Miscellaneous M. J. Potts and S. Nagujja 2007 HarvestPlus Working Paper 1, 92 pp. This paper reviews Government policies and strategies in Uganda from the aspect of their ability
to address malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency, and considers means by which
biofortification of staple food crops can support this policy. The rationale for focusing
on policies and strategies in these sectors is based on the UNICEF conceptualization of
the causation of nutritional outcomes. The conceptual framework presents a generalized understanding of how malnutrition is
the outcome of specific development problems related directly to the level of dietary
intake and the health status of a given individual. It theorizes that inadequate dietary
intake (in energy, protein, vitamins and minerals) and disease are the immediate causes
of malnutrition. To ensure adequate dietary intake and absence of disease, three
underlying conditions need to be fulfilled simultaneously, namely: (i) household food
security; (ii) adequate care of children and women; and (iii) access to health services and
a healthy environment.In the chapters that follow, the major aspects of Ugandan poverty, health, agriculture,
and nutrition are summarized in detail; then progress towards attending the Millenium
Development Goals is reviewed. The review of the existing policy context forms the
foundation for developing a set of recommendations for how to successfully integrate
the introduction of biofortified crops into the current policy environment of Uganda to
maximize its contribution to reducing micronutrient malnutrition.