Linking the nutritional status to agriculture and food systems in Rwanda: evidence and policy implications

Francois Xavier SUNDAY^1*Emile Nisingizwe²Philemon Kwizera³Delice Ilinde Niyigena³Alphonsine Nyirahabineza³Patrick Izabayo Rudatinya³Jean De Dieu HABIMANA³Albert Irambeshya⁴Jeannine AHISHAKIYE³Maryse Umugwaneza³Reverien Rutayisire⁵Valens Mbarushimana⁶

• ¹Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda
• ²University of Rwanda Directorate of Research and Innovation, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Kigali, Rwanda
• ³Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
• ⁴Department of Development Studies, School of Governance, Development and Society, College of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
• ⁵Department of Medical Imaging Sciences, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
• ⁶Department of Community Health, School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda

Background: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2, aim to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Despite this noble global agenda, food insecurity and malnutrition persist in sub-Saharan Africa, including Rwanda. Agriculture, food systems, and nutrition are interlinked. This policy 2 brief presents evidence from a comprehensive study conducted across three districts of Rwanda on malnutrition, food security, and policy, and discusses the linkages between malnutrition and policy, and presents the implications for improving the nutritional status of the population. Methods: The study was conducted in three purposively selected districts. We used a mixed methods design that included a survey of households withhouseholds with children under five (n=439), anthropometric and anaemia assessments for children and mothers (n=439 for each group of participants), six focus group discussions with farmers (n=60), and agriculture, food, and nutrition policy review (n=46). A total of 439 farming households were selected through multistage sampling, and dietary diversity, food security, women's and children's nutritional status, and anaemia were measured. Focus group discussions with 60 farmers explored agricultural challenges, while a retrospective policy review assessed Rwanda's agriculture, food and nutrition policy landscape using the policy triangle framework. Results: Drawing on evidence from a mixed-methods study in three districts of Rwanda, we found high levels of food insecurity among households, low dietary diversity among children and women, and high levels of malnutrition and anaemia. Farmers experienced challenges including crop diseases and pests, lack of agricultural inputs, climate-related challenges, and a mismatch between soil and crop requirements. A Policy review indicated that agriculture, nutrition, and food security are key for development. However, there were gaps in achieving food security and addressing malnutrition, including disaggregated policies. Implications: This policy brief highlights the need for harmonised policies, a multisectoral approach, transformation of agriculture and food systems, and leveraging the population's literacy to achieve food security and address malnutrition.