Showing papers by "World Vegetable Center published in 2023"

Fruits and Vegetables for Healthy Diets: Priorities for Food System Research and Action

Abstract: Abstract Fruits and vegetables are vital for healthy diets, but intake remains low for a majority of the global population. This chapter reviews academic literature on food system issues, as well as opportunities for research and action, as an input into the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit in the context of the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables. The chapter summarises evidence underpinning food system actions to make fruits and vegetables more available, accessible and desirable through push (production and supply), pull (demand and activism) and policy (legislation and governance) mechanisms, with action options at the macro (global and national), meso (institutional, city and community) and micro (household and individual) levels. It also suggests the need to recognise and address power disparities across food systems, and trade-offs among diet, livelihood and environmental food system outcomes. We conclude that there is still a need to better understand the different ways that food systems can make fruits and vegetables available, affordable, accessible and desirable across places and over time, but also that we know enough to accelerate action in support of fruit- and vegetable-rich food systems that can drive healthy diets for all.

Safeguarding and Using Fruit and Vegetable Biodiversity

Abstract: Abstract Fruit and vegetable species and varieties, their wild relatives, and pollinators and other associated organisms underpin diverse food production systems and contribute to worldwide health and nutrition. This biodiversity, however, is threatened, remains poorly conserved, and is largely undocumented. Its loss leads to a narrowing of new food options, reduced variation for breeding, and yield gaps due to pollinator decline. This constrains the supply of climate-resilient and nutritious foods to the global human population and limits long-term progress towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and any future goals set thereafter. It will require that awareness be raised globally to safeguard and sustainably use fruit and vegetable biodiversity and that a global rescue plan for reducing and reversing the decline in this biodiversity be devised. Success will depend on a global partnership of custodians and users of fruit and vegetable biodiversity and requires an investment of at least 250 million USD over ten years.

Home Gardening: The Way Forward to Be Safe and Healthy

Abstract: Home gardens have a distinctive role to play in agriculture, food security, and nutrition. Home gardens enrich local diets by supplementing staple crops with diverse, nutrient-rich vegetable crops; ensure a year-round supply of safe vegetables even when resources are scarce; conserve plant genetic resources and indigenous agricultural knowledge; provide income if adequately linked with markets; and, being located in the vicinity of the homestead, help women harmonize their farming and household tasks, thereby contributing to gender equality in agricultural production. Home gardens may be an entry point to empower the community to manage on-farm agricultural biodiversity while promoting dietary diversity for healthier families and ecosystems. Indigenous vegetables, which are the cheapest source of vitamins and minerals and a high-value food source for the poorest families, can be incorporated in home gardens. Apart from this, these gardens include home/kitchen. Vertical, container, rooftop, hydroponics, etc. provide for a variety of quality-of-life variables, such as avoidance of stress, recreation, and personal and social identity. Growing fruits and vegetables seems overwhelming to most people, but it is actually much simpler than it sounds. All you need is a few square feet of the great outdoors, a water source, and a little time. Your grandparents did it, and so can you. If you are still not convinced, consider these benefits of home/kitchen gardening which help improve your family’s health; save money on groceries; reduce your environmental impact; get outdoor exercise; enjoy better tasting food; build a sense of pride; stop worrying about food safety; and reduce food waste.