Purpose

Background
Recently, attention to the agricultural sector is growing, with a focus on leveraging agriculture to improve nutrition and health. Agricultural investments and programs can lead not only to increased production and reduced poverty, but also improved nutrition. As agriculture affects everyone, and many of those most at risk of undernutrition are directly engaged in agriculture, nutrition-sensitive agricultural policies and interventions are needed to reduce malnutrition globally.

Who are we?
We are a global network of professionals working on issues pertaining to the intersection of agriculture and nutrition. The group is informal, and designed to facilitate information sharing and networking.

How did we start?
This Community of Practice (CoP) arose in June 2010 because a number of experts from different institutions in Washington DC were asked to write policy briefs on how to link agriculture and nutrition. Six experts agreed to work together to harmonize their recommendations. In the process, it became apparent that an increasing number of people are working in this area, and there was a felt need to bridge with others who had some area of relevant specialization. The group continued to grow, and by mid-2011 has reached nearly 150 members. It includes members of developing country governments, national and international NGOs, UN organizations, universities, independent professionals, bilateral institutions and donor organizations.

The UNSCN has offered to provide a space on the UNSCN website for interested individuals to come together and join the Nutrition-Agriculture CoP.

What are the objectives of the CoP?
The CoP is designed to be a virtual space for sharing resources to build a common evidence pool, facilitating communication across sectors, and developing key messages to communicate to the broader development community. We wish to break down the silos that separate agriculture from nutrition through creating opportunities for cross-sectoral dialogue on issues of mutual interest. The group has facilitated face to face meetings at various conferences and events since mid-2010, held periodic thematic discussions by conference call, and disseminated research findings/tools/guidance materials. The outcomes of the group evolve with the needs of the members.

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