Agricultural Commercialization and Nutrition Revisited: Empirical Evidence from Three African Countries

This study works to expand the evidence base for how the transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture affects nutritional outcomes. Using data from three African countries, the analysis shows high rates of market participation and commercialization with landholders of all sizes and incomes, in opposition to common assumptions. Notably, the study also found little evidence of a positive relationship between commercialization and nutritional status. Calling attention to the weak association between increased commercialization and improved food security and nutritional outcomes, the researchers argue for countries and international agencies to prioritize nutrition-sensitive agriculture and the research to support it.