Improving irrigation access to combat food insecurity and undernutrition: A review

• Published in: Global food security Vol. 6; pp. 24 - 33
• Main Author: Domènech, Laia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01-10-2015
• Subjects: Food security; Health; Irrigation; Nutrition; Sub-Saharan Africa; Women's empowerment; Women's empowerment; Irrigation; Nutrition; Health; Food security; Sub-Saharan Africa
• ISSN: 2211-9124; 2211-9124
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2015.09.001

Interventions aimed at increasing water availability for livelihood and domestic activities have great potential to improve various determinants of undernutrition, such as the quantity and diversity of foods consumed within the household, income generation, and women's empowerment. This review analyzes the existing evidence concerning the role of irrigation in improving nutrition and health outcomes. Most of the studies examined showed a positive effect of irrigation interventions on food security. However, existing evidence is still insufficient to draw broad conclusions, largely because nutrition is yet to be considered an explicit objective of irrigation development. Nutrition-sensitive irrigation programs are needed to help realize the full potential of irrigation interventions and avoid adverse impacts on human health and nutrition.
•Irrigation can improve nutrition outcomes through multiple pathways.•Irrigation can improve the quantity and diversity of foods consumed within the household.•Irrigation can be an important entry path for women's empowerment.•Few rigorous studies assess the linkages between irrigation and nutrition.•Nutrition-sensitive irrigation interventions and programs should be encouraged.