To what extent can agriculture be reshaped to address healthy and sustainable diets by boosting pulse production locally?

Abstract

The consumption of unhealthy and environmentally unsustainable diets is a major societal challenge because of its impacts on human health and the environment. The adoption of micronutrient-rich diets with relatively low pressure on natural resources is an important development target at the intersection between sustainability and public health goals. Pulses are known for being rich in proteins and micronutrients, while having several environmental benefits. It is still unclear to what extent improving the nutritional content of diets by boosting pulse consumption can address health concerns associated with micronutrient deficiency without exacerbating environmental impacts. Here we evaluate to what extent environmentally sustainable, healthy diets can be achieved by increasing pulse production, while reducing the areas cultivated with cereals. To that end, taking as case studies two low/middle income countries (i.e., Pakistan and Nigeria) with high prevalence of nutritional diseases among children and women, we study different crop replacement scenarios that can boost pulse supply and comply with the micronutrient requirements suggested by the EAT-Lancet Commission. We find that in Nigeria the recommended pulse intake requirement can be met by increasing the domestic production of pulses, while saving 27% of water consumption. Conversely, in Pakistan the recommended levels of pulse intake are barely met because of the limited area suitable for pulse production. Overall, the current low yields of pulses and the limited availability of land suitable for pulse production are the main constraints to their supply in these two countries.