text: In several Sahclian countries, assist- ance has been given to food produc- tion, dry-season gardening and com- munity-based cereal banks. The im- portance of community-based pro- gramming has been stressed in Mali, where UNICHF is negotiating a joint project with IFAI) to support food security, education and functional lit- eracy. In Burundi, Ethiopia and Rwanda, provision of women's credit is an important component ol the food security programme. Micronutrient deficiencies: In the long term, the best way to overcome micronutrient deficiencies is through improvements in the quantity and quality of diets, but there is an urgent need at present to continue to supple- ment diets in many countries with vitamins and minerals, especially for vitamin A, iron and iodine deficien- cies. The provision of dietary supple- ments for women and children is a traditional form of UNICEF support which should be enhanced, and new means oi distribution are currently being explored. Of particular promise are attempts in Bangladesh and India to build on the outreach of immuniza- tion programmes. UNICEF support for vitamin A defi- ciency control programmes more than doubled during the year and a record 105 million high-dose capsules were distributed. Major programmes in Bangladesh and Indonesia absorbed most of these supplements, and home gardens were encouraged in Bangla- desh and elsewhere (see profile, pope 32). UNICEF also needs to be more active in the area of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). One successful promotion dur- ing the year was a workshop in India which was accompanied by a film. Put the Iron Back Into Our People. The promotion encouraged managers in 2,500 industries to adopt plans for the control ot anaemia among women. The International Council for Con- trol of Iodine Deficiency Disorders (iccinn) continued to receive support from UNICKF, which now assists activi-
analysis: The text primarily focuses on initiatives and programs related to food security, micronutrient deficiencies, and health, which suggests a strong connection to the health sector. However, the text also touches on economic development, as some of the programs aim to improve the livelihoods of communities, particularly through provision of women's credit and support for food production.