Integrating nutrition-sensitive agri-food systems into national policy frameworks: Lessons from Vietnam

This learning note documents efforts to integrate nutrition-sensitive agri-food systems (NSAF) into Vietnam's national policy frameworks between 2018 and 2025. Key achievements include co-developing official guidelines and training materials adopted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, building capacity among over 150 provincial, district, and commune staff across the Mekong Delta and Northern Midlands and Mountainous regions, and generating regional food system profiles to inform evidence-based planning. Lessons learned highlight the importance of stepwise institutionalization, context adaptation across diverse agro-ecological regions, multi-stakeholder collaboration bridging agriculture and health sectors, and sustained research-policy partnerships as foundations for lasting food systems change.