The benefits and trade-offs of agricultural diversity for food security in low- and middle-income countries: A review of existing knowledge and evidence

Summary

This narrative review, published in Global Food Security, examines the relationship between agricultural diversity and food security in low- and middle-income countries. The authors synthesise evidence on how crop and livestock diversity influences food availability, access, and nutrition, whilst acknowledging trade-offs such as labour demands, market integration, and production risks. The review appears designed to inform policy and development practice on optimal diversity strategies for resource-constrained farming systems.

Regional applicability

Findings are geographically focused on low- and middle-income countries, which do not include the United Kingdom. However, the conceptual framework regarding diversity-productivity-resilience trade-offs may inform UK discussion of farming system design for resilience and nutrition security, particularly in relation to smallholder and horticultural systems.

Key measures

Food security indicators (likely including dietary diversity, caloric adequacy, micronutrient availability); agricultural diversity metrics; livelihood and resilience outcomes

Outcomes reported

The review synthesises existing evidence on how agricultural diversity (crop and livestock variety) affects food security outcomes in low- and middle-income countries, examining both benefits and potential trade-offs. It likely identifies knowledge gaps and implications for policy and practice.

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