Cochrane corner: community-level interventions to increase access to food in low- and middle-income countries

Abstract

Food insecurity and hunger is a continuing problem in Africa, with access to food being critical to address it. Community-level interventions may help to increase access to food, specifically, nutritious food. We highlight a Cochrane review that assessed community level interventions aiming to increase access to nutritious food in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including those that improve buying power, address food prices, and the social environment. Randomised controlled trials and prospective controlled studies that assessed the effects of these interventions on food security and nutritional status were included, providing relevant implications for practice in LMICs. Findings suggest that unconditional cash transfers (UCTs) are important for improving food security, and that UCTs and food vouchers may increase dietary diversity and reduce stunting. This highlights the importance of current programmes in Africa, the need to reflect and refine where needed, and expand their capacity. A holistic approach to address food insecurity in the region.