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Who we are

With research staff from more than 60 countries, and offices across the globe, IFPRI provides research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition in developing countries.

researcher spotlight

Lina Alaaeldin Abdelfattah

Lina Alaaeldin Abdelfattah is a Senior Research Associate in the Development Strategies and Governance Unit, based in Cairo. Her research interests include applied economic development, trade, and spatial economics, with a focus on topics relevant to social protection, food, nutrition, and agriculture in the Middle East and Africa. 

Where we work

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Where we work

IFPRI currently has more than 600 employees working in over 80 countries with a wide range of local, national, and international partners.

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Providing Research-Based Policy Solutions that Sustainably

Reduce Poverty and End Hunger and Malnutrition

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What’s New

Limiting deforestation involves complex tradeoffs: Results from a global land-use model
IFPRI Blog
 | 
September 13, 2024

Limiting deforestation involves complex tradeoffs: Results from a global land-use model

By Abhijeet Mishra and Eleanor Jones

Many dimensions of combating climate change.

Tale of two villages: In Malawi, farmers point the way as drought drives hunger (WFP/AllAfrica/Relief Web)
In the News

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September 12, 2024

Tale of two villages: In Malawi, farmers point the way as drought drives hunger (WFP/AllAfrica/Relief Web)

The WFP story shared by All Africa and Relief Web quotes Jan Duchoslav and Joachim De Weerdt (IFPRI Malawi) on the food security crisis in the country.

Beyond the Health Extension Program: Developing a focused approach to improve nutrition in Ethiopia
IFPRI Blog
 | 
September 11, 2024

Beyond the Health Extension Program: Developing a focused approach to improve nutrition in Ethiopia

By Taddese Zerfu

A study points to reforms.

Enhancing milk quality in Uganda: Challenges and innovations in the dairy value chain
IFPRI Blog
 | 
September 09, 2024

Enhancing milk quality in Uganda: Challenges and innovations in the dairy value chain

By Richard Ariong, Bjorn Van Campenhout, Sarah W. Kariuki, and Jordan Chamberlin

Improving market incentives.

Pathway to Brewing Success: Engaging with Coffee Growers to Understand Production Challenges in Papua New Guinea's Highlands
Interactive
 | 
September 04, 2024

Pathway to Brewing Success: Engaging with Coffee Growers to Understand Production Challenges in Papua New Guinea’s Highlands

Coffee is one of the most important smallholder cash crops in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Despite coffee’s economic importance, growers face production challenges and, on average, still struggle to meet household needs.

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Journal Article

Effects of prenatal small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements on pregnancy, birth and infant outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data from randomized controlled trials in low- and middle-income countries

2024
Dewey, Kathryn G.; Wessells, K. Ryan; Arnold, Charles D.; Adu-Afarwuah, Seth; Arnold, Benjamin F.; Ashorn, Per; Ashorn, Ulla; Garcés, Ana; Huybregts, Lieven; Krebs, Nancy F.
…more Lartey, Anna; Leroy, Jef L.; Maleta, Kenneth; Matias, Susana L.; Moore, Sophie E.; Mridha, Malay K.; Okronipa, Harriet; Stewart, Christine P.

Effects of prenatal small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements on pregnancy, birth and infant outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data from randomized controlled trials in low- and middle-income countries

Background Undernutrition during pregnancy increases the risk of giving birth to a small vulnerable newborn. Small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) contain both macro- and micronutrients and can help prevent multiple nutritional deficiencies. Objectives We examined effects of SQ-LNS provided during pregnancy, compared to a) iron and folic acid or standard of care (IFA/SOC) or b) multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS), and identified characteristics that modified the estimates of effects of SQ-LNS on birth outcomes. Methods We conducted a 2-stage meta-analysis of individual participant data from 4 randomized controlled trials of SQ-LNS provided during pregnancy (n = 5,273). We generated study-specific and subgroup estimates of SQ-LNS compared with IFA/SOC or MMS and pooled the estimates. In sensitivity analyses, we examined whether results differed depending on methods for gestational age dating, birth anthropometry, or study design. Results SQ-LNS (vs IFA/SOC) increased birth weight (mean difference: +49g; 95% CI: 26, 71g) and all birth anthropometric z-scores (+0.10-0.13 SD); it reduced risk of low birthweight by 11%, newborn stunting by 17%, newborn wasting by 11%, and small head size by 15%. Only 2 trials compared SQ-LNS and MMS; p-values for birth outcomes were >0.10 except for head circumference (e.g., z-score for gestational age +0.11; 95% CI: -0.01, 0.23). Effect estimates for SQ-LNS vs IFA/SOC were greater among female infants and, for certain outcomes, among mothers with body mass index < 20 kg/m2, inflammation, malaria, or household food insecurity. Effect estimates for SQ-LNS vs MMS were greater for certain outcomes among female infants, first-born infants, and mothers < 25 y. Conclusions SQ-LNS had positive impacts on multiple outcomes compared to IFA/SOC, but further research directly comparing SQ-LNS and MMS is needed. Targeting SQ-LNS to vulnerable subgroups may be worth considering. Analysis registered at www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO (CRD42021283391).

Year published

2024

Authors

Dewey, Kathryn G.; Wessells, K. Ryan; Arnold, Charles D.; Adu-Afarwuah, Seth; Arnold, Benjamin F.; Ashorn, Per; Ashorn, Ulla; Garcés, Ana; Huybregts, Lieven; Krebs, Nancy F.; Lartey, Anna; Leroy, Jef L.; Maleta, Kenneth; Matias, Susana L.; Moore, Sophie E.; Mridha, Malay K.; Okronipa, Harriet; Stewart, Christine P.

Citation

Dewey, Kathryn G.; Wessells, K. Ryan; Arnold, Charles D.; Adu-Afarwuah, Seth; Adu-Afarwuah, Seth; Arnold, Benjamin F.; et al. Effects of prenatal small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements on pregnancy, birth and infant outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data from randomized controlled trials in low- and middle-income countries. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Article in press. First published online August 16, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.08.008

Keywords

Birth; Data; Nutrients; Perinatal Period; Pregnancy; Supplements; Undernutrition

Language

English

Access/Licence

Open AccessCC-BY-4.0

Links

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2024.08.008 Source record

Record type

Journal Article

Journal Article

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations increase gaps of rice yields between low- and middle-to-high-income countries

2024
Song, Lian; Tao, Ye; van Groenigen, Kees Jan; Chang, Scott X.; Peñuelas, Josep; Zhang, Jishuang; You, Liangzhi; Cai, Chuang; Wang, Songhan; Jiang, Yu
…more Ma, Chuanqi; Yan, Xiaoyuan; Ni, Kang; Wang, Dongming; Wang, Yu; Zhu, Chunwu

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations increase gaps of rice yields between low- and middle-to-high-income countries

The rising carbon dioxide concentrations are expected to increase future rice yields. However, variations in the CO2 fertilization effect (CFE) between rice subspecies and the influence of concurrent global warming introduce uncertainty in future global rice yield projections. Here we conducted a meta-analysis of rising carbon dioxide field experiments and employed crop modelling to assess future global rice yields for the top 14 rice producing countries. We found a robust parabolic relationship between rice CFE and temperature, with significant variations between rice subspecies. Our projections indicate that global rice production in the 2050s is expected to increase by 50.32 million tonnes (7.6%) due to CFE compared with historical production. Because low-income countries will experience higher temperatures, the gaps (difference of Δyield) between middle-to-high-income and low-income countries are projected to widen from the 2030s to the 2090s under elevated carbon dioxide. These findings underscore the critical role of CFE and emphasize the necessity to increase investments in research and technology for rice producing systems in low-income countries.

Year published

2024

Authors

Song, Lian; Tao, Ye; van Groenigen, Kees Jan; Chang, Scott X.; Peñuelas, Josep; Zhang, Jishuang; You, Liangzhi; Cai, Chuang; Wang, Songhan; Jiang, Yu; Ma, Chuanqi; Yan, Xiaoyuan; Ni, Kang; Wang, Dongming; Wang, Yu; Zhu, Chunwu

Citation

Song, Lian; Tao, Ye; van Groenigen, Kees Jan; Chang, Scott X.; Peñuelas, Josep; Zhang, Jishuang; You, Liangzhi; et al. 2024. Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations increase gaps of rice yields between low- and middle-to-high-income countries. Nature Food. Article in press. First published online August 14, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-024-01021-x

Keywords

Carbon Dioxide; Crop Yields; Global Warming; Less Favoured Areas; Rice; Technology

Language

English

Access/Licence

Open Access

Links

https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-024-01021-x Source record

Project

Climate Resilience

Record type

Journal Article

Journal Article

The relationship of preterm and small for gestational age with child cognition during school-age years

2024Nguyen, Phuong Thi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Tran, Lan Mai; Khuong, Long Quynh; Nguyen, Son Van; Young, Melissa F.; DiGirolamo, Ann; Ramakrishnan, Usha

The relationship of preterm and small for gestational age with child cognition during school-age years

Background Children born preterm and/or small for gestational age (SGA) are at increased risk of poor cognitive outcomes, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Objectives This study aimed to examine the cognitive and academic deficits during the school-age years in children born preterm or SGA compared with those in children born term adequate for gestational age (AGA) in rural Vietnam. Methods Children born to women in a preconception micronutrient supplementation trial in Vietnam were classified into 3 groups: preterm AGA (n =138), term SGA (n =169), and term AGA (n = 1134). Cognitive abilities were assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, measuring 4 domains [verbal comprehension index (VCI), perceptual reasoning index (PRI), working memory index (WMI), and processing speed index (PSI) scores] and full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) at 6–7 and 10–11 y. Academic achievement was assessed with mathematic and language tests. Analysis of variance and multiple regression models were used to analyze differences in cognitive function and academic achievement at 6–7 and 10–11 y by birth phenotypes. Results Compared with term AGA children, those born SGA had lower cognitive scores at both 6–7 y (VCI, −2.3; PRI, −3.7; PSI −2.1; and FSIQ, −2.9) and 10–11 y (VCI, −3.7; PRI, −3.5; WMI, −2.7; PSI, −1.9; and FSIQ, −3.9). Children born SGA also had poorer academic achievement with lower language (5.3) and mathematic (2.5) scores. Adjustments for maternal factors and home environment attenuated the associations, but the differences in VCI, PRI, FSIQ, and language at 10–11 y remained significant. There were no differences in cognitive function and academic achievement between children born preterm and AGA. Conclusions Our findings highlight the enduring association of birth phenotype on cognitive functioning and academic achievement during the school years, despite adjustments for maternal education and family environment. Further research is needed to implement effective interventions to improve birth outcomes and optimize child health and development in LMICs. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01665378 (URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01665378).

Year published

2024

Authors

Nguyen, Phuong Thi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Tran, Lan Mai; Khuong, Long Quynh; Nguyen, Son Van; Young, Melissa F.; DiGirolamo, Ann; Ramakrishnan, Usha

Citation

Nguyen, Phuong Thi; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Tran, Lan Mai; Khuong, Long Quynh; Nguyen, Son Van; Young, Melissa F.; DiGirolamo, Ann; and Ramakrishnan, Usha. 2024. The Relationship of preterm and small for gestational age with child cognition during school-age years. Journal of Nutrition 154(8): 2590-2598. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.06.012

Country/Region

Vietnam

Keywords

Asia; Southern Asia; Birth Weight; Child Development; Gestation Period; Prematurity; Schoolchildren

Language

English

Access/Licence

Open AccessCC-BY-4.0

Links

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.06.012 Source record

Record type

Journal Article

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The 2024 Global Food Policy Report

Food systems and diets underpin many critical challenges to public health and environmental sustainability, including malnutrition, noncommunicable diseases, and climate change, but healthy diets have the unique potential to reshape the future for both human and planetary well-being. Drawing on recent evidence and experience, the 2024 Global Food Policy Report highlights opportunities for transforming food systems to ensure sustainable healthy diets for all.

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IFPRI and CGIAR

IFPRI is a Research Center of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future. IFPRI researchers work in close partnership with researchers from other CGIAR Centers and partners through many CGIAR Research Initiatives and Platforms. Our work contributes to the CGIAR mission of delivering science and innovation that advance the transformation of food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis.

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Experts in Our Field

IFPRI’s experts work around the world to provide the evidence that supports effective policies to reduce poverty and end malnutrition.

600+

staff across the world

80+

countries where we work

#1

in the field of Agricultural Economics

20,000+

research outputs

Meet a Researcher

James Allen IV is an Associate Research Fellow in the Poverty, Gender, and Inclusion Unit. A development economist, his research aims to improve poverty, health, and education in Africa by studying policies and interventions via randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and natural experiments. James has a PhD in economics and public policy from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in agricultural, food, and resource economics from Michigan State University. He also served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mali…

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James Allen IV

From our video channel

Telling the stories of women in Odisha State, India, who were able to exercise their voice and obtain assets to improve their livelihoods within the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee (MGNREGA) program
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Our Events

Debt Distress and the Right to Food in Africa
IFPRI Policy Seminar

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October 2, 2024, 9:30 – 11:00 am

Debt Distress and the Right to Food in Africa

Also streaming on Please type your questions into the chat box with name, affiliation, and country. The event video, presenter slides, and podcast will be available in the days following the event. More than half of low-income countries are at risk of debt distress or have already defaulted. The debt crisis, while exacerbated by recent […]

Supporting and shaping the global nutrition agenda with evidence: A three-decade journey of research and partnerships for impact
IFPRI Policy Seminar

 | 

October 30, 2024, 10:00 – 11:30 am

Supporting and shaping the global nutrition agenda with evidence: A three-decade journey of research and partnerships for impact

Also streaming on Please type your questions into the chat box with name, affiliation, and country. The event video, presenter slides, and podcast will be available in the days following the event. This year’s Forman Lecture will be delivered by Dr. Marie Ruel, Senior Research Fellow in the Nutrition, Diets, and Health Unit at IFPRI. […]

Improving Diets and Nutrition through Food Systems:What Will it Take? A Dialogue on IFPRI’s 2024 Global Food Policy Report
November 6, 2024, 1:00 – 5:00 pm

Improving Diets and Nutrition through Food Systems:What Will it Take? A Dialogue on IFPRI’s 2024 Global Food Policy Report

IFPRI’s 2024 Global Food Policy flagship publication arrives at a pivotal moment, as the importance of addressing food systems for better nutrition continues to gain global recognition. With United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 29th Conference of the Parties taking place in November, the SUN Global Gathering on the horizon and the Nutrition […]

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Making a Difference Blog Series

For more than three decades, IFPRI has worked with the Government of Ethiopia to provide evidence-based advice on the development of the country’s agricultural sector.

IFPRI’s research and policy recommendations led to the establishment of Ethiopia’s Agricultural Transformation Agency (ATA) in 2010, which continues to play a critical role in guiding the country’s agricultural development and sustainability.

Tamsin Zandstra, Gashaw T. Abate, Shahidur Rashid, and Nicholas Minot outline how IFPRI’s long-term strategic research support to the ATA has led to several tangible government policy outcomes.

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