Nutrition-sensitive value chain analysis for carrot and papaya in Al Batinah North, Oman

Book excerpt: The Sultanate of Oman is experiencing a nutrition transition, characterized by shifts in diet, lifestyle and disease burden. The National Nutrition Strategy of Oman 2014-2050 and the Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy SARDS 2040 have emphasized the importance of adequate intake of fruits and vegetables while decreasing the consumption of energy-dense foods. FAO collaborated with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) and Zubair Small Enterprises Centre (Zubair SEC) to conduct an inclusive Nutrition Sensitive Value Chain Analysis (NSVCA). The geographical focus was on Al Batinah North, one of the main agricultural governorates in Oman. Two commodities were selected by MAFWR and the Ministry of Health based on a scoring method: papaya and carrots. This NSVCA aimed at mapping the current landscape of constraints and opportunities in supply and demand of safe and nutritious food commodities across these two value chains. It focuses on SMEs related to food and agriculture, farmer organizations, smallholders and other actors along the value chains. The NSVCA contributes mainly to SO1, SO3 and SO4 through improved knowledge of the food system in Oman and providing a variety of evidence based intervention and investment opportunities along the value chain. The findings will allow decision-makers to identify specific policy interventions which will leverage the potential of these value chains for both income generation and better nutrition outcomes.