Abstract
This systematic review gathers evidence from 85 peer-reviewed studies, spanning 2004 to 2023, drawn from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Agricola according to PRISMA standards, to explore the intricate patterns of dietary practices and nutritional awareness in these communities. Concentrating on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), we investigate how farming methods, economic limitations, gender roles, cultural traditions, and climate adaptation approaches influence nutritional health. Findings indicate that financial pressures, scarce nutrition education, gender disparities, and seasonal changes persistently erode dietary variety and overall well-being. For example, many households trade nutrient-rich crops for income, exacerbating micronutrient deficiencies, while just one-third attain sufficient dietary diversity for women. On the other hand, nutrition-sensitive agriculture and programs targeting gender show potential: educational efforts have markedly increased vegetable consumption, and households led by women often surpass those led by men in dietary diversity. Empowering women has also lowered child stunting by enhancing resource access. Yet, gaps in knowledge dissemination, cultural adaptation, and equitable resource distribution hinder wider success, with rural outreach often limited by funding shortages. We suggest a nutrition-sensitive agriculture framework integrating gender-inclusive policies, climate-resilient farming, and community-based education to tackle these issues, supporting global aims for zero hunger and gender equality. This study calls for long-term research over 5–10 years to evaluate intervention sustainability and cost-effectiveness, alongside qualitative work to decode cultural barriers. Our practical insights aim to steer policymakers, researchers, and practitioners toward improving farm household nutrition, ensuring these essential food producers also prosper.
Keywords
References
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