Research agenda for holistically assessing agricultural strategies for human micronutrient deficiencies in east and southern Africa

Abstract

Human micronutrient deficiencies in sub-Saharan Africa are connected through complex pathways to soils and how soils are managed. Interventions aiming directly at nutrient consumption, such as supplements and food fortification, have direct impacts but are often limited in their reach and require continuous support. In contrast, less direct changes, such as agricultural diversification and agronomic biofortification, are complicated by a wide array of factors that can limit progress toward nutritional outcomes. However, changes in agriculture and dietary patterns, if successfully linked to deficiencies, provide a more systemic transformation with the potential to achieve wide-reaching and self-perpetuating attainment of nutritional goals. The purpose of this paper is to advance theoretical frameworks and research methods for holistic analysis of agriculture-based interventions for micronutrient deficiencies. We synthesize lessons from the literature and from the Africa RISING project in Malawi and Tanzania about the connections between soil nutrients and human micronutrient deficiencies from the perspective of the five domains of sustainable intensification (productivity, economic, environmental, human condition and social). We present a menu of indicators for future research on the soil-plant-food-nutrition pathway related to micronutrient deficiency and smallholder farming that need to be considered to effectively assess how agricultural interventions may or may not result in the desired nutritional outcomes. Ultimately, addressing micronutrient deficiencies through agricultural interventions requires a holistic approach that considers all five domains. Research on soil-nutrition linkages should consider the feedback loops across the five domains of sustainable intensification. Interdisciplinary and participatory research to effectively link soils to human health supports sustainable development. • Human micronutrient deficiencies in sub-Saharan Africa are connected through complex pathways to how soils are managed. • We synthesize experiences from Malawi and Tanzania with literature on crop management for human micronutrient deficiencies. • Addressing micronutrient deficiencies requires considering productivity, economic, environmental, social and human domains. • Research on soil-nutrition linkages should consider the feedback loops across the 5 domains of sustainable intensification. • Interdisciplinary and participatory research to effectively link soils to human health supports sustainable development.