Report on the Link Between ESG-Aligned Agricultural Practices and Farmer Dietary Diversity in Pakistan

Introduction: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals Through Agriculture

Food and nutritional security are foundational pillars for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in developing countries. This research investigates the role of sustainable food systems in enhancing dietary diversity, a critical component of SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). The Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework provides a comprehensive approach to transitioning towards sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture, directly supporting SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). This study addresses the empirical gap concerning the impact of ESG-compatible farming practices on the dietary diversity of agricultural households in Pakistan.

Research Objective and Methodology

The primary objective was to establish the linkage between ESG principles in agriculture and the dietary diversity of farming households. To achieve this, the study employed a robust methodological approach:

• Data Collection: A sample of 435 farmers was surveyed using multistage purposive and random sampling techniques.
• Data Analysis: The collected data were analyzed using binary probit regression and propensity score matching to determine the causal relationships between ESG practices and dietary outcomes.

Key Findings: ESG Dimensions and Their Contribution to the SDGs

State of Household Dietary Diversity (SDG 2 & SDG 3)

The analysis revealed several key characteristics of the nutritional landscape among the surveyed agricultural households:

1. The average diet diversity score, measured by the Simpson index, was 0.74.
2. Cereals constitute the primary source of calories, indicating a potential over-reliance on a single food group and a lack of nutritional variety.
3. A negative correlation was observed between family size and dietary diversity, suggesting that larger households face greater challenges in achieving nutritional security.

The Environmental Dimension: Fostering Sustainable Production (SDG 12)

The adoption of environmentally sustainable farm practices was found to be a significant determinant of improved nutrition. Farmers who implemented a greater number of sustainable practices were more likely to have higher household dietary diversity. This finding underscores the direct link between responsible production methods and the achievement of food security goals.

The Social Dimension: Empowering Communities for Better Nutrition (SDG 3 & SDG 5)

Social factors were identified as crucial drivers for enhancing dietary quality. The study confirmed a significant positive association between household dietary diversity and the following social elements:

• Nutritional Knowledge: Greater awareness of nutrition contributes directly to improved dietary choices, supporting SDG 3.
• Women’s Empowerment: Increased agency for women within the household is strongly linked to better nutritional outcomes for the entire family, highlighting the critical importance of SDG 5 (Gender Equality) in the context of food security.

The Governance Dimension: Strengthening Institutional Support (SDG 16)

Effective governance structures were positively related to the dietary diversity of agricultural households. This indicates that transparent and supportive governance mechanisms are essential for creating an enabling environment where sustainable practices can flourish and translate into improved well-being, aligning with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Conclusion and Policy Recommendations for SDG Acceleration

The study concludes that the ESG framework is a powerful tool for improving dietary diversity within farming communities. The environmental, social, and governance dimensions of agriculture are intrinsically linked to nutritional outcomes. Therefore, to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, it is imperative that agricultural policies in developing countries incorporate ESG-aligned strategies.

Recommendations:

• Integrate ESG principles into national agricultural and food security policies to promote holistic and sustainable development.
• Develop programs that enhance farmers’ capacity for sustainable agricultural practices, directly contributing to SDG 2 and SDG 12.
• Invest in educational initiatives focused on nutrition and empower women through targeted interventions to advance SDG 3 and SDG 5.
• Strengthen governance mechanisms to ensure equitable and effective support for farming communities.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger: The article’s central theme is food and nutritional security, dietary diversity, and sustainable food systems, which are core components of this goal.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality: The study explicitly identifies “women’s empowerment” as a significant factor in improving household dietary diversity, directly linking to this goal.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The focus on “sustainable food systems,” “sustainable food production,” and “sustainable farm practices” aligns with the principles of this goal.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: The article mentions the ESG framework as an approach to achieving “climate resilience” in food systems, connecting the agricultural practices to broader climate goals.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Under SDG 2 (Zero Hunger):
  • Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food. The article directly addresses this by examining “food and nutritional security” and “dietary diversity” among farming households.
  • Target 2.2: End all forms of malnutrition. The study’s focus on “dietary diversity” is a key strategy for combating malnutrition.
  • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices. The article’s analysis of “sustainable farm practices” and their impact on farmers directly relates to this target.
• Under SDG 5 (Gender Equality):
  • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making. The article supports this by showing that “women’s empowerment” is “significantly associated with household dietary diversity,” highlighting the positive outcomes of women’s increased agency.
• Under SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production):
  • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. The promotion of “ESG-compatible practices” and “sustainable farm practices” discussed in the article contributes directly to this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Household Dietary Diversity Score: The article explicitly mentions using the “Simpson index” to measure diet diversity, reporting an “average diet diversity score of 0.74.” This is a direct indicator for measuring progress towards nutritional security (Targets 2.1 and 2.2).
• Adoption Rate of Sustainable Farming Practices: The study compares farmers who adopt “a greater number of sustainable practices” with those who adopt a “lower number.” The number and type of sustainable practices adopted can serve as an indicator for Target 2.4.
• Level of Women’s Empowerment: While the specific metric is not detailed, the study treats “women’s empowerment” as a measurable variable that is “significantly associated with household dietary diversity.” This implies the use of an index or a set of questions to quantify empowerment, which can be an indicator for Target 5.5.
• Level of Nutritional Knowledge: The article identifies “nutritional knowledge” as a significant factor in the social dimension. This can be measured through surveys or assessments to track progress in awareness related to sustainable and healthy diets.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: frontiersin.org