Setting national nutrition targets

Could South Africa be leading the way ?

I’m not aware of any country that has a comprehensive nutrition strategy, which then forms the basis for planning production on farms.

Yes, many have national dietary guidelines. But without any connection to agricultural policy.

At least South Africa has quantified the challenges and set some goals.

The challenges are huge and come from opposing directions:

• 63% of women and 41% of men are overweight or obese.
• 14% of children under 5 are overweight.
• Yet 29% of children are affected by stunting.

The goals for 2025 aim to:

• reduce stunting to 10%
• reduce underweight to 5%.

Necessary steps.