FAO and MAFWR launches initiative to promote sustainable healthy food systems in the Sultanate

FAO and MAFWR launches initiative to promote sustainable healthy food systems in the Sultanate

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) hasrecently launched an initiative to promote sustainable food systems, healthy diets and improved food and nutrition security in Oman. This was undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water Resources (MAFWR), and Zubair Enterprises Development Centre (Zubair EDC). The project aims at linking local production and supply of safe and nutritious foods with multiple interventions to also increase demand, by influencing consumer behaviour in such a way that it contributes to healthier diets. In addition, it also aimed to encourage government bodies, SMEs, their supporting organisations and investors to use the results of the analysis in their planning. This will enhance the potential of these value chains to generate income and better nutritional outcomes at the national level. The initiative is aligned with the National Nutrition Strategy of Oman 2014-2050 and the Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy (SARDS) 2040. Under this, emphasis is given to the importance of an adequate intake of fruits and vegetables while decreasing the intake of energy-dense foods, as a main determinant of health as well as food security and nutrition. The three entities conducted an assessment of the Sultanate's Nutrition-Sensitive Value Chain