An Investigation into Nutrition-Led Extension with Mention to Agri-Livestock Systems: A Critical Review in India

Abstract

Malnutrition is considered as one of the most important threats globally and brings about undesirable impacts both on health of humans and economic potential. In recent years, the emergency reduction of malnutrition has become utmost policy priority which is realized to be accomplished through nutrition-led extension; leading to its evolution in trends. The purpose of the study is to investigate the integration of nutrition and extension advisory services (EAS) that encompasses all activities/interventions/strategies aimed at providing information and services on nutrition sensitive farming needed by farmers and other stakeholders in rural settings, which assist them in developing their own technical, organisational, and management skills and practices, so as to improve their livelihoods and well-being achieving desirable food security satisfying both hunger and hidden hunger. The study also focused on realising the importance of agriculture, livestock and allied sectors as the crucial component in nutrition-led extension and determines the various challenges encountered; which need to be attained. The findings associated with systematic literature review concerning nutrition led extension revealed the major barriers like inadequate skills in training professionals, lack of funding, negligible pluralistic approaches, negligible role of women and other minor barriers. There is an essentialness by government, research institutions and other stakeholders in overviewing the existing schemes and policies and to work in overcoming the lacunae through employing different approaches to varied situations; which can be understood through analysing case studies discussed.