Improving Dietary Diversity among Tribal Populations: A Decade of Intervention in Sonbhadra District of Uttar Pradesh, India

Tribal communities in India often face food insecurity, malnutrition, and limited dietary diversity due to socio-economic constraints and dependence on subsistence agriculture. This study evaluates the impact of integrated agricultural interventions under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) on the dietary patterns, nutritional intake, and economic well-being of tribal households in Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh. A longitudinal study was conducted from 2013 to 2023, assessing pre- and post-intervention dietary habits using structured household surveys, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and statistical validation through Z-scores and paired t-tests. The intervention introduced high-yielding crop varieties, backyard poultry farming, and nutrition-sensitive agricultural practices, leading to a significant increase in dietary diversity, protein intake, and household income. The study confirms that crop-livestock integration enhances nutritional security and economic resilience in marginalized communities. Additionally, qualitative data from focus group discussions (FGDs) highlighted improved food accessibility, household empowerment, and self-reliance. The findings underscore the importance of scaling up such interventions through policy support, value addition in agriculture, and market linkages for long-term sustainability. This study contributes to the global discourse on agriculture-nutrition linkages and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on hunger and health.