New research says access to regional markets in Africa is key to healthy, balanced diets

Undernutrition and low dietary quality remain widespread challenges in Africa, which is why researchers advocate farmers grow a wide variety of crops on their farms to improve diet diversity. However, a new study suggests that good access to regional markets is more important to achieving a balanced diet for small farmers in low- and middle-income countries.

The authors highlight that better-functioning markets increase the variety of foods available locally, which benefits the population as a whole. They conclude that “higher diversity on each individual farm may not be required.”