Enhancing Dietary Diversity in Children Under Five Through Nutrition-Sensitive Agricultural Programs: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Enhancing child dietary diversity is vital for preventing malnutrition and promoting growth. This systematic review examines the effectiveness of nutrition-sensitive agriculture interventions on dietary diversity and growth outcomes in children. Methods: We reviewed cluster randomized controlled trials published between 2014 and 2023, searching databases such as Google Scholar and ISI Web of Science. Key outcomes included child dietary diversity scores and growth metrics (height-for-age z-scores and weight-for-age z-scores). Results: Eight studies met inclusion criteria, revealing significant improvements in dietary diversity due to nutrition-sensitive agriculture interventions. While some studies reported positive effects on growth metrics, results were mixed, with not all showing significant improvements. Conclusion: Nutrition-sensitive agriculture interventions effectively enhance dietary diversity among children, crucial for tackling malnutrition. However, their inconsistent impact on growth outcomes suggests a need for integrated approaches to achieve sustainable nutrition improvements.