Integrated food-based multi-actor approach to combat malnutrition

Abstract

Despite initial progress, overall development toward zero hunger is not promising. Combating all forms of malnutrition is a complex challenge that requires complex answers from the local to global scales. To support a common understanding and to develop a joint approach that adequately addresses these challenges, an expert panel discussion was organized during the “Nutrition for Growth Summit Tokyo” on (7–8) December 2021 entitled “Multi-sectoral systems approach to holistically tackle malnutrition” upon which this article is based. We highpoint the requirement for actual access to ideas that move beyond the abstract and mostly figurative acknowledgment of the importance of bringing all actors together to combat malnutrition. Four entry points for a food-based multi-sectoral system approach to holistically tackle the burden of malnutrition were agreed upon. These entry points are not discrete, single entities but rather require integrated approaches. While we argue for an integrated approach building on all four interlinked components, it is important to note that the degree of each component's integration is context-dependent and that the examples presented as possible implementation strategies do not apply to all countries alike.