Research Philosophy
In order to produce research that leads to an equitable and meaningful understanding of the way that real-world systems work, objective and external forces that influence outcomes as well as the internal forces discovered within each context must be thoroughly explored.
Research & Publications
Buying to Thrive: Exploring the Potential for Market-Based Approaches to Contribute to Increases in Diet Diversity in Mozambique.
2017-2020
We can think of hunger in terms of not getting enough to eat. Yet there is a 'hidden hunger' that results from not eating enough of the right types of foods. Hidden hunger is another name for micronutrient deficiencies. Not getting enough of essential minerals and nutrients such as iron, vitamin A, zinc, or iodine - some of the most prevalent micronutrient deficiencies globally - can lead to serious health problems.
People living in low- and middle-income countries, such as Mozambique, are especially vulnerable to this type of hunger, as their diet typically is comprised of calorie-rich but nutrient-deficient foods. One of the most effective ways to reduce hidden hunger, is to eat a variety of foods that are rich in micronutrients (e.g., fruits, vegetables, legumes, meat).
We know that an increasing number of low-income households in LMICs are purchasing at least some of their foods from markets. Thus, there is increasing interest in the role that businesses and food purchases can play in increasing the diversity of the diet among households that may be suffering from hidden hunger. The purpose of this research was to explore this possibility.
This research involved investigating:
If consumers are purchasing diverse foods from urban markets in the town of Nampula in Mozambique, and, if so, how much are they willing to pay for this diversity?
How these purchases are related to what individuals believe about the connection between diversity and health.
Effective education and behaviors that can help households improve their diet diversity through purchases they make at the market.
This research involve a novel approach to estimating willingness to pay using revealed market-data and use of the Trials of Improved Practices Method to work with community participants to understand how to improve diet diversity through the market. This research led to the development of the BUY2THRIVE curriculum which can be adapted for a variety of contexts.
Publications
Viability of Market-Based Solutions for Addressing Micronutrient Deficiency
A significant portion of my research to date has focused on how businesses might be structured to create nutritional impact among low-income consumers by offering highly nutritious foods that will address deficiencies in essential nutrients for human growth and development. As the proportion of consumers purchasing at least a share of their food requirements is increasing globally, there is potential for the market to stimulate and meet the demand for nutritious and safe foods. However, markets catering to low-income populations face significant barriers to scale and sustainability. More research is desperately needed in this field.
Evaluation of GAIN’s Marketplace for Nutritious Foods Program
In partnership with the Institute of Development Studies, the University of Guelph, and the Global Alliance of Improved Nutrition (GAIN), this research sought to understand better the barriers to scale and long-term sustainability that are faced by businesses attempting to sell nutritious foods to low-income populations. We worked closely with two of businesses supported by GAIN’s Marketplace for Nutritious Foods program to contextualize findings from desk review that we conducted. This research also examined if the MNF program supported businesses in addressing barriers.
Business-Based Strategies for Improved Nutrition: The Case of Grameen Danone Foods Limited
Part of the wider research program, Leveraging Agriculture for Nutrition in South Asia, the case study of Grameen Danone Foods Limited examined the extent to which viable business opportunities exist for marketing commercially produced nutritious foods to low-income households. GDFL produces and distributes fortified yogurt to rural and urban households in Bangladesh. The research consisted of a choice experiment and survey with 1,000 mothers and 600 school children.
Other Research
Virginia Tech Food Access and Security
In response to reports emerging throughout the United States on the presence of food insecurity on college campuses, Virginia Tech launched a multi-disciplinary team of researchers in 2017 to investigate food access and security among undergraduate and graduate students at Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus. Understanding the experiences of students in accessing safe, affordable, and nutritious foods is essential to supporting that access and ensuring a successful, inclusive, and enjoyable educational experience.
Assessment of World Vision's Promoting Agriculture, Governance and the Environment Program - Sierra Leone
An endline evaluation was conducted of the program 'Promoting Agriculture, Governance and the Environment'. The program was a $15.2 million intervention funded by USAID, led and operated by ACDI/VOCA, Tetra Tech ARD and World Vision International. Based on the conclusions of the report, recommendations were provided for the subsequent program 'Systems Approach to Improve and Sustain Food Security'.
Vertical Economies of Scope in Small Scale Dairy Operations - Ontario, Canada
This research supported the small scale dairy operations in Southwestern Ontario. A price analysis of artisan cheeses was conducted in two cities and dairy processors were interviewed to gather data on costs of production. An extensive desk review was conducted to identify vertical economies of scope within the production to reduce costs and increase viability of small scale dairy operations.