NATURE FOOD -- Spatial analysis of aquatic food access can inform nutrition-sensitive policy
DOWNLOADDecember 15, 2022 - Abigail Bennett , Emma Rice , Park Muhonda, Emmanuel Kaunda, Sam Katengeza, Lenis Saweda O. Liverpool-Tasie, Ben Belton, Dana M. Infante, Jared Ross, John Virdin & Edith Gondwe
Aquatic foods are critical for food and nutrition security in Malawi, but it is unclear which populations benefit from different aquatic foods and what factors shape food access. Spatial analysis of food flows across value chains from Lake Malawi to domestic consumers shows that usipa (Engraulicypris sardella) reaches more consumers than chambo (Oreochromis karongae) across all Malawi districts, particularly rural populations. Higher number of markets, nutrient content, and overall supply coupled with lower retail prices and volumes make usipa more accessible to consumers than chambo. Spatial analysis of food flows can guide policymakers towards supporting fisheries that reach vulnerable populations and