Determining key research areas for healthier diets and sustainable food systems in Viet Nam

• DOI: 10.2499/p15738coll2.133433
• Publication Date: 2019-10-10T16:06:17Z
• Authors: Jessica E. Raneri; Gina Kennedy; Trang Nguyen; Sidrig Wertheim-Heck; Ha Do; Phuong Hong Nguyen
• Keywords: Viet nam

Vietnamese food systems are undergoing rapid transformation, with important implications for human and environmental health economic development. Poverty has decreased, diet quality under-nutrition have improved significantly since the end of Doi Moi reform period (1986-1993) as a result Viet Nam opening its economy increasing regional global trade. Yet poor is still contributing triple burden malnutrition, 25 percent stunting among children under age 5, 26 29 women children, respectively, anemic, 21 adults overweight. Agricultural production shifted from predominantly diverse smallholder to larger more commercialized specialized systems, especially crops, while ‘meatification’ generating serious trade-offs between nutrition sustainability systems. The processing industry developed rapidly, together imports, resulting in new processed products penetrating retail outlets, trending towards an increase Westernized consumption patterns that shifting nutrition-related problems overweight obesity and, it, non-communicable disease-related risks. While regulatory policies exist across system, these not systematically implemented, making safety major concern consumers policy makers alike. Where data exists, it easy aggregate system dimensions, difficult make informed analysis current potential trade-offs. In our research, we reviewed existing literature data, applied framework develop initial profile identify comprehensive set research questions fill gaps identified through review. Insights on would provide evidence needed inform how Nam, further refine improve achieve better diets sustainable Nam. Based these, then engaged stakeholders priorities context priority questions. This paper aims stimulate such reflections by clearly outlining key areas government policy, development programs investment build base around inclusive interventions aim healthier