GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR IMPROVED NUTRITION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Health & Nutrition)
Context: A recent report Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) calls for nutrition investments in the agri-food sector which it argues, can reduce gender inequalities, increase productivity and enhance business resilience.
Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN):
- About: It is a Switzerland-based foundation, launched the report titled “The Case for Investment in Nutritious Foods Value Chains: An Opportunity for Gender Impact”.
- Created in: 2002
- Objective: It supports public-private partnerships to increase access to the missing nutrients in diets necessary for people, communities and economies to be stronger and healthier. It works in partnership with governments and international agencies.
- Highlights of the Report:
o Increased Funding for Nutritious Foods: Increased funding is needed for nutritious food value chains, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that lack access to financing in emerging markets.
o Global Statistics: According to the FAO, women make up 38% of all agri-food workers worldwide.
o Regional Disparities: The share of women in the agri-food sector is higher in less privileged regions, with sub-Saharan Africa at 66% and South Asia at 71%.
o Nutrition's Role in Food Security: Achieving food security requires attention to the nutritional aspects of food production and consumption.
o Production Stats: South Asia, with India as the world’s second largest producer, has high tomato production levels.
