Objective: The Horticulture Investment Study seeks to quantify and qualify public and private investments, alongside identifying challenges and opportunities in horticultural research and development, aimed at facilitating high-level policy engagement. This research is led by the Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture, in collaboration with the World Vegetable Center, the One CGIAR Initiative on Fruit and Vegetables for Sustainable Healthy Diets (FRESH), and various university partners. Background: Despite widespread recommendations to increase fruit and vegetable consumption—endorsed by 93% of Food-Based Dietary Guidelines—significant barriers remain. These include limited access, high costs, and entrenched dietary preferences, alongside inadequate global production that disproportionately impacts low-income and Global South populations. Addressing these issues is vital for enhancing nutrition and income, particularly through the empowerment of small-scale farmers in the Global South, where fruits and vegetables often represent women-managed crops. Methods: This study spans several countries including Cambodia, Philippines, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Benin, Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, Guatemala, USA, and Germany. It employs a mixed-methods approach, beginning with a Delphi questionnaire distributed among key stakeholders from government, academia, international NGOs, and the private sector. Subsequent in-person workshops facilitate discussions on investment estimates and the dynamics of horticultural investments in each country. The inaugural workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, gathered 18 local experts who provided critical investment insights and validated the use of Delphi and Q methodologies for this study. Impact: The study aims to illuminate the economic and social impacts of investing in fruit and vegetable production, focusing on enhancing accessibility and affordability. It also addresses environmental considerations such as land use, aiming to support sustainable agricultural practices. By bridging gaps in horticultural investment, the study intends to foster supportive environments that enhance fruit and vegetable production and consumption, thus contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals. Conclusion: This study underscores the critical need for enhanced investment in horticulture to overcome systemic barriers to fruit and vegetable consumption, thereby improving global health and economic outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations in the Global South. The outcomes are expected to guide policy decisions and stimulate further research and development in the horticulture sector.
