Regenerative agriculture for dietary diversity and food security in Zambia

Summary

This panel data study from Zambia examined whether adoption of regenerative agriculture practices—including contour farming, crop rotation, and mulching—is associated with improved household dietary diversity and food security outcomes. The analysis found positive associations between regenerative agriculture adoption and household dietary diversity scores, food consumption scores, and consumption of nutrient-dense food groups including eggs, pulses, and vegetables. The paper identifies farm production diversity and market participation as potential mechanisms through which regenerative agriculture may improve food and nutrition security in smallholder systems.

Regional applicability

This study's findings from Zambian smallholder farming systems may be partially transferable to similar agro-ecological and socio-economic contexts in sub-Saharan Africa and other regions with comparable farm sizes and market access. However, the specific practices (contour farming, crop rotation, mulching) and dietary outcomes will require contextual adaptation for United Kingdom temperate agriculture, where soil health and dietary diversity challenges differ substantially from those in Zambia.

Key measures

Household dietary diversity scores (HDDS), 24-hour weighted food consumption score, consumption of specific food groups (eggs, pulses, roots and tubers, fruits and vegetables, dairy products), adoption of regenerative practices (contour farming, crop rotation, mulching)

Outcomes reported

The study examined associations between adoption of regenerative agriculture practices and household dietary diversity scores (HDDS), 24-hour weighted food consumption scores, and specific food group consumption patterns. It identified farm production diversity, market participation, off-farm income, and household income as potential pathways linking regenerative agriculture adoption to improved food security.

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