Policy Briefs

So What? This is a series of policy briefs released by the UNESCO Chair in World Food Systems that aims to translate research results into clear findings for action.

It seeks to cover all areas of sustainable food: from nutrition to the right to food, including marketing, social sciences and management, political science, economics, agrifood technologies and agronomy.

This series is intended for anyone who is curious and "savvy" and wishes to know more about recent research advances in the field of sustainable food. The Chair intends to contribute to dialogue between research and various food system actors.

So What | N°4, july 2017

Are the cities of Sub-Saharan Africa so dependent on food imports?

The international food price crisis of 2008 and 2010, and the ‘food riots’ it triggered in many African cities, served as a stark reminder of the food dependence of many countries on the continent on international markets.

So What | N°3, october 2016

Feeding of young children, a medium of their learning and their social recognition

In Cameroon, in 2008, nearly 40 per cent of households were living below the poverty line (INS, 2008). Against this socio-economic backdrop, 33 per cent of children aged 0 to 59 months suffer from chronic malnutrition and 70 per cent of children are anaemic (27 per cent with mild anaemia, 31 per cent with moderate anaemia, and 2 per cent with severe anaemia) (INS, 2011).

So What | N°2, october 2016

Sub-Saharan Africa’s significant changes in food consumption patterns

In order to provide information on food security, considerable efforts have been made in recent years to improve statistics on food production and prices, particularly for cereals, given their importance in the daily calorie intake.

So What | N°1, septembre 2016

Anaemia in Ivory Coast: the advantage of a social approach

The nutritional situation in Ivory Coast is a cause for concern. In this sub-Saharan African country, child nutrition has been a key national priority for several years. The fight against malnutrition is incorporated into national programmes designed to promote and support good nutrition for infants and young children, protect breastfeeding and tackle nutritional deficiencies.