Year 2022, Volume 7, Issue 2
| Year : | 2022 |
| Volume : | 7 |
| Issue : | 2 |
| Authors : | Hamid EL BILALI, Lawali DAMBO, Jacques NANEMA, Imaël Henri Nestor BASSOLE, Generosa CALABRESE |
| Title : | BIODIVERSITY – FOOD SYSTEMS NEXUS: UNPACKING LINKAGES BETWEEN BIODIVERSITY, DIETS AND NUTRITION IN BURKINA FASO AND NIGER |
| Abstract : | A growing body of evidence shows the strong linkages between biodiversity and food and nutrition security. However, there is a gap in knowledge on such linkages in developing countries, which are more affected by food insecurity and malnutrition. Moreover, it is not clear what are the implications of the ongoing biodiversity loss for food security and nutrition. In this context, the present review analyses the state of research on the nexus between biodiversity, diets and nutrition security in Burkina Faso and Niger. It draws upon a search of scholarly literature indexed in the Web of Science. The review suggests that there is a huge gap in research on this topic in both countries. In general, the literature shows a positive association between biodiversity and dietary diversity, nutrition and food security. Indeed, dietary diversity is affected by the variety of farm crops and animals, as well as foraged wild plants and trees. The pathways linking biodiversity and diets are context-specific. The effects of cropland expansion on dietary diversity are mixed and depend on farming systems diversity. The contribution of agrobiodiversity to nutrition is affected by the nutritional quality of products. Moreover, traditional knowledge plays a central role as an interface between biodiversity and dietary/food diversity. This review suggests that biodiversity is necessary for dietary diversity and nutrition security. Although still small, the existing body of evidence supports investments in agrobiodiversity to address food insecurity and malnutrition in Burkina Faso and Niger. |
| For citation : | El Bilali, H., Dambo, L., Nanema, J., Bassole, I.H.N., Calabrese, G. (2022). Biodiversity – food systems nexus: unpacking linkages between biodiversity, diets and nutrition in Burkina Faso and Niger. AGROFOR International Journal, Volume 7. Issue No. 2. pp. 40-50. DOI: 10.7251/AGRENG2202040E |
| Keywords : | agrobiodiversity, crop diversity, animal diversity, dietary diversity, food security, nutrition, West Africa, Sahel. |
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ISSN 2490-3434 (Printed)
ISSN 2490-3442 (Online)
ISSN 2490-3442 (Online)
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