Critical Review of the Emerging Research Evidence on Agricultural Biodiversity, Diet Diversity, and Nutritional Status in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

How are agriculture biodiversity, diet quality, and anthropometric outcomes linked in low- and middle-income countries? This comprehensive review of 5 databases using qualitative analysis reveals that agricultural biodiversity has a small but consistent association with more diverse household- and individual-level diets, as well as positive outcomes for child growth. Agricultural diversification may contribute to diversified diets through both subsistence- and income-generating pathways and may be an important strategy for improving diets and nutrition outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.