Supporting nutrition-sensitive bioenergy value chains
Both nutrition and bioenergy are core components of human wellbeing and sustainable development, and have been enshrined in the UN Sustainable Development Goals under SDG2 (food and nutrition security) and SDG7 (energy access for all), respectively.
When thinking about the potential links between nutrition and bioenergy, one’s mind usually turns to the common discussion of competition for resources, such as land, water, energy and other inputs, which are inherent in our perception of the food versus fuel paradigm. However, bioenergy value chains, when designed and managed in an appropriate and sustainable manner, have the potential to contribute positively towards nutrition outcomes. GBEP and the Food and Nutrition Division of FAO have been collaborating in 2022 to investigate these linkages and begin a discussion on this overlooked nexus. The aim is to provide guidance to researchers and policy makers to better determine the ways in which bioenergy can be deployed to improve global nutrition.
Through a literature review (available online here) and a subsequent peer-reviewed article (Testa et al. under review), the available literature on the potential positive contribution of bioenergy value chains to nutrition have been investigated. The strongest links between bioenergy and nutrition identified include: improved soil quality through bioenergy with Carbon capture and Storage (CCS); enhanced rural livelihoods and increase income by introducing bioenergy production and use, as a circular economy practice; increasing access to clean and modern energy, to improve life quality, through better indoor air quality and the availability of safe and more nutritious food thanks to the accessibility of energy for cooking, lightening and power cold chains. So far, such linkages appear indirect or implied, therefore further research in this area would be beneficial.

Overview of the links between bioenergy and nutrition
Discussions on this topic will continue in 2023, with a view to develop examples of best practices in nutrition-sensitive bioenergy value chains.


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