Essential foods, missed opportunities: What prevents Ethiopian children from eating nutritious animal-source foods?

Animal-sourced foods are rich in essential nutrients, including protein and vitamins, which are vital for children's growth, brain development and overall health. Ensuring that children receive these nutritious foods is not just a choice; it is a responsibility that underpins their optimal growth and development. It’s crucial for all stakeholders involved in food security and nutrition to recognize the importance of these foods.

Unfortunately, children in resource-constrained settings often face significant barriers to access of animal-sourced foods. For example, in recent years low-income regions including Ethiopia have experienced a substantial rise in the cost of living. In light of these challenges, researchers from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems, and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) collaborated on a study to examine how the factors impacting animal-source food security and affordability. The aim of the study was to provide evidence-based insights for consumers, producers, and policymakers to tackle the critical issue of animal-sourced food consumption among children in vulnerable populations.