The Struggle to Improve Nutrition in Developing Countries
In Afghanistan, 50% of the population does not have enough food for a proper diet; a quarter of the population die before the age of five. This shocking statistic, along with many others, was discussed by three speakers at an event on Friday 12th February, at Murray Edwards College. Organised by UNIFEM Cambridge, this talk informed its audience about the role that women play in the challenge of ensuring an adequate diet for people in economically developing countries.
Deborah Fahy Bryceson started by discussing the role that traditional women hoe farmers play in the agricultural production in sub-Saharan Africa, arguing against a Western tendency to label such farming as backward and ineffective. Drawing on the short lived ‘African Green Revolution’ of the 1970s; she demonstrated that, with appropriate support, there are benefits to such small scale and traditional farming.
From women in Africa to women in Afghanistan: Charlotte Dufour then spoke about the effects of the continuing war in Afghanistan on the food and health levels in the area. She highlighted the social impacts of gender inequality, using statistics on high illiteracy, gendered violence, and early marriage. These factors all have a detrimental effect on women’s ability to produce and distribute food, to ensure that their families are well fed. Nevertheless, we can see change and success. The impact of education programmes, long term investment and increased development means that both the role of women, and the problem of adequate nutrition, is being addressed.
Steve Jones, chair of the Humanitarian Centre and development consultant, rounded up the evening with studies showing that, in South Asia, an improvement in the status and education of women had positive effects to reduce child undernutrition. In the following discussion, it was further reiterated that gender inequality in the developing world needs to be addressed in the fight to improve problems of nutrition and diet. Health facilities, social protection programmes, and education are areas which can provide a forum for increasing women’s confidence and knowledge.
The speakers furthermore noted with concern that there is a tendency for the various charities, NGOs, and other organisations working in the developing world to work independently of one another. This is often to the detriment of the bigger picture – helping the population to achieve their basic needs. As was made clear by this event, the link between gender inequality and food security needs to be acknowledged. Organisations need to be open-minded in learning from each other, and collaborating, for the benefit of improved international development projects.
See www.unifemuk.org for more information about the UN’s fund for women.
By Sophie Mansell, Humanitarian Centre volunteer reporter