By addressing micronutrient concerns within a broader context of the overall improvement of household food security and nutrition, ESN has supported the development of community-based nutrition programmes and projects. The emphasis was to develop a comprehensive and innovative approach which will enable the communities to have access to an adequate diet all year round and thus improve their food security and nutrition, including micronutrient status. Advocacy and policy advice To advocate and promote the concept of a food-based approach as the most sustainable method for the control and prevention of micronutrient malnutrition, ESN has produced a number of publications, policy briefs, technical manuals and resource books for various levels of audiences and has also convened a number of consultations and workshops. It identifies factors hindering their implementation and attempts to assist policymakers in overcoming these constraints by providing guidance for programme planning. It also describes various technical and programme considerations for actions in various fields, such as agriculture, education and communication to assist programme planners and managers implement more effectively food-based activities.
Home gardening is often an effective means of combating household food insecurity and malnutrition.
It is especially helpful in alleviating micronutrient deficiencies. This training package was developed and field tested in Indonesia for the instruction of agricultural extension, home economics and community development staff working with households and communities in Southeast Asia to promote home food production for better nutrition. It is a practical tool for field workers, which integrates food production and nutrition issues and provides a comprehensive set of information materials for trainers, field staff and farmers. It aims to provide field staff with the technical, extension and planning skills necessary to help rural households identify problems and opportunities for improving home food production and to attain better nutrition for the entire family. It is proving to be very useful and has been adapted for use in field programmes in Vietnam, Bhutan, India and the Maldives.