Malnutrition, Food Systems, and Programme Design

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture covering the causes of malnutrition, environmental and socioeconomic determinants, and the role of schools and food systems.

Malnutrition

A condition including undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, overweight, and obesity resulting from imbalances in nutrient intake and utilization.

Immediate Causes of Malnutrition

Factors that directly affect an individual's nutritional status, specifically inadequate dietary intake and disease/infection.

Inadequate Dietary Intake

A situation where food quantity or quality is insufficient, including low protein, vitamin, and mineral intake.

Underlying Causes of Malnutrition

Household and community-level factors including food insecurity, inadequate care practices, and poor health services.

Household Food Insecurity

Limited access to safe and nutritious food caused by poverty, unemployment, crop failure, and food price increases.

Basic Causes of Malnutrition

Structural and societal factors, including economic, political, social, and environmental influences that determine access to resources.

Socioeconomic Determinants

The influences of income, education, employment, and gender on nutrition outcomes and purchasing power.

Environmental Determinants

Factors such as water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), urbanization, pollution, and climate variability that influence disease transmission and food systems.

School Feeding Programmes

Interventions that provide energy and nutrients for learning while improving school attendance and retention.

Nutrition Education

The teaching of healthy eating behaviors, food hygiene, sanitation, and physical activity to build lifelong knowledge.

WASH

An acronym for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, essential for reducing infections and supporting better nutrition outcomes through safe water and handwashing.

Food Systems

The collective processes of production, processing, distribution, marketing, and consumption that influence food availability and affordability.

Local Food Production

Agricultural activities including home gardens, livestock, fisheries, and small-scale farming that support local economies and indigenous foods.

Sustainable Food Systems

Systems that promote environmental protection and nutrition through crop diversification, climate-smart agriculture, and reduced food waste.

Multisectoral Approaches

Programme design strategies that involve multiple sectors to address the complex causes of malnutrition.

Behaviour Change Communication

A strategy using counselling, media, and outreach to promote healthy dietary, breastfeeding, and hygiene practices.