Agricultural research and policy for better health and nutrition in developing countries: a food systems approach

Abstract This article is about the two‐way causal relationships between the global food system and health and nutrition. It argues that the global food system begins and ends with health and that the prioritization and implementation of agricultural research and policy should consider health and nutrition effects. An integrated health and food policy approach is likely to be more effective in achieving both health and economic development goals that the current practice of separate sectorial policies. The article identifies a large number of health and nutrition factors affecting and affected by the food system and suggests research and policies to enhance positive effects and reduce negative ones.