Review of Policies on Food Security And Nutrition and the use of Evidence in Improving Human Nutrition in Kenya

Abstract

The National Information Platform for Food Security and Nutrition (NIPFN) is aimed to strengthen nutrition information systems for availability of data that can be generate evidence to inform nutrition interventions. In this regard, a review of policies was undertaken to identify gaps in food security and nutrition with the objective to refine nutrition interventions for better outcomes and strengthening coordination of multi sector actions for nutrition improvement. A desk review of 48 policies, and 14 legislative and 7 regulatory frameworks on food security and nutrition was done covering from 1980s to the current period. A framework was developed and used guide the thematic areas of- food production and availability, food access, food standards quality control and safety, nutrition awareness, improvement and environment, vulnerable groups and coordination. There are policies in place to promote food production and availability through enhanced research and development of hybrid varieties of crops, livestock and fish to increase production. This has seen inclusion of nutrition commodities inclusion in essential supplies by ministry of health in promotion and consistent implementation of interventions. The Agri Nutrition Implementation Strategy provides for coordinated implementation of nutrition sensitive interventions.