Resilient and inclusive rural transformation: Pathways towards improved nutrition

Rural transformation refers to a shift in rural economies from predominantly subsistence-oriented production with low incomes to more productive, diversified activities integrated into national markets. Such transformation has spurred economic growth, reduced poverty, and facilitated nutrition transition. However, the associated agrifood systems have proven largely unsustainable, as they are subject to biodiversity loss, increased global warming, and mixed impacts on dietary and nutrition outcomes. This paper combines multi-disciplinary reflections on the pathways towards more resilient and inclusive rural transformation. We first identify four well-established nutrition challenges to addressing: i) rural inequality in building human capital and its associated social determinants for rural transformation; ii) rising double malnutrition burdens in low- and middle-income countries; iii) recognizing that food environment is a key determinant of access to healthy diets; and iv) profound inequality in dietary and nutrition outcomes under an increasing number of shocks. We consider these challenges alongside four emerging priorities that require greater emphasis for resilient and inclusive rural transformation: i) Explicit focus on inclusivity; ii) Respecting Indigenous people's roles; iii) Addressing spatial changes to rural landscapes and implications on dietary transitions; and iv) Considering rural livelihood diversification, migration, and food environment for resilient and inclusive rural transformation. Finally, we propose expanding existing agricultural pathways towards improved diets for nutrition by integrating a stronger focus on gender, climate adaptation and resilience, policy coherence, and value chain linkages to address multiple forms of malnutrition while remaining within planetary boundaries.