I International Symposium on Poverty, Hidden Hunger and Horticulture

The importance of nutrition is still under-valued in the debate about ending hidden hunger/micro-nutrient deficiencies and poverty. This goes hand in hand with a marginalization of those crops that may have the most significant impact on the reduction of micronutrient deficiencies and obesity – fresh fruit and vegetables. Fresh fruit and vegetables not only have the potential to improve micronutrient uptake of individuals, especially in low-income countries, but also to promote socio-economic development at an individual level, at the community level and even at a national level. The production of fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, aromatic and medicinal crops, herbs and spices provide market opportunities and employment, especially for women and contribute to the protection and enrichment of biodiversity. With regard to both the direct and indirect benefits of the production, processing, marketing and consumption, horticulture contributes to the achievement of several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), leading to the concept of ’Horticulture for Sustainable Development – H4SD‘. Despite these benefits, there are many constraints that prevent different actors from fully exploiting the potential of horticulture along the value chain. Smallholder producers in low-income countries face enumerable problems in their efforts to transact with the modern retail chains, food processors and manufacturers, and institutional buyers. Problems abound at every stage of the chain including production, harvesting, post-harvest handling, distribution and logistics and quality management. As consumers, especially those in Europe and North America, become more concerned about the safety of the foods that they consume and the manner in which this food has been produced, triple bottom line reporting now demands agribusiness enterprises to demonstrate more responsibility for the environment and social equity.

The potential benefits as well as the factors limiting the development of more sustainable horticultural enterprises in the low-income countries will be discussed. Papers will present evidence-based research results that demonstrate the potential of horticulture to contribute to sustainable development as well as to find solutions to overcome the various constraints. We shall welcome papers that discuss any one or more of the following themes。