The role of a co-ordinated food and nutrition policy in developing countries

Khor G. L., . (1982) The role of a co-ordinated food and nutrition policy in developing countries. [Proceedings Paper]

Malnutrition constitutes a part of the large problem of deprivation syndrome which is characterised by poverty lack of education substandard living conditions inadequate food malnutrition and disease. In order to break this circle of deficiencies multisectorial programmes which include socio-economic development education increased production and equitable distribution of food and improvement in individual and environmental health are imperative. As these various programmes encroach into the responsibilities of a number of public and to a lesser extent private agencies the formation of a co-ordinated food and nutrition policy is a logical step. Such a policy is particularly desirable in developing countries especially in this era of generalised inflation resulting in price increases of basic goods and services. Consequently governments tend to focus their attention on rectifying these aspects of the economy while viewing food and nutrition problems as peripheral emergencies which can be solved by short-term measures. These measures which in the past included supplementary feeding food fortification production of protein-rich foods and free distribution of skim milk are aimed at improving nutritional status by projecting plans often undertaken by a sector only without overall integration. A better solution calls for multisectorial planning as a tool for intermediate and long-term efforts especially in view of the fact that alterations n areas like agricultural production education and environmental sanitation are not amenable to short-term change. Three models for the planning of food and nutrition policies and programmes and a review of their applications in developing countries are described.

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Abstract

Malnutrition constitutes a part of the large problem of deprivation syndrome which is characterised by poverty lack of education substandard living conditions inadequate food malnutrition and disease. In order to break this circle of deficiencies multisectorial programmes which include socio-economic development education increased production and equitable distribution of food and improvement in individual and environmental health are imperative. As these various programmes encroach into the responsibilities of a number of public and to a lesser extent private agencies the formation of a co-ordinated food and nutrition policy is a logical step. Such a policy is particularly desirable in developing countries especially in this era of generalised inflation resulting in price increases of basic goods and services. Consequently governments tend to focus their attention on rectifying these aspects of the economy while viewing food and nutrition problems as peripheral emergencies which can be solved by short-term measures. These measures which in the past included supplementary feeding food fortification production of protein-rich foods and free distribution of skim milk are aimed at improving nutritional status by projecting plans often undertaken by a sector only without overall integration. A better solution calls for multisectorial planning as a tool for intermediate and long-term efforts especially in view of the fact that alterations n areas like agricultural production education and environmental sanitation are not amenable to short-term change. Three models for the planning of food and nutrition policies and programmes and a review of their applications in developing countries are described.

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Available at Perpustakaan Sultan Abdul Samad Universiti Putra Malaysia 43400 UPM Serdang Selangor Malaysia. TP 368 I5 1980 Call Number
AGROVOC Term:	Malnutrition
AGROVOC Term:	Food deprivation
AGROVOC Term:	Health
AGROVOC Term:	Nutrition policies
AGROVOC Term:	Food fortification
AGROVOC Term:	Developing countries
AGROVOC Term:	Food supply
AGROVOC Term:	Food spoilage
AGROVOC Term:	Wastage
AGROVOC Term:	community organizations
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Suzila Mohamad Kasim
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:14
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/11854

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