform paths; China started off with reforms in the agriculture sector and in rural areas, while India started by liberalizing and reforming the manufacturing sector. These differences have led to different growth rates and, more importantly, different rates of poverty reduction. They also have fundamentally different implications for growth and poverty reduction in the future. What can we learn from the process of economic reform in these two countries?... A number of studies looking into key aspects of reform and their relationship to outcomes, presented at two international workshops held in New Delhi and Beijing, try to offer some answers to these questions. These papers are currently being prepared by IFPRI for publication, and this discussion paper is a synopsis presented as a forerunner to the book." -- from Authors' Abstract
Instability in Indian agriculture in the context of the new technology
Mehra, Shakuntla. Washington, DC 1981
Mehra, Shakuntla. Washington, DC 1981
The flip side: Bumps ahead on the EV road
Kamar, Abul; Srivastava, Ajay; Jadhav, Kishor. 2022
Kamar, Abul; Srivastava, Ajay; Jadhav, Kishor. 2022
Uttar Pradesh district nutrition profile: Pratapgarh
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Uttar Pradesh district nutrition profile: Rae Bareli
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Uttar Pradesh district nutrition profile: Rampur
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Uttar Pradesh district nutrition profile: Saharanpur
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Uttar Pradesh district nutrition profile: Sambhal
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Uttar Pradesh district nutrition profile: Sant Kabir Nagar
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Uttar Pradesh district nutrition profile: Sant Ravidas Nagar
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Uttar Pradesh district nutrition profile: Shahjahanpur
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Uttar Pradesh district nutrition profile: Shamli
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Uttar Pradesh district nutrition profile: Shrawasti
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Uttar Pradesh district nutrition profile: Siddharthnagar
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Uttar Pradesh district nutrition profile: Sitapur
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Uttar Pradesh district nutrition profile: Sonbhadra
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Uttar Pradesh district nutrition profile: Sultanpur
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Uttar Pradesh district nutrition profile: Unnao
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Uttar Pradesh district nutrition profile: Varanasi
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Uttar Pradesh district nutrition profiles
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
West Bengal nutrition profile: Bankura
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
West Bengal nutrition profile: Birbhum
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
West Bengal nutrition profile: Dakshin Dinajpur
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
West Bengal nutrition profile: Darjiling
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
West Bengal nutrition profile: Haora
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
West Bengal nutrition profile: Hugli
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
West Bengal nutrition profile: Jalpaiguri
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
West Bengal nutrition profile: Koch Bihar
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
West Bengal nutrition profile: Kolkata
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
West Bengal nutrition profile: Maldah
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
West Bengal nutrition profile: Murshidabad
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
West Bengal nutrition profile: Nadia
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Telangana nutrition profile: Adilabad
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Telangana nutrition profile: Bhadradri Kothagudem
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Telangana nutrition profile: Hyderabad
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Telangana nutrition profile: Jagitial
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Telangana nutrition profile: Jangoan
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Telangana nutrition profile: Jayashankar Bhupalapally
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Telangana nutrition profile: Jogulamba Gadwal
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Telangana nutrition profile: Kamareddy
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Telangana nutrition profile: Karimnagar
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Singh, Nishmeet; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Jangid, Manita; Singh, Sudhir K.; Sarwal, Rakesh; Bhatia, Neena; Johnston, Robert; Joe, William; Menon, Purnima. New Delhi, India 2022
Public procurement of paddy in Bangladesh: Implications for policy
Ahmed, Akhter; Bakhtiar, M. Mehrab; Anowar, Sadat; Rahman, Mohammad Moshiur. Dhaka, Bangladesh 2021
Ahmed, Akhter; Bakhtiar, M. Mehrab; Anowar, Sadat; Rahman, Mohammad Moshiur. Dhaka, Bangladesh 2021
Abstract | View
Public procurement of foodgrains in Bangladesh has significant implications for production and public foodgrain stock. Boro is the main rice crop cultivated in Bangladesh. During the 2019 boro harvest season, farmers in Bangladesh, particularly smallholder farmers, were adversely affected by low paddy prices. This paper assesses to what extent boro farmers could sell their paddy to the government, evaluates the efficacy of direct paddy procurement from farmers and examines options for improving Bangladesh’s foodgrain procurement system. Relevant actors in the boro paddy procurement system were inter- viewed, including boro-growing farm households, rice millers, traders, and government officials. We have also conducted a study in West Bengal, India, to explore alternative paddy procurement systems. Using evidence from Bangladesh and West Bengal, we propose two policy options for rice procurement in Bangladesh. First, when the paddy price is low and does not cover farmers’ production cost per unit, the government can purchase paddy directly from farmers to provide necessary price support. Second, when the paddy price is high, the government can purchase rice from the market through open tender to build or replenish public foodgrain stocks.
Time management governs climate resilience and productivity in the coupled rice–wheat cropping systems of eastern India
Kishore, Avinash; McDonald, Andrew J.; Keil, Alwin; Srivastava, Amit; Craufurd, Peter; Kumar, Virender. 2022
Kishore, Avinash; McDonald, Andrew J.; Keil, Alwin; Srivastava, Amit; Craufurd, Peter; Kumar, Virender. 2022
DOI : 10.1038/s43016-022-00549-0
Abstract | View
India will need to produce 30% more wheat by 2050, and these gains must principally come from intensification in eastern India where low productivity is common. Through a dense network of on-farm surveys for the rice–wheat system in this region, we show that contemporary wheat sowing dates have a central influence on achieved and attainable yields, superseding all other crop management, soil and varietal factors. We estimate that untapped wheat production potential will increase by 69% with achievable adjustments to wheat sowing dates without incurring undesirable trade-offs with rice productivity, irrigation requirements or profitability. Our findings also indicate that transformative gains in wheat yields are only possible in eastern India if rice and wheat are managed as a coupled system. Steps taken to ‘keep time’ through better management of the annual cropping calendar will pay dividends for food security, profitability and climate resilience now and as a foundation for adaptation to progressive climate change.
Social networks, heterogeneity, and adoption of technologies: Evidence from India
Varshney, Deepak; Mishra, Ashok K.; Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Roy, Devesh. 2022
Varshney, Deepak; Mishra, Ashok K.; Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Roy, Devesh. 2022
DOI : 10.1016/j.foodpol.2022.102360
Abstract | View
This study examines the role of caste-based affiliations in the smallholders’ social network interactions for adoption choices. In particular, whether lower-caste, namely Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes, farmers rely more on social networks for information than their counterparts. We further explore whether social network effects are more pronounced when farmers interact within their caste than otherwise. Finally, the study tests whether the effects (intra-caste and inter-caste) vary by caste—SC/ST versus non-SC/ST farmers. The study uses a survey of 478 mustard farmers in Rajasthan, India. Econometric concerns related to unobserved heterogeneity are addressed by employing specifications with village fixed effects and a series of robustness tests. Simultaneity concerns are addressed by analyzing the social network effects in a dynamic adoption framework. Results show that the adoption choices regarding hybrid mustard seeds are more pronounced for the lower-caste farmers than for their counterparts. Findings reveal that social network effects are significant in intra-caste but not in the case of inter-caste. Finally, the result shows that the likelihood of accepting advice in technology adoption is higher when SC/ST farmers interact with non-SC/ST network members than when non-SC/ST farmers interact with SC/ST network members.
The effect of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act on the size of outstanding debts in rural India
Patwardhan, Shavari; Tasciotti, Luca. 2023
Patwardhan, Shavari; Tasciotti, Luca. 2023
DOI : 10.1080/19439342.2022.2103169
Abstract | View
MGNREGA was introduced in India in 2005 with the aim to improve the livelihood of rural Indian households. In 2012-13, around 156 million rural Indian households had an outstanding personal debt; 85% of the amount of credit being disbursed was given to those households in the bottom income decile for ‘non-business’ related purposes. This paper uses nationally representative household data from the NSS EUS collected in 2004-05 and 2009-10 to look at the impact MGNREGA has had on the rural households’ ability to repay outstanding debt. Results suggests that MGNREGA reduced the size of the outstanding debts for vulnerable households.
Investment planning to minimize climate risk in agricultural production: An optimization model for a semi-arid region in India
Kumar, Shalander; Patan, Elias Khan; Pal, Barun Deb. 2023
Kumar, Shalander; Patan, Elias Khan; Pal, Barun Deb. 2023
DOI : 10.1080/14693062.2022.2118656
Pathway to achieve a sustainable food and land-use transition in India
Jha, Chandan Kumar; Ghosh, Ranjan Kumar; Saxena, Satyam; Singh, Vartika; Mosnier, Aline; Guzman, Katya Perez; Stevanović, Miodrag; Popp, Alexander; Lotze-Campen, Hermann. 2023
Jha, Chandan Kumar; Ghosh, Ranjan Kumar; Saxena, Satyam; Singh, Vartika; Mosnier, Aline; Guzman, Katya Perez; Stevanović, Miodrag; Popp, Alexander; Lotze-Campen, Hermann. 2023
DOI : 10.1007/s11625-022-01193-0
Abstract | View
India has committed to reducing the emissions intensity of GDP by 33–35% from the 2005 level by 2030 in alignment with objectives of the Paris Agreement. This will require a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the food and land-use sector. In this paper, we construct three potential pathways for India to achieve its emissions target by 2050 involving moderate ambitions of mitigation action (BAU), moderate ambitions combined with achieving healthy diets (BAU + NIN), and high levels of mitigation action inclusive of healthy diets (SUSTAINABLE). Using an integrated accounting tool, the FABLE Calculator, that harmonizes various socioeconomic and biophysical data, we project these pathways under the conditions of cross-country balanced trade flows. Results from the projections show that the demand for cereals will increase by 2050, leading to increased GHG emissions under BAU. Under the SUSTAINABLE pathways, GHG emissions will decrease over the same period due to reduced demand for cereals, whereas significant crop productivity and harvest intensity gains would lead to increased crop production. The exercise reveals the indispensability of healthy diets, improved crop, and livestock productivity, and net-zero deforestation in achieving India’s mid-century emission targets from the agriculture sector.
Developing strategies to commercialise biofortified crops and foods
Nyangaresi, Annette M.; Friesen, Valerie M.; McClafferty, Bonnie; van der Merwe, Charl; Haswell, Daniel; Reyes, Byron; Mudyahoto, Bho; Mbuya, Mduduzi N. N.. Geneva, Switzerland 2022
Nyangaresi, Annette M.; Friesen, Valerie M.; McClafferty, Bonnie; van der Merwe, Charl; Haswell, Daniel; Reyes, Byron; Mudyahoto, Bho; Mbuya, Mduduzi N. N.. Geneva, Switzerland 2022
DOI : 10.36072/wp.28
Abstract | View
Biofortification (or nutrient enrichment) of staple crops has the potential to contribute to reducing micronutrient deficiencies by increasing micronutrient intakes. In 2019, GAIN and HarvestPlus entered a partnership to lead the Commercialisation of Biofortified Crops (CBC) Programme, which aims to catalyse commercial markets for biofortified crops in six countries across Africa and Asia. During the CBC programme inception phase, information on the value chains and their challenges and opportunities for commercialisation were collected for each country-crop combination through literature reviews and third party-led commercialisation assessments. In this paper, we summarise the processes undertaken to identify the potential opportunities and barriers for commercialisation and describe how the findings were used to develop commercialisation strategies for nine country-crop combinations.
Using a programme impact pathway to design, monitor, and evaluate interventions to commercialise biofortified crops and foods
Friesen, Valerie M; Mudyahoto, Bho; Birol, Ekin; Nyangaresi, Annette M; Reyes, Byron; Mbuya, Mduduzi N. N.. Geneva, Switzerland 2022
Friesen, Valerie M; Mudyahoto, Bho; Birol, Ekin; Nyangaresi, Annette M; Reyes, Byron; Mbuya, Mduduzi N. N.. Geneva, Switzerland 2022
DOI : 10.36072/wp.29
Abstract | View
Using a theory of change (TOC; a simplified definition of how and why an intervention is expected to work) or a programme impact pathway (PIP; a more detailed description of the causal pathways through which an intervention is delivered) to guide design, monitoring, and evaluation efforts is increasingly being used across various nutrition interventions, yet there are few documented examples in biofortification programmes. During the inception phase of the Commercialisation of Biofortified Crops (CBC) programme, which aims to scale up production and consumption of biofortified foods in six countries in Africa and Asia, a PIP was developed and used to inform the design of commercialisation strategies and their monitoring and evaluation. The objective of this paper is to describe that process. Using a generic TOC for biofortification as a starting point, we developed detailed PIPs for each of the nine country-crop combinations. Within each PIP, we identified the commercial pathway(s) and selected the one(s) with the most potential for impact. We then identified the binding constraint along each pathway and a set of activities and resources to tackle it. This process formed the basis of the country-crop commercialisation strategies and associated workplans. Additionally, we developed a monitoring reference manual that included a set of standardised indicators mapped to the PIP and detailed indicator reference sheets. These tools were contextualised for each country-crop combination and formed the basis of the programme’s monitoring and evaluation plans. Using a PIP to guide the development of programme strategies and measurement of achievements is good practice to ensure that programmes have high potential for impact and that relevant information needed to understand the evolution of results along the PIP is collected throughout programme implementation.
Adoption of new wheat crop varieties in India: Status, determinants, and impacts
Saroj, Sunil; Kumar, Anjani; Joshi, Pramod Kumar. 2022
Saroj, Sunil; Kumar, Anjani; Joshi, Pramod Kumar. 2022
DOI : 10.1353/jda.2022.0053
Examining the transfer of knowledge and training to smallholders in India: Direct and spillover effects of agricultural advisory services in an emerging economy
Varshney, Deepak; Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Kumar, Anjani; Mishra, Ashok K.; Dubey, Shantanu Kumar. 2022
Varshney, Deepak; Joshi, Pramod Kumar; Kumar, Anjani; Mishra, Ashok K.; Dubey, Shantanu Kumar. 2022
DOI : 10.1016/j.worlddev.2022.106067
Abstract | View
We evaluate a large-scale model of agricultural advisory services, known as Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or Farm Science Centers, introduced by the Government of India to facilitate smallholder adoption of new agricultural technologies. The study first evaluates the impact of frontline demonstrations and capacity-building programs conducted by KVKs and aimed at promoting a new wheat variety (HD-2967); it then examines gains in the speed of diffusion at the district level. The study’s second objective is to estimate the spillover effects of KVKs through social networks. The study identifies network beneficiaries based on a “networks within sample” approach. The study uses a matched difference-in-differences approach and sample of 1496 wheat farmers in Uttar Pradesh, India. The finding shows that frontline demonstrations and capacity-building programs positively impact the adoption of HD-2967. The magnitude of the impacts is larger for KVK beneficiaries, but substantial gains also arise for network beneficiaries. The study underscores the importance of frequently conducting interventions to influence adoption on aggregate at the district level. From a policy perspective, the study offers new insights for strengthening outreach and extension services designed to facilitate the transfer of agricultural knowledge and information, emphasizing frontline demonstrations, capacity-building programs, and spillovers in extending the scope of KVKs.
Disruptions, restorations and adaptations to health and nutrition service delivery in multiple states across India over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020: An observational study
Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Ashok, Sattvika; Sumati, Baja; Pant, Anjali; Walia, Monika; Kachwaha, Shivani; et al. 2022
Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Ashok, Sattvika; Sumati, Baja; Pant, Anjali; Walia, Monika; Kachwaha, Shivani; et al. 2022
DOI : 10.1371/journal.pone.0269674
Abstract | View
Modeling studies estimated severe impacts of potential service delivery disruptions due to COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and child nutrition outcomes. Although anecdotal evidence exists on disruptions, little is known about the actual state of service delivery at scale. We studied disruptions and restorations, challenges and adaptations in health and nutrition service delivery by frontline workers (FLWs) in India during COVID-19 in 2020.
Agricultural technologies in India: A review
Joshi, P. K.; Varshney, Deepak. Mumbai, India 2022
Joshi, P. K.; Varshney, Deepak. Mumbai, India 2022
Abstract | View
Agriculture sector in India is a primary source of livelihood for a majority of the population. Low and stagnant income in the sector remains a focal point of policy debate in India. The most prominent pathways to enhance farmers’ income is the adoption of improved agricultural technologies. This study documents the current state of agriculture technologies in India. The main objectives are: (a) What are the adoption levels of improved technologies and their impact on farmers’ income, agricultural production, natural resources and environment? (b) What are the constraints in up-scaling improved technologies and the conditions for success of their adoption? (c) What are the rate of return on agriculture research and extension system? and (d) What can be learnt from the global perspective on agriculture research and extension services?
Can digitally enabling community health and nutrition workers improve services delivery to pregnant women and mothers of infants? Quasi-experimental evidence from a national-scale nutrition programme in India
Patil, Sumeet R.; Nimmagadda, Sneha; Gopalakrishnan, Lakshmi; Avula, Rasmi; Bajaj, Sumati; Diamond-Smith, Nadia; Paul, Anushman; Menon, Purnima; Walker, Dilys. 2022
Patil, Sumeet R.; Nimmagadda, Sneha; Gopalakrishnan, Lakshmi; Avula, Rasmi; Bajaj, Sumati; Diamond-Smith, Nadia; Paul, Anushman; Menon, Purnima; Walker, Dilys. 2022
DOI : 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-007298
Abstract | View
Background: India’s 1.4 million community health and nutrition workers (CHNWs) serve 158 million beneficiaries under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme. We assessed the impact of a data capture, decision support, and job-aid mobile app for the CHNWs on two primary outcomes—(1) timeliness of home visits and (2) appropriate counselling specific to the needs of pregnant women and mothers of children <12 months.
Methods: We used a quasi-experimental pair-matched controlled trial using repeated cross-sectional surveys to evaluate the intervention in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh (MP) separately using an intention-to-treat analysis. The study was powered to detect difference of 5–9 percentage points (pp) with type I error of 0.05 and type II error of 0.20 with endline sample of 6635 mothers of children <12 months and 2398 pregnant women from a panel of 841 villages.
Results: Among pregnant women and mothers of children <12 months, recall of counselling specific to the trimester of pregnancy or age of the child as per ICDS guidelines was higher in both MP (11.5pp (95% CI 7.0pp to 16.0pp)) and Bihar (8.0pp (95% CI 5.3pp to 10.7pp)). Significant differences were observed in the proportion of mothers of children <12 months receiving adequate number of home visits as per ICDS guidelines (MP 8.3pp (95% CI 4.1pp to 12.5pp), Bihar: 7.9pp (95% CI 4.1pp to 11.6pp)). Coverage of children receiving growth monitoring increased in Bihar (22pp (95% CI 0.18 to 0.25)), but not in MP. No effects were observed on infant and young child feeding practices.
Conclusion: The at-scale app integrated with ICDS improved provision of services under the purview of CHNWs but not those that depended on systemic factors, and was relatively more effective when baseline levels of services were low. Overall, digitally enabling CHNWs can complement but not substitute efforts for strengthening health systems and addressing structural barriers.
Agroecologically-conducive policies: A review of recent advances and remaining challenges
Place, Frank; Nierderle, Paulo; Sinclair, Fergus; Estrada Carmona, Natalia; Guéneau, Stéphane; Gitz, Vincent; Alpha, Arlene; Sabourin, Eric; Hainzelin, Etienne. Bogor, Indonesia 2022
Place, Frank; Nierderle, Paulo; Sinclair, Fergus; Estrada Carmona, Natalia; Guéneau, Stéphane; Gitz, Vincent; Alpha, Arlene; Sabourin, Eric; Hainzelin, Etienne. Bogor, Indonesia 2022
DOI : 10.17528/cifor-icraf/008593
Abstract | View
The debate concerning the need for significant transformations towards more nutrition oriented, environmentally sustainable and inclusive food systems has generated increased attention towards agroecology in recent years. Literature on this subject has already demonstrated that transitions to agroecology will be context specific, as countries and regions have distinctive visions for the future of agriculture and food systems, unique starting points, and will therefore define their own transition pathways. This paper assesses how different policies (consumer oriented; producer oriented; market and food environment oriented; macro and trade oriented; and cross-cutting policies) can affect incentives for agroecology. It provides examples of policies and related actions taken by national, regional and city governments that intend to promote one or more agroecological principles. The assessment reveals that, until now, few countries have embarked on a broad set of reforms with sustained commitments. Many of these policies are new, weakly institutionalized and supported by limited budgets, making it difficult to analyze their actual effects. Because of this, there is very little research on how effective they have been in promoting agroecological transitions or the objectives that agroecology aims to achieve. Consequently, the paper’s main recommendation is for research to fill this gap so that future policy formulation and implementation can be better informed by experiences from different countries.
Modeling relationships between iron status, behavior, and brain electrophysiology: Evidence from a randomized study involving a biofortified grain in Indian adolescents
Wenger, Michael J.; Murray-Kolb, Laura E.; Scott, Samuel; Boy, Erick; Haas, Jere D.. 2022
Wenger, Michael J.; Murray-Kolb, Laura E.; Scott, Samuel; Boy, Erick; Haas, Jere D.. 2022
DOI : 10.1186/s12889-022-13612-z
Abstract | View
Background: Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are highly-prevalent nutrient deficiencies and have been shown to have a range of negative effects on cognition and brain function. Human intervention studies including measures at three levels—blood, brain, and behavior—are rare and our objective was to model the relationships among measures at these three levels in school-going Indian adolescents.
Methods: Male and female adolescents in rural India were screened for ID/IDA. Subjects consumed 2 meals/day for 6 months; half were randomly assigned to consume meals made from a standard grain (pearl millet) and half consumed meals made from an iron biofortified pearl millet (BPM). Prior to and then at the conclusion of the feeding trial, they completed a set of cognitive tests with concurrent electroencephalography (EEG).
Results: Overall, serum ferritin (sFt) levels improved over the course of the study. Ten of 21 possible measures of cognition showed improvements from baseline (BL) to endline (EL) that were larger for those consuming BPM than for those consuming the comparison pearl millet (CPM). Critically, the best model for the relationship between change in iron status and change in cognition had change in brain measures as a mediating factor, with both change in serum ferritin as a primary predictor and change in hemoglobin as a moderator.
Conclusions: A dietary intervention involving a biofortified staple grain was shown to be efficacious in improving blood iron biomarkers, behavioral measures of cognition, and EEG measures of brain function. Modeling the relationships among these variables strongly suggests multiple mechanisms by which blood iron level affects brain function and cognition.
Methods: Male and female adolescents in rural India were screened for ID/IDA. Subjects consumed 2 meals/day for 6 months; half were randomly assigned to consume meals made from a standard grain (pearl millet) and half consumed meals made from an iron biofortified pearl millet (BPM). Prior to and then at the conclusion of the feeding trial, they completed a set of cognitive tests with concurrent electroencephalography (EEG).
Results: Overall, serum ferritin (sFt) levels improved over the course of the study. Ten of 21 possible measures of cognition showed improvements from baseline (BL) to endline (EL) that were larger for those consuming BPM than for those consuming the comparison pearl millet (CPM). Critically, the best model for the relationship between change in iron status and change in cognition had change in brain measures as a mediating factor, with both change in serum ferritin as a primary predictor and change in hemoglobin as a moderator.
Conclusions: A dietary intervention involving a biofortified staple grain was shown to be efficacious in improving blood iron biomarkers, behavioral measures of cognition, and EEG measures of brain function. Modeling the relationships among these variables strongly suggests multiple mechanisms by which blood iron level affects brain function and cognition.
Can restoration of the commons reduce rural vulnerability? A quasi-experimental comparison of COVID-19 livelihood-based coping strategies among rural households in three Indian states
Hughes, Karl Alan; Priyadarshini, Pratiti; Sharma, Himani; Lissah, Sanoop; Chorran, Tenzin; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Dogra, Atul; Cook, Nathan; Andersson, Krister. 2022
Hughes, Karl Alan; Priyadarshini, Pratiti; Sharma, Himani; Lissah, Sanoop; Chorran, Tenzin; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela; Dogra, Atul; Cook, Nathan; Andersson, Krister. 2022
DOI : 10.5334/ijc.1155
Abstract | View
India has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the context of a larger quasi-experimental impact assessment, we assess the pandemic’s effects on household coping behavior in 80 villages spread across four districts and three states (n = 772). Half of these villages were targeted by a largescale common land restoration program spearheaded by an NGO, the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES). The other half are yet to be targeted but are statistically similar vis-à-vis FES’s village targeting criteria. Analyzing the results of a phone survey administered eight to ten months into the pandemic and its associated lockdowns, we find that the livelihood activities of households in both sets of villages were adversely impacted by COVID-19. Consequently, most households had to resort to various negative coping behaviors, e.g., distressed asset sales and reduced farm input expenditure. From the same mobile survey data, we construct a Livelihoods Coping Strategies Index (LCSI) and find that households in villages targeted by FES’s common land restoration initiative score 11.3% lower on this index on average, equating to a 4.5 percentage point difference. While modest, this statistically significant effect estimate (p < 0.05) is consistent across the four districts and robust to alterative model and outcome specifications. We find no empirical support that our observed effect was due to improved access to common pool resources or government social programs. Instead, we speculate that this effect may be driven by institutional factors, rather than economic, a proposition we will test in future work.
Examining export advantages in Indian horticulture: An approach based on product mapping and seasonality
Saxena, Reka; Kumar, Anjani; Singh, Ritambhara; Paul, Ranjit Kumar; Raman, M. S.; Kumar, Rohit; Khan, Mohd Arshad; Agarwal, Priyanka. Article in press
Saxena, Reka; Kumar, Anjani; Singh, Ritambhara; Paul, Ranjit Kumar; Raman, M. S.; Kumar, Rohit; Khan, Mohd Arshad; Agarwal, Priyanka. Article in press
DOI : 10.1108/JADEE-12-2021-0310
Anaemia in Indians aged 10–19 years: Prevalence, burden and associated factors at national and regional levels
Scott, Samuel; Lahiri, Anwesha; Sethi, Vani; de Wagt, Arjan; Menon, Purnima; Yadav, Kapil; Varghese, Mini; Joe, William; Vir, Sheila C.; Nguyen, Phuong Hong. 2022
Scott, Samuel; Lahiri, Anwesha; Sethi, Vani; de Wagt, Arjan; Menon, Purnima; Yadav, Kapil; Varghese, Mini; Joe, William; Vir, Sheila C.; Nguyen, Phuong Hong. 2022
DOI : 10.1111/mcn.13391
Abstract | View
Anaemia control programmes in India are hampered by a lack of representative evidence on anaemia prevalence, burden and associated factors for adolescents. The aim of this study was to: (1) describe the national and subnational prevalence, severity and burden of anaemia among Indian adolescents; (2) examine factors associated with anaemia at national and regional levels. Data (n = 14,673 individuals aged 10–19 years) were from India's Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (CNNS, 2016–2018). CNNS used a multistage, stratified, probability proportion to size cluster sampling design. Prevalence was estimated using globally comparable age- and sex-specific cutoffs, using survey weights for biomarker sample collection. Burden analysis used prevalence estimates and projected population from 2011 Census data. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyse factors (diet, micronutrient deficiencies, haemoglobinopathies, sociodemographic factors, environment) associated with anaemia. Anaemia was present in 40% of girls and 18% of boys, equivalent to 72 million adolescents in 2018, and varied by region (girls 29%–46%; boys 11%–28%) and state (girls 7%–62%; boys 4%–32%). Iron deficiency (ferritin < 15 μg/L) was the strongest predictor of anaemia (odds ratio [OR]: 4.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [3.21,6.83]), followed by haemoglobinopathies (HbA2 > 3.5% or any HbS) (OR: 2.81, 95% CI: [1.66,4.74]), vitamin A deficiency (serum retinol <20 ng/ml) (OR: 1.86, 95% CI: [1.23,2.80]) and zinc deficiency (serum zinc < 70 μg/L) (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: [1.02,1.72]). Regional models show heterogeneity in the strength of association between factors and anaemia by region. Adolescent anaemia control programmes in India should continue to address iron deficiency, strengthen strategies to identify haemoglobinopathies and other micronutrient deficiencies, and further explore geographic variation in associated factors.
The role of food and land use systems in achieving India's sustainability targets
Jha, Chandan Kumar; Singh, Vartika; Stevanovi´c, Miodrag; Dietrich, Jan Philipp; Mosnier, Aline. 2022
Jha, Chandan Kumar; Singh, Vartika; Stevanovi´c, Miodrag; Dietrich, Jan Philipp; Mosnier, Aline. 2022
DOI : 10.1088/1748-9326/ac788a
Abstract | View
The food and land use sector is a major contributor to India's total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. On one hand, India is committed to sustainability targets in the Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sectors, on the other, there is little clarity whether these objectives can align with national developmental priorities of food security and environmental protection. This study fills the gap by reviewing multiple corridors to sustain the AFOLU systems through an integrated assessment framework using partial equilibrium modeling. We create three pathways that combine the shared socio-economic pathways with alternative assumptions on diets and mitigation strategies. We analyze our results of the pathways on key indicators of land-use change, GHG emissions, food security, water withdrawals in agriculture, agricultural trade and production diversity. Our findings indicate that dietary shift, improved efficiency in livestock production systems, lower fertilizer use, and higher yield through sustainable intensification can reduce GHG emissions from the AFOLU sectors up to 80% by 2050. Dietary shifts could help meet EAT-Lancet recommended minimum calorie requirements alongside meeting mitigation ambitions. Further, water withdrawals in agriculture would reduce by half by 2050 in the presence of environmental flow protection and mitigation strategies. We conclude by pointing towards specific cstrategic policy design changes that would be essential to embark on such a sustainable pathway.
Nature of employment and outcomes for urban labor: Evidence from the latest labor force surveys in India
Roy, Devesh; Saroj, Sunil; Pradhan, Mamata. 2022
Roy, Devesh; Saroj, Sunil; Pradhan, Mamata. 2022
DOI : 10.1007/s41775-022-00131-2
Abstract | View
Given its size and level of income, India faces unique challenges in the labor market. In the urban labor force of nearly 100 million, half of the workers engage in regular wage/salaried employment including in short-term contracts, yet a large number are either self-employed or work as casual labor. This vast pool of employees in the urban sector exists without job contract (92%), social security (90%) or paid leave (89%) barely earning subsistence wages, many close to the poverty threshold. This paper looks at the types of employment (TOE) for urban workforce and its effects on worker outcomes (earnings, hours worked, job loss). The assessment of the effects of TOE remains mostly instinctive without rigorous empirical research. Using latest three rounds of nationally representative Periodic Labor Force Surveys (PLFS), we assess the outcomes for urban workers based on TOE. We estimate the probability of being poor based on TOE and occupation where urban casual labor is associated with 7 percentage points higher likelihood of being poor and nearly 17% lower earnings. We uniquely assess the extent of job turnovers for urban workers and falling into unemployment at high frequency based on TOE. Analysis of urban panel after accounting for unobserved worker level factors captures the extent of fall in income due to job switching and loss of employment. Results indicate significant potential for poverty if worker is not socially protected, engaged in distress entrepreneurship or as casual labor.
Process of developing models of maternal nutrition interventions integrated into antenatal care services in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and India
Sanghvi, Tina; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Ghosh, Sebanti; Zafimanjaka, Maurice; Kim, Sunny S.. 2022
Sanghvi, Tina; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Ghosh, Sebanti; Zafimanjaka, Maurice; Kim, Sunny S.. 2022
DOI : 10.1111/mcn.13379
Abstract | View
Integrating nutrition interventions into antenatal care (ANC) requires adapting global recommendations to fit existing health systems and local contexts, but the evidence is limited on the process of tailoring nutrition interventions for health programmes. We developed and integrated maternal nutrition interventions into ANC programmes in Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and India by conducting studies and assessments, developing new tools and processes and field testing integrated programme models. This paper elucidates how we used information and data to contextualize a package of globally recommended maternal nutrition interventions (micronutrient supplementation, weight gain monitoring, dietary counselling and counselling on breastfeeding) and describes four country-specific health service delivery models. We developed a Theory of Change to illustrate common barriers and strategies for strengthening nutrition interventions during ANC. We used multiple information sources including situational assessments, formative research, piloting and pretesting results, supply assessments, stakeholder meetings, household and service provider surveys and monitoring data to design models of maternal nutrition interventions. We developed detailed protocols for implementing maternal nutrition interventions; reinforced staff capacity, nutrition counselling, monitoring systems and community engagement processes; and addressed micronutrient supplement supply bottlenecks. Community-level activities were essential for complementing facility-based services. Routine monitoring data, rapid assessments and information from intensified supervision were important during the early stages of implementation to improve the feasibility and scalability of models. The lessons from addressing maternal nutrition in ANC may serve as a guide for tackling missed opportunities for nutrition within health services in other contexts.
Roles of rural non-farm employment (RNFE) in India: Why RNFE, the conveyor of a shock like COVID-19 is also the key to recovery?
Saroj, Sunil; Pradhan, Mamata; Boss, Ruchira; Roy, Devesh. 2022
Saroj, Sunil; Pradhan, Mamata; Boss, Ruchira; Roy, Devesh. 2022
DOI : 10.1016/j.asieco.2022.101485
Russia-Ukraine war: India's fertilizer supply woes
S. J., Balaji; Babu, Suresh Chandra. 2022
S. J., Balaji; Babu, Suresh Chandra. 2022
Does public procurement benefit paddy farmers? Evidence from eastern India
Kumar, Anjani; Sonkar, Vinay Kumar; Bathla, Seema. 2022
Kumar, Anjani; Sonkar, Vinay Kumar; Bathla, Seema. 2022
Government transfers, COVID-19 shock, and food insecurity: Evidence from rural households in India
Kumar, Anjani; Mishra, Ashok K.; Saroj, Sunil; Rashid, Shahidur. 2022
Kumar, Anjani; Mishra, Ashok K.; Saroj, Sunil; Rashid, Shahidur. 2022
DOI : 10.1002/agr.21746
Abstract | View
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has decimated the lives and livelihoods of people worldwide. The impact of COVID-19 has been especially devastating for low-income families in rural areas of India. Soon after the nationwide lockdown was announced, food insecurity became pervasive in rural areas, as many families relied on daily wage work to fund necessities. By providing cash transfers and additional foodgrains, Indian policymakers acted swiftly to reduce the financial impact on family income and consumption. This paper investigates the factors affecting rural families' participation in the cash transfer program and the effect of government cash transfers on food insecurity. Results indicate that India's government cash transfer program decreased moderate food insecurity by 2.4% and severe food insecurity by about 0.92%.
The impact of India's demonetization on domestic agricultural trade
Aggarwal, Nidhi; Narayanan, Sudha. 2023
Aggarwal, Nidhi; Narayanan, Sudha. 2023
DOI : 10.1111/ajae.12317
The Million Farmers School: Evaluating its impact on farmers' agricultural knowledge in Uttar Pradesh, India
Kumar, Anjani; Verma, Smriti; Saroj, Sunil; Prasad, Amit Mohan; Kishore, Avinash. 2023
Kumar, Anjani; Verma, Smriti; Saroj, Sunil; Prasad, Amit Mohan; Kishore, Avinash. 2023
DOI : 10.1108/JADEE-12-2021-0334
Assessing direct benefit transfer of agricultural subsidies in Bihar and Odisha
Kishore, Avinash; Saini, Smriti; Alvi, Muzna Fatima. 2022
Kishore, Avinash; Saini, Smriti; Alvi, Muzna Fatima. 2022
A quasi-experimental evaluation of a nutrition behavior change intervention delivered through women’s self-help groups in rural India: Impacts on maternal and young child diets, anthropometry and intermediate outcomes
Scott, Samuel; Gupta, Shivani; Menon, Purnima; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Thai, Giang; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Kumar, Neha. 2022
Scott, Samuel; Gupta, Shivani; Menon, Purnima; Raghunathan, Kalyani; Thai, Giang; Quisumbing, Agnes R.; Kumar, Neha. 2022
DOI : 10.1093/cdn/nzac079
Abstract | View
Background: Women's self-help groups (SHGs) have become one of the largest institutional platforms serving the poor. Nutrition behavior change communication (BCC) interventions delivered through SHGs may improve maternal and child nutrition outcomes.
Objective: To understand the effects of a nutrition BCC intervention delivered through SHGs in rural India on intermediate outcomes and nutrition outcomes.
Methods: We compared 16 matched blocks where communities were supported to form SHGs and improve livelihoods; 8 blocks received a 3-year nutrition intensive (NI) intervention with nutrition BCC, agriculture- and rights-based information, facilitated by a trained female volunteer; another 8 blocks received standard activities (STD) to support savings/livelihoods. Repeated cross-sectional surveys of mother-child pairs were conducted in 2017-18 (n = 1609 pairs) and 2019-20 (n = 1841 pairs). We matched treatment groups over time and applied difference-in-difference regression models to estimate impacts on intermediate outcomes (knowledge, income, agriculture/livelihoods, rights, empowerment) and nutrition outcomes (child feeding, woman's diet, woman and child anthropometry). Analyses were repeated on households with at least one SHG member.
Results: 40% of women were SHG members and 50% were from households with at least one SHG member. Only 10% of women in NI blocks had heard of intervention content at endline. Knowledge improved in both NI and STD groups. There was a positive NI impact on knowledge of timely introduction of animal sourced foods to children (p<0.05) but not on other intermediate outcomes. No impacts were observed for anthropometry or diet indicators except child animal source food consumption (p<0.01). In households with at least one SHG member, there was a positive NI impact on child unhealthy food consumption (p<0.05). Conclusions: Limited impacts may be due to limited exposure or skills of volunteers, and a concurrent national nutrition campaign. Our findings add to a growing literature on SHG-based BCC interventions and the conditions necessary for their success.
Objective: To understand the effects of a nutrition BCC intervention delivered through SHGs in rural India on intermediate outcomes and nutrition outcomes.
Methods: We compared 16 matched blocks where communities were supported to form SHGs and improve livelihoods; 8 blocks received a 3-year nutrition intensive (NI) intervention with nutrition BCC, agriculture- and rights-based information, facilitated by a trained female volunteer; another 8 blocks received standard activities (STD) to support savings/livelihoods. Repeated cross-sectional surveys of mother-child pairs were conducted in 2017-18 (n = 1609 pairs) and 2019-20 (n = 1841 pairs). We matched treatment groups over time and applied difference-in-difference regression models to estimate impacts on intermediate outcomes (knowledge, income, agriculture/livelihoods, rights, empowerment) and nutrition outcomes (child feeding, woman's diet, woman and child anthropometry). Analyses were repeated on households with at least one SHG member.
Results: 40% of women were SHG members and 50% were from households with at least one SHG member. Only 10% of women in NI blocks had heard of intervention content at endline. Knowledge improved in both NI and STD groups. There was a positive NI impact on knowledge of timely introduction of animal sourced foods to children (p<0.05) but not on other intermediate outcomes. No impacts were observed for anthropometry or diet indicators except child animal source food consumption (p<0.01). In households with at least one SHG member, there was a positive NI impact on child unhealthy food consumption (p<0.05). Conclusions: Limited impacts may be due to limited exposure or skills of volunteers, and a concurrent national nutrition campaign. Our findings add to a growing literature on SHG-based BCC interventions and the conditions necessary for their success.
Multistakeholder platforms for natural resource governance: Lessons from eight landscape-level cases
Ratner, Blake D.; Larson, Anne M.; Barletti, Juan Pablo Sarmiento; ElDidi, Hagar; Catacutan, Delia; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela. 2022
Ratner, Blake D.; Larson, Anne M.; Barletti, Juan Pablo Sarmiento; ElDidi, Hagar; Catacutan, Delia; Meinzen-Dick, Ruth Suseela. 2022
DOI : 10.5751/ES-13168-270202
Abstract | View
Multistakeholder platforms (MSPs) are the subject of increasing attention and investment in the domain of collaborative natural resource governance, yet evidence-based guidance is slim on policy and investment priorities to leverage the MSP approach. We provide a comparative analysis of eight landscape-level MSPs spanning seven countries (Peru, Brazil, India, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and a cross-border case from Kenya and Somalia), representing a diversity of resource systems covering forests, rangelands, and multiuse agricultural landscapes. Applying an adapted social-ecological systems framework, our synthesis identifies the influence of these MSPs on patterns of stakeholder interaction and draws implications for the design and organization of MSPs that are both appropriate and effective. From the cases, we distill lessons addressing: (1) how to design an MSP in relation to the governance context, including the fit between institutional and ecological dimensions of the system and with attention to cross-scale linkages; (2) how to implement inclusive processes that address power inequities, including through capacity building and procedural rules; and (3) how to support adaptive learning to expand the MSP’s influence over time, including monitoring outcomes, adapting the scope of stakeholder engagement, and investing in MSP durability.
Reducing childhood stunting in India: Insights from four subnational success cases
Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Tran, Lan Mai; Kaur, Supreet; Bhatia, Neena; Sarwal, Rakesh; de Wagt, Arjan; Chaudhery, Deepika Nayar; Menon, Purnima. 2022
Avula, Rasmi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Tran, Lan Mai; Kaur, Supreet; Bhatia, Neena; Sarwal, Rakesh; de Wagt, Arjan; Chaudhery, Deepika Nayar; Menon, Purnima. 2022
DOI : 10.1007/s12571-021-01252-x
Abstract | View
Global success case analyses have identified factors supporting reductions in stunting across countries; less is known about successes at the subnational levels. We studied four states in India, assessing contributors to reductions in stunting between 2006 and 2016. Using public datasets, literature review, policy analyses and stakeholder interviews, we interpreted changes in the context of policies, programs and enabling environment. Primary contributors to stunting reduction were improvements in coverage of health and nutrition interventions (ranged between 11 to 23% among different states), household conditions (22–47%), and maternal factors (15–30%). Political and bureaucratic leadership engaged civil society and development partners facilitated change. Policy and program actions to address the multidimensional determinants of stunting reduction occur in sectors addressing poverty, food security, education, health services and nutrition programs. Therefore, for stunting reduction, focus should be on implementing multisectoral actions with equity, quality, and intensity with assured convergence on the same geographies and households.
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