Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture: Uzbekistan Accelerates Transformation of Agri-Food Systems

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A national training seminar dedicated to the development of nutrition-sensitive agriculture was held in Tashkent.

This approach is becoming a cornerstone in building sustainable agri-food systems capable of providing the population with diverse, safe, and affordable food.

The event brought together representatives of government institutions, international organizations, and the scientific community to discuss advanced solutions aimed at shaping healthier eating habits and strengthening the country’s food security.

The seminar was organized by FAO as part of the regional project “Agri-Food System Transformation in Europe and Central Asia,” in which Armenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina participate alongside Uzbekistan as pilot countries.

The Government of Uzbekistan has placed nutrition improvement at the heart of its food security strategy. Among the key steps taken in recent years are the adoption of the Food Security and Healthy Nutrition Strategy until 2030, the development of Food Systems-Based Dietary Guidelines (FSBDGs), and the Household Nutrition Survey conducted in 2025 with the support of FAO and UNICEF.

“Promoting sustainable and healthy nutrition is vital for transforming agri-food systems and ensuring the well-being of our citizens. This process requires a comprehensive approach that integrates people’s health, the health of the planet, and prosperity,” noted Sherzod Umarov, Assistant FAO Representative in Uzbekistan.

Participants focused on four areas shaping the impact of agriculture on nutrition:

– preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity;
– development of food supply chains;
– creation of a sustainable food environment;
– changes in consumer behavior.

Key objectives included raising awareness about the importance of sustainable diets, fostering cross-sectoral dialogue between agriculture and healthcare, strengthening the role of data and evidence in policymaking, and identifying priorities for capacity building.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) shared its experience in integrating nutrition into agricultural investments, while the ESSRG research group presented preliminary findings from its analysis of Uzbekistan’s urban food systems.

The second day was dedicated to practical measures: developing performance indicators for nutrition-sensitive food systems, analyzing current sectoral policies, and discussing the role of urban food environments in promoting healthy lifestyles.

In conclusion, FAO experts Cristina Lopriore and Valentina Gasparri emphasized that Uzbekistan must continue to advance cross-sectoral cooperation and apply evidence-based solutions to achieve sustainable progress in food security and nutrition.

The seminar formed part of FAO’s 80th anniversary celebrations and the global “365 Days of Action” campaign, once again underscoring that transforming agri-food systems is impossible without prioritizing the nutritional quality of food and the health of future generations.