In 1977, IFAD made improving “the nutritional level of the poorest populations in developing countries” one of the principal objectives of its founding agreement. 

Since then, governments, civil society and development organizations also have come to recognize the central importance of nutrition – which comprises undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and overweight – to development. 

Not only is nutrition an outcome of economic growth, but, by improving human capital, it is also an essential input into economic and social development