Canada Donates $20 Million To Fight Malnutrition
On June 8th, the Canadian government announced its decision to provide a $20 million grant to fight malnutrition in developing countries, the IFPRI is reporting.
The research program, A4NH, is a headed by the Consultative Group on International Agriculture Research, or CGIAR. According to the IFPRI, some of the major tenets of the program include "research into community and farmer organizations, and private-sector actors, for market solutions aimed at reducing the price of nutritious food" and reform to the effectiveness of international agricultural intervention.
A4NH is attempting to combat hunger without sacrificing nutrition, health, and long-term sustainability. It stresses community outreach and technological advancements as well as partnerships with private food distribution programs.
CGIAR and A4NH have partnered with HarvestPlus, an organization that breeds crops to fight micronutrient malnutrition. Micronutrient malnutrition, more commonly known as "hidden hunger", is a condition in which a person receives a sufficient amount of food, but the food lacks many essential nutrients.
The research intends to implement short-term solutions that will have long-term implications, with the grant from Canada aiding in various aspects of the program.