Nutrition-sensitive agriculture and diverse diets have been identified as strategies for improving nutrition. Little is known about the interlinkages between consumption and production strategies, and the preconditions and incentives required for farmers to engage in diversified crop production. The project EaTSANE applies an integrated approach for innovation and capacity strengthening to facilitate systemic change in the food system. It aims to implement sustainable farming practices and improved diets of households in Kenya and Uganda, using a participatory action learning approach.

Specific objectives are

• identifying and promoting improved farming practices for healthier soils and production of diverse, nutritious crops;
• improving access of value chain actors to inputs and services, their links and reducing food losses through improved handling and processing practices; and
• enhancing consumers’ food culture, resulting in healthier diets and more equitable distribution of food in households.

The consortium complements its expertise across multiple research disciplines with extensive experience in communication and learning approaches, and stakeholder engagement for transdisciplinary research. Learning modules on sustainable farming practices and diversified diets will be developed and implemented with schools, young farmer clubs, education experts and national curriculum development centers. The researcher teams, together with farming communities, will co-create knowledge on the use of conservation agriculture practices for sustainable production of nutrient-rich and diverse food, improved soil fertility, on obstacles and opportunities for farmers to engage in diversified production, and improvement of households‘ food culture.

Findings from the studies will lead to scientific publications and build the basis for policy dialogue and knowledge-sharing activities on a national level with a particular focus on women and youth.

The project, funded by the LEAP-Agri program, is being implemented from 1 September 2018 until 31 August 2021. Detailed information on the project activities, outputs and implementing partners will follow soon on a project website.