Investment policies refer to public expenditures in agriculture and food sectors to increase production, productivity, affordability, access, and consumption of healthy foods. Government policies have a role in influencing how agriculture and food systems contribute to healthy diets and improved nutrition. Used well, they can provide key public goods, catalyse support from the private sector to make positive contributions, and also guide consumers to make good choices. This paper describes policy actions that can improve nutrition and health outcomes. Recognizing that policy needs, feasibility and outcomes must be applied and assessed within specific contexts, the paper offers a typology of food systems, from "rural" to "industrial", and provides guidance about which investments are most appropriate to fit the needs of each type of food system. 

Note: This publication was developed under the auspices of the United Nations System Standing Committee on Nutrition (UNSCN), one of the precursors to UN-Nutrition.