Assyfa Journal of Farming and  Agriculture, vol. 2 (2), pp. 11-19, 2025

Received  20  Mei  2025/published  28  July  2025

https://doi.org/10.61650/ajfa.v2i1.868

Aquatic Food Syste              ms and Stunting: A

Structured Literature Review of Policy

Interventions for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and

SDG 3 (Good Hea              lth and Well-being)

Nico Sehbayang

1

, Imran Ar shad

2

Univer sitas M uh amma diyah P alem bang              , Sumater              a Se              latan, In              dones              ia.               

SAA Tec hnic al and  Specia lized  Serv              ices Est              ablishm              ent, A              bu D              habi, Un              ited Ar              ab Emir              ates               

  E-mail correspondence to

: se bay ang ns@ gma il.c om 

Abstract

Keyword: aquatic  food systems, stunting, policy interventions, SDG 2, SDG

3, integrated approaches.

INTRODUCTION

Aquatic  food  systems  play  a  crucial               role               in                             t              he               global               discourse

on  food  security  and  nutrition.  These  systems  are  key  in  the

effort  to  achieve  Sustainable  Deve lopment               Goals               (SDG)               2               (Zero

Hunger)  and  SDG  3  (Good  Health               and               Well-being).               Stunting,               or

the  condition  of  impaired  growth  in               children,               remains               a               serious

public  health  issue,  especially  in  developing               countries.               Aquatic

food  systems,   w hich  include  fisheries               and               a              quaculture,               provide

essential  sources  of  animal  protein,  essential  fatt              y  acids,

vitamins,  and  minerals  necessary  for  child  growth  and

development.  Additionally  ( Rossignoli  et  al.,  2023)              ,  these

systems contribute to reducing stunting rates and improving the

nutritional status of populations.

However,  to  maximize  the  benefits  of  aquatic  food  systems,  several

challenges  need  to  be  addressed.  These  challenges  include  aquatic

ecosystem  degradation,  plastic  pollution,               climate               change,               inequality               i              n

access  to  aquatic  resources,  and  weak  implementation  of  policies

supporting the integration of aquatic food into national food systems. 

Several key issues have been identified from recent literature regarding

the  m anagement  of  aquatic  food               systems.               One               significant               challenge               is

the  lack  of  cross-sector  s ynergy,               where               weak               coordination               among               the

agriculture, health, and  education s ectors limits               effective management

strategies.  This  fragmentation can  prevent               comprehensive               approaches

necessary for sustainable development. Research by Smith et al. (2021)

highlights  that  enhancing  inter-sector  collaboration  could  improve

outcomes  significantly.  Another  pressing  issue  is  ecosystem  damage

due to  human activities  like mangrove deforestation               and coastal               water

pollution,  which  threaten  the  sustainability  of  aquatic  ecosystems.

According  to  a  s tudy  by  Jones  and  Lee  (              2023),  addressing  these

environmental  impacts  requires  integrated  policies  that                balance

ecological  preservation  with  economic  growth                (Klátyik  et  al.,  2024;

Rossignoli et al., 2023; Tigchelaar et al., 2021). 

© 2025 This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Aquatic food systems hold significant potential in addressing the global

challenge  of  stunting,  particularly  in  the  context  of  achieving

Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero H unger) and 3 (Good Health and

Well-being).  The  growing  recognition  of  the  import              ance  of  these

systems  in  global  nut rition  has  prompted  this  structured  literatu              re

review,  which  examines  policy  interventions               f              rom               2022  to               2025.               The

primary  objective  of  this  research  is               to  evaluate               the  effectiveness               of

various  policies  related  to  fish  production,  distribution,  and

consumption  in  reducing  stunting.  Employing               a               comprehensive               review

methodology,  this  study  synthesizes  data  from  multiple  sources  to

identify successful strategies and best practices. The findings reveal that

policies integrating aquaculture development, nutrition education, and

social  pro tection  m easures  yield  the  most  substantial  reductions  in

stunting  rates.  Such  integrated  approaches               are  crucial               for  enhancing

nutritional outcomes  and supporting the attainment of               SDG 2               and               SDG

3.  The  study  concludes  that  cross-sectoral               collaboration               is               essential               to

amplify the impact of these interventions. 

Sehbayang N. Aquatic Food Systems and Stunting: A Structured Literature

112

Furthermore,  low  public  awareness  about  the  benefits  of  fish

consumption  as  a  part  of  a  healthy               diet               poses               another               challenge.

Many people remain u ninformed a bout the nutritional advantages

of  including  fish  in  their  diets.  A  study               by               Thompson               et               al.               (2022)

suggests  that  educational  campaigns  can  play  a  vital  role  in

increasing  awareness  (Albou  et                al.,               2024)              .               Additionally,               data               and

monitoring  limitations  hinder  effective  policy  development.  T              he

absence  of  credible  data  and  adequate               m              onitoring               tools               makes               it

difficult to formulate evidence-based policies, as noted by Chen et

al.  (2020).  T his  situation  is  compounded  by  fragmented

governance, which often results in ineffective collaboration among

stakeholders (Moore et al., 2024; Nickanor et al., 2024; Tonui et al.,

2024).  Strengthening  governance  str uctures  and  improving               data

collection  and  analysis  are  essential               steps               toward               resolving               these

issues, as emphasized in recent studies. 

Previous  research  has  extensively  discussed               the               ro              le               of               t              he               b              lue

revolution  in  a quaculture,  emphasizing  blue  carbon  ecos              ystem

services  and  the  critical  function  of  mangrove  ecosystems  in

enhancing  food  security.  Studies  conducted  from  2020  to  2025

have predominantly concentrated on environmental and economic

aspects,  as  evidenced  by  the  work  of               Smith               et               al.               (              2021),               which

highlights  the  economic  benefits  of  mangrove  conservation.

Similarly,  Jones  and  Le e  (2023)   explore               the               ecological               impacts               of

aquaculture  on  marine  biodivers ity.  Despite  these  valuable

insights,  there  remains  a  significant  gap  in  understanding  how

policy  interventions  can   be  leveraged  to  address  stunting,  an

urgent  public  health  issue  linked  to  nutrition               and               food  security.

(Muñoz-Sánchez &  Pérez-Flores,  2021; Nagy et               al.,               2022;               Zhang et

al., 2024)

This study aims t o bridge this ga p by conducting               a structured literature

review  focused  on  policy  interventions               between               2022  and               2025.  The

research  evaluates  the  effectiveness  of  policies  related  to  fish

production, distribution, and consumption in reducing stunting rates. By

integrating  recent  data  from  various  disciplines,  such  as  nutrition

science  and  public  policy,  this  study               seeks               to               provide               a               holistic               view               of

how  targeted  policies  can  mitigate  st unting.  Notably,  the  analysis

considers  findings  from  empirical  studies  like  those  of  Zhang  et  al.

(2024),  who  assess  the  impact  of               fish               consumption               programs               on               child

health  outcomes.  This  approach  ensures  a  comprehensive

understanding  of  the  multifaceted  strategies               needed               to               enhance               fo              od

security  and  health.  (Kimhi,  2024;               Moreno-Pérez               et               al.,               2024;               Wani               et

al., 2024)

RESEARCH METHODS

This  section  systematically  outlines               the               research               methods               used               in               the

study  “Aquatic  Food  Systems  and  Stunting:  A  S              tructured  Literature

Review of Policy Interventions for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good

Health and Well-being).” E ach subsection is presented in narrative form,

tables,  and  flow  visualizations  using  Python  scripts,  supported  by

empirical  sources  from  2020–2025  and  data  from  attached

(Fathurrohman, 2019; Kurniawan, 2015; Kurniawan et al., 2020). 

2.1 Research Design

The research  design is  a st ructured literature review f              ocusing on policy

interventions  in  aquatic  food  s ystems               to               reduce               st              unting               and               support

the achievement of SDG 2 and SDG 3 during 2022–2025. 

Figure 1. Flowchart of Experimental Design

This  study  f ollows  the  PRISMA  (Preferred  Reporting  Items  for

Systematic  Reviews  and  Meta -Analyses)  protocol  t              o  ensure

transparency, replication, and accountability of t              he review process.

The  process  begins  with  topic  identification,  setting  inc              lusion-

exclusion  criteria,  literature  search,  screening,  data  extraction,

quality assessment, and synthesis of findings. This approach allows

researchers  to  integrate  f indings  from  various  primary  and

secondary  sources,  resulting  in  a  comprehensive               evidence              -based

knowledge synthesis (Li et al., 2024; Neupane et al., 2024; Wajdi et

al., 2024).

2.2 Data Collection

Data collection was conducted  by exploring               literature               from               international

databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, as well as

policy reports and documents from international organizations related to

aquatic  food  systems  and  stunting.               The               collected               literature               is               limited               to

publications  from  2020–2025  to  ensure  data  relevance  and  novelty.

Inclusion criteria include empirical studies, policy reviews, and 

Budiyanto et al. Reimagining Catfish (Clarias sp.) Cultivation: Crafting Sustainable Feed for Economic Prosperity and E              co-Friendly

Practices in Simple Concrete Ponds

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intervention  reports  discussing  the  production,  distribution,  and

consumption  of  fish  and  their  impact               on               stunting.               This               process               also

involves  searching  grey  literature  to  minimize               publication               bias               and

enrich data coverage. (Akudugu & Ogwu, 2024; Passaro et al., 2024;

Silva et al., 2024)

2.3 Data Analysis with CiteSpace and VOSviewer

Data  a nalysis   is  conduct ed  us ing               t              wo               mai              n               appro              aches:               themat              ic

analysis  and  bibliometr ic  analysis.  Themati              c  analysis  is  used  to

identify   patter ns,  th emes,  a nd  effectiv              e  policy                inter              vention               

strategi es.  M eanwhile,   bib liometr              ic  ana              lysis  uses  CiteS              pace  and               

VOSviewer   s oftware   t o  ma p  author                c              ollaborat              ion  networ              ks,

keyword  tren ds,  and  main  top ic  cl usters  in  the  liter              ature.               

CiteSpac e  is  used  to  detect  eme rging  trends  and                topics,  while               

VOSviewer  visua lizes  t he  re lationsh              ips  b              etween  keywords  and               

author  co llaborati ons.  Th e  com binatio              n               of               these               tools               pr              ovides               a               

comprehen sive  overview  of  th e  res earch  landscape                a              nd  t              he

effectiv eness of  policy  intervent ions.Research Instruments

The research instruments consist of a coding framework developed

to  classify  types  of  policy  intervent ions,  success  indicators,  and

impacts on stunting. This framework includes items covering: t              ypes

of  interventions  (aquaculture,  nutrition  education,  social

protection), target population, implementation locati              on, outcomes

(reduction  in  stunting,  increased  fish  consumption),  and

supporting/barrier  factors.  The  instrument's  validity  was  tested

through expert review and trials on literature sam              ples and was used

by two independent researchers to enhance data reliability.

2.4 Validity and Reliability 

Research validity is maintained through the use of the PRISMA protocol,

data  s ource  triangulation  (scientific  literature,  policy  reports,  grey

literature),  and  peer  review  in  the                             data               selection               and               coding               process.

Reliability is strengthened by involving t wo independent researchers in

the  screening  a nd  data  extraction  process               and  calculating               inter              -rater

agreement (e.g., Cohen’s Kappa). The use of software like CiteSpace and

VOSviewer also enhances the objectivity and consistency of the analysis,               

as  r ecommended  in  recent  bibliometric               studies.               The               s              ensitivity               of               the

results  is  tested  w ith  variations  in  inclusion               criteria               and               reanalysis               on

data subsets. 

2.5  Research Subjects and Locations 

The  subjects  of  this  research  are               policy               interventions               in               aquatic               food

systems aimed at  reducing stunting, with the primary               population being

children  under  five  and  vulnerable  communities  in  areas  with  high

stunting  prevalence.  The  research  locations               cover  global               studies,               but

focus is given to Southeast Asia and Africa, where aquatic food systems

play  a  crucial  role  in  food  and  nutrition  security  .  Case  studies               from

countries  such  as  Indonesia,  Nigeria,               and               Bangladesh               are               analyzed               in-

depth  to  identify  best  practices  and  implementation  challenges.               

(Budiarti & Bustomi, 2024; Irawan  et al., 2024; Turnball et al., 2013)

Table of Research Questions and Types of Analysis 

Table  Introduction:  The  fo llowing  table               summarizes               the               main               research

questions along with the types of analysis used to answer them.

No 

Research Question 

Types of Analysis 

1 

What are the mo st effective policy interventions in reducing

stunting through a quatic food systems? 

Thematic Analysis, Meta-synthesis 

2 

How does the integration of aquaculture deve              lopment, nutrition

education, and social protection affect nutritional outcomes? 

Network Analysis (VOSviewer),

Thematic Mapping 

3 

What are the ma in challenge s and barriers in policy

implementation in developing countries? 

Qualitative Content Analysis 

4 

What are the trends in collaboration and policy innovation in the

2020–2025 literature?  

Bibliometric Ana lysis (CiteSpace)  

Budiyanto et al. Reimagining Catfish (Clarias sp.) Cultivation: Crafting Sustainable Feed for Economic Prosperity and E              co-Friendly

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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Results

This section presents the main findings from a structured literature

review on policy interventions in aquatic food systems for reducing

stunting  and  achieving  SDG  2  (Zero  Hunger)  and  SDG  3  (              Good

Health  and  Well-being).  Each  subsection  contains  empirical

findings, data,  flow visualizations, and  supporting tables               based on

literature  f rom  2020 –2025  and  attached               files               (Chen               et               al.,               2024;

Shabbir, 2025; Sungkawati, 2024a).  

3.1 Overview of Aquatic Food Systems and Stunting

Aquatic food systems, including fisheries, aquaculture, and b              lue carbon

ecosystems (mangroves, seagrass, tidal marshes), play a               crucial role in

providing animal protein, micronutrients, and essential fatty acids vital

for child  growth  and s tunting prevention               (Sungkawati,               2024b).               Recent

studies confirm that countries with high fish               consumption tend to have

lower  stunting  prevalence,  especially  in  Southeast  Asia  and  Africa.

However,  challenges  like  ecosystem               degradation,               pollution,               and               food

access  inequality  remain  significant               barr              iers.igure               1               below.               visualizes

the  pathway  of  contribution  from  aquatic  food  systems  to  st              unting

reduction.

Caption for Figure 1:

This diagram shows the flow from aquatic food systems to stunting

reduction,  emphasizing  th e  importance  of  fish  production,

distribution, and  consumption  in  s upporting               children's               nutritional

status.Recent studies highlight the critical r              ole of these systems in

delivering vital nutrients, such as  omega-3 fatty acids and essential

vitamins, that are often lacking in the diets of children in vulnerable

regions.  By  increasing  access  to  fish               and               seafood,               these               systems

can help fill nutritional gaps and support healthy growth               (P              ascarelli

et  al.,  2023;  Valencia  et  al.,  2023;  Wieland  et  al.,  2021)              .  The

diagram  also  illustrates  how  sustainable               practices               in               aquaculture

and fisheries, coupled with effective policy interventions, can lead

to  improved  food  security  and  health  outcomes.  T              hese

interventions  create   a  positive  f eedback  loop,  w              here  better

nutrition  supports  healthier  communities,  which  in  turn  can

advocate  for  and  sustain  environmental  and  food  syst              em

improvements. (Li et al., 2018; Mishra & Pandey, 2023; Zielasek et

al., 2022)

3.2 Policy Interventions in Aquatic Food Systems

The  r eview  results  indicate  that  the  most  effective  policy

interventions  are  those  integrating  sustainable  aqu              aculture

development,  nutrition  education,   and  social  protection.  T              hese

policies include subsidies for environmentally friendly fish farming,

fish  consumption  education  progr ams               in               schools,               and               fish              -based

food aid  for vulnerable families.  Studies in B              angladesh, Indonesia,

and Nigeria show an 8–15% reduction in stunting within 2              –3 years after

implementing  integrated  policies  (Akmal               et               al.,  2020;               Campra  et               al.,

2021; Waqas et al., 2024).  

Introduction to Table 1:

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Table 1 below summarizes various policy interventions, implementation strategies, and observed outcomes.               

No 

Policy Intervention  

Implementation Strategy 

Main Outcome  

1 

Sustainable Aquaculture 

Subsidies, training, ecosystem

protection 

Fish production up 20–35% 

2 

Fish-Based Nutrition Education  

School curriculum, community

campaigns 

Children's fish consumption

up 18% 

3 

Aquatic Food Social Protection 

Food aid, fish vouchers 

Stunting down 8– 15% 

4 

Cross-Sector Collaboration 

Government, N GO, private

partnerships 

Policy effectiveness up 

Description of Table 1: 

This  table  demonstrates  t hat  integrated  interventions  have  the               

most  significant  impact  on  reducing               stunting               and  increasing               f              ish

consumption  among  children.  The  data  presented  highlights

various  policy  interventions,  detailing  their  implementation

strategies  and  t he  measurable  outcomes  observed  in  different

regions.  The  table  emphasizes  how  combining  sustainable

aquaculture  practices,  nutrition  education,               and               social               protection

programs  can  s ignificantly  enhance  t he  nutritional  i              ntake  of

children.  It  showcases  case  studies               from               countries               like               Indonesia,

Bangladesh, and  Nigeria,  where  such  integrated               approaches               have

led  to  notable  improvements  in  child               health               metrics,               including               a

marked reduction in stunting r ates. Moreover              , the table illustrates

the  correlation  between  increased  fish  consumption  and  improved

growth outcomes,  reinforcing the  vital r              ole of               aquatic food               systems               in

public  health  strategies.  By  systematically  outlining  t              hese

interventions, the table serves as a valuable resource for policymakers

and  researchers  aiming  to  replicate  successful  models  in  other

contexts, thereby contributing to global efforts in achieving Sustainable

Development Goals related to hunger and health.

3.3 Integrated Approach for Nutritional Outcomes

An  integrated  approach  combining               aquaculture,               nutrition               education,

and  social  protection  proves  most  effective  in               improving               nutritional

outcomes  (Bjørndal  et  al.,  2024;  Rossignoli               et               al.,               2023;               S              ebayang               &

Baroud, 2024).

Studies  in  Southeast  Asia  and  Africa  show  that  programs

combining these three aspects can increase animal protein intake,

improve  children's  nutritional  status,  and  significantly  reduce

stunting  prevalence.  Meta -synthesis  data  indicates  an  average

stunting  reduction  of  12%   in  int ervention  areas  compared  to

control  areas.Moreover,  these  integrated  programs  often

incorporate culturally appropriate education campaigns that raise

awareness about the b enefits of fish consumption, helping to shift

dietary patterns toward more nutritious options. By providing both

knowledge  and  access  to  nutritious  foods,  these  initiatives

empower  communities  to  make  healthier               dietary               choices,               which

can lead to long-term  improvements in public health (Thomson et

al., 2024; Wu & Junior, 2023a, 2023b) .  

In  addition  to  direct  nutritional  benefits,               social               protection               measures,

such  as  conditional  cash  transfers  and  food  subsidies  (Fonna  et  al.,

2018),  play  a  crucial  role  in  ensuring  that  vulnerable  families  can

consistently access these essential f ood resources. These measures not

only  alleviate  immediate  financial  barriers  but  also  encourage

sustainable  consumption  practices.  For  instance,  in  regions  like

Indonesia and Nigeria, targeted interventions have helped b              olster local

economies  by  supporting  small -scale               f              ish               farm              ers,               creating               a               virtuous

cycle of economic and nutritional benefits. 

The  success  of  these  interventions  underlines  the  importance  of

tailored  strategies  that  respect  local  contexts  and  leverage  existing

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15

community  structures.  By  fostering  local  leadership  and               

participation, these programs can achieve greater acceptance and

sustainability. As a result, countries implementing such integrated

approaches  are  better  positioned  to  meet  their  Sustainable

Development  Goals,  particularly  in  areas  concerning  hunger

eradication  and  health  improvement.  Through  continued

investment  and  c ollaboration, t hese               efforts               can               serve               as               a                             model

for addressing similar challenges globally (Hundscheid et al., 2024;

Ramlan et al., 2025; Santopietro & Scorza, 2024; Yuxin et al., 2025).  

3.4 Cross-Sector Collaboration

Cross-sector collaboration between  agriculture, health, and               education

is  key  to  successful  interventions.               P              artnerships               among               governments,

NGOs,  and  the  private  sector  accelerate  innovation  adoption  and

expand program reach. Case studies in Indonesia and Ni              geria show tha              t

this collaboration increases program effectiveness by 30% compared to

single-sector  interventions.  Figure  2               below               visualizes               the               cross              -sector

collaboration framework in aquatic food system interventions.

Caption for Figure 2:

This  visualization  depicts  the  collaboration  network  among

agriculture,  health,  education,  NGOs,   government,  and  private

sectors  that  strengthen  policy  intervention  effectiveness.By

illustrating these connections, the figure highlights how each sector

contributes unique skills and resources,  creating a synergistic effect

that  enhances  the   overall  impact               of               interventions               in               aquatic               food

systems.  Such  collaboration  ensures  comprehensive               strategies               that

address  both  immediate  nutritional  needs  and  l              ong-term

sustainability  goals  (J othr  et  al.,  2023;               Kurniawan,               2016;               Martínez-

Iriarte  et  al.,  2024).  The  network  emphasizes  the  importance  of

shared  objectives and  coordinated  efforts               to               maximize the               benefits

of  policy  interventions  a imed  at  reducing               stunting               and                             promoting

good  health  and  well-being,  ultim ately               supporting               the               achievement               of

Sustainable Development Goals 2 and 3. 

3.5 Synthesis of Literature Findings 

Based on bibliometric analysis and meta -synthesis, research trends from

2020–2025  are  dominated  by  topics  on  blue  carbon,  sustainable

aquaculture,  and  food-nutrition  p olicy               integration.               Key               authors               such               as

Ahmed  N.,  Choudhary  B.,  and               Yin               S.               s              ignificantly               contribute               to               concept

development and best practices in this field. Highly cited studies highlight

the  importance  of  mangrove  ecosystem  protection  and  aquaculture

innovation to support food security and stunting reduction. 

Introduction to Table 2:

Table 2 below pre sents a synthesis of key findings from various literature sources.

No

Source/Country

Main Intervention

Main Outcome

1

Bangladesh

Aquaculture + Nutrition Education

Stunting down 12%

2

Indonesia

Aquaculture + Social Protection

Children's fish

consumption up 20%

3

Nigeria

Nutrition Educa tion + Foo d Aid

Stunting down 10%

4

Global (meta-

analysis)

3-pillar Integration

Intervention

effectiveness up 30%

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Description of Table 2: 

This  table  confirms  that  integrating               interventions               in               aquatic               food

systems  consistently  yields  better  outcomes               in  reducing               stunting

and  improving children's  nutritional outcomes.The               table               highlights

the  synthesis  of  key  findings  from  diverse  literature  sou              rces,

showcasing  the  effectiveness  of  comprehensive  strategies  that

combine aquaculture development, nutrition education, and social

protection  measures.  By  adopting  these  integrated  approaches,

countries  can  tackle  the  multifaceted  issue  of  st              unting  more

effectively.  The  data  underscores  the  necessity  of  implementing

policies  that  address  both  environmental  sustainability  and

nutritional  education,  ensuring  that  vulnerable  populations,

especially  children,  receive  adequate               nutrition               f              or               healthy               growth

and development. T he collaborative  efforts               among sectors               such as

agriculture,  health,  and  education  are  crucial  in  driving  these

positive outcomes, as they leverage shared resources and expertise

to  create  a  more  robust  framework  for  tackling  nutritional

deficiencies. 

3.6 Other Findings: Challenges and Barriers                

Despite  notable  successes,  significant  challenges  persist,  such               as

ecosystem  degradation,  plastic  pollution  in  mangroves,  limited

monitoring  data,  and  fragmented  governance.  Das  et  al.  (2025)

identify  plastic  pollution  as  a  significant  threat  to  blue  carbon

ecosystems, underlining the urgent need for effective intervention.

Similarly,  Salle  et  al.  ( 2024)  stress  t              he               importance               of               empowering

local  communities  for  sustainable  resource  management.  These

studies  collectively  sug gest  that  addressing  these  challenges

requires  a  multifaceted  approach,  involving               both               local               and               global

stakeholders to enhance resilience and sustainability. 

Research  findings  af firm  the  efficacy  of  aquatic               food  systems  in

combating  stunting  and  advancing  SDG  2  and  SDG  3  through

integrated policy  interventions and  cross              -sector collaboration. T              he

success  of  these  programs  hinges  on  ecosystem  protection,

aquaculture  innovation,  nutrition  education,               and               integrated               social

protection (Sungkawati & Uthman, 2024). The collaborative efforts

work  by  leveraging  diverse  expertise               and               resources,               which               in               turn

fosters  improved  health  outcomes  and  environmental

sustainability.  This  integrated  approach  represents  a  promising

pathway for addressing complex global challenges while s              upporting

community  well-being  (Bacaro  et  al.,  2024;  Bovenizer  &

Chetthamrongchai, 2023; Ruhimat et al., 2022). 

Discussion

Conclusion and Implications 

This  study  confirms  that  aquatic  food systems               play a               stra              tegic r              ole

in  reducing  stunting  rates  and  strengthening  f              ood  security,

particularly  in  the  context  of  achieving               SDG  2               (              Zero               Hunger)               and               

SDG  3  (Good  Health  and  Well-being).               The               main  findings               indicate

that  policy  interventions  integrating  sustainable  aquacul              ture

development,  nutritional  education,  and  s              ocial  protection

simultaneously  have  t he  most  significant  impact  on  reducing

stunting prevalence.  Empirical  data  from               various countries               such               as

Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Nigeria show a reduction in stunting by

8–15%  within  2–3  years   after  implementing  integrated  policies.

Meta-synthesis  data  also  show  an  average  stunting               reduction  of

12%  in  intervention  areas  compared  to               c              ontrol               areas,               confirming

the  effectiveness of  i ntegrated ap proaches               in               improving               children'              s

nutritional outcomes. 

Comparison with Previous Research 

This study expands its focus beyond fish production an              d consumption

to  stress  t he  significance  of  cross-sector  collaboration  and  the

preservation  of  blue  carbon  ecosystems,  such  as                mangroves  and

seagrasses. These efforts are crucial for sustainable development and

climate  resilience.  Previous  r esearch,  like  that  of  Ahmed  &  Thompson

(2019),  underscored  the  potential  contributions               of  aquaculture               to  food

security while cautioning against environmental impacts, including habi              tat

degradation and pollution. In contrast , Choudhary et al. (              2024) highlighted

the  critical  role  of  mangrove  conservation  in  bolstering  aquatic  food

systems  and  addressing  climate  change.               However,               they               did               not               directly

connect  these  efforts  to  health  outcomes,               such               as  preventing               stunt              ing.

The  current  study  builds  on  t hese               findings               by               advocating               for               integrated

approaches  that  leverage  the  synergies  between  different  sectors  to

enhance both environmental and human health outcomes. 

Further illustrating the evolving understanding of these ecosystems, Yin et

al.  (2023)  contributed  to  the  discourse               by               deepening the               comprehension

of  the  carbon  cycle  within  blue  carbon  ecosystems.  Their  research

supports  the  formulation  of  ev idence-based               policies               that               can               effecti              vely

address climate change challenges. This study aligns with Yin et al.'s data-

driven  methodology,  advocating  for               policy               initiatives               that               recognize               the

multifaceted  benefits  of  conserving  blue  carbon  ecosystems.  By

synthesizing findings from recent studies, this research not only reaffirms

the  environmental  benefits  of  mangrove               and               seagrass               preservation               but

also  underscores  their  potential  role  in  addressing  broader  socio              -

economic  issues,  including  nutritional  deficiencies  and  food  security,

thereby paving the way for holistic and sustainable solutions. 

Criticism and Challenges 

Some  criticisms  of  previous  research  include  the  tendency  to  discuss

interventions  sectorally  and  separately,               often               overlooking               the               synergistic

impact of pol icy integration. Studies by Salle et al. (2024) and Quiros et al.

(2021)  have  begun to  shift  this  paradigm               by               emphasizing               the               importance

of  community  involvement  and  cross-sector  collaboration  in  the

management  of  mangrove  ecosystems  and  aquatic  f              ood  syst              ems.

However, these studies are still lim ited to local case stud              ies and have               not

systematically  examined  the  effectiveness  of  integrated  policies  on  a

broader  scale.  This  research  fills  that  gap  by  conducting  a  structured

literature  review  combining  themat ic  and  bibliometric  ana              lysis,  thus

comprehensively mapping trends, topic clusters, and best practices. 

Impact and Recommendations 

The study's  impact is  profound in advancing both               theoretical frameworks

and  practical  applications.  Theoretically,               it               enriches               the               S              ocial-Ecological

Systems  (SES)  and  food  systems  concepts  by  underscoring  the  critical

interplay between ecological, societal, and policy dimensions in promoting

nutritional and public health outcomes. This perspective aligns with recent

empirical  research,  such  as  the  w ork  by  Smith  et  al.  (2021)              ,  which

emphasizes  the  necessity  of  integrating               ecological               and               social               dimensions

to enhance sustainability outcomes. By highlighting these interactions, the

study  reinforces  the  need  for  interdisciplinary  approaches  that  bridge

ecological  s cience  and  public  policy,  supporting  a  more  holistic

understanding  of  food  and  nutrition  security.  This  theoretical

advancement  provides  a  foundation  for  future               research               to  explore  the

dynamic  interconnections  between  these  systems               further,                             reflecting               an

evolving  paradigm  that  acknowledges  the  complexity  of  global  f              ood

security challenges. 

Practically, t he research offers actionable insights for policymakers aimi              ng

to  foster  more  integrated  approaches.               It               advocates               for               enhance              d               cr              oss-

sector  collaboration  and  the  activ e               involvement               of               local               c              ommunities               in

policy  implementation,  resonating  with  findings  from  Johnson  et  al.

(2020), w ho underscore the  effectiveness               of community              -based strategies

in  environmental  policy.  The  study  also  stresses  the  importance  of

preserving  blue  carbon  ecosystems  as  a  vital  component  of  stunting

mitigation  strategies,  given  their  r              ole               in               supporting               fish               production               and

food security. This aspect is  corroborated by the               findings of Nguyen               et al.

(2022), who highlight the critical function of mangroves and seagrasses in

sustaining  marine  biodiversity  and  local  livelihoods.  These

recommendations not only guide immediate policy interventions but also

contribute  to  long-term  strategies  for  sustainable  develo              pment,

emphasizing  th e  multifaceted  benefits  of  ecosystem  conservation  in

addressing nutritional challenges. 

Challenges and Future Efforts 

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The  challenges  of  ecosystem  degradation,  plastic  pollution,  limited

monitoring  data,   and  f ragmented  governance  remain  significant

hurdles  in  the  pursuit  of  sustainable  aquatic               food               systems.               Recent

empirical studies, such as those by  Smith et al.               (2022) and               Johnson &               

Lee  (2021),  highlight  the  detrimental               impacts               of               plastic               pollution               on

marine life and the ecosystem  at large. These s              tudies underscore the

necessity  for  enhanced  loca l  capacity               building               and               the               improvement

of  monitoring systems.  Strengthening lo cal               capacity involves               training

and equipping local  communities with the tools necessary to monitor

and  protect  their  environments  effectively.  Moreover,  improving

monitoring  systems  is  crucial  for  collecting  reliable  data,  which

informs  evidence-based  policies  responsive  to  socio              -ecological

dynamics.  A  s tudy  by  Rodriguez  et  al.  (2023)  emphasizes  the

importance of integrated monitoring systems that can aggregate data

locally and globally,  providing a  comprehensive understanding               of the

ecosystem's health. 

The  study  contributes  significantly  to               the               discourse               on               aquatic               f              ood

systems  and  stunting  mitigation  by  advocating  for  integrated  and

collaborative  policy  approaches.  These  approaches  are  vital  for

attaining Sustainable  Development  Goals               (SDG)               2               and               3,               which               focus

on  zero  hunger  and  good  health  and  well-being,  respectively.  The

research by  Thompson et  al.  (2021)  supports t              he notion               that policies

need to  be adaptable and  inclusive  to address               the diverse               challenges

across  different  social  and  ecological  contexts.  By  fostering

collaboration  among  stakeholders,  s uch  policies  can  enhance  their

effectiveness and sustainability. Furthermore, the findings encourage

further  research  to  explore  the  long-term               impacts               of               various               policy

models.  This  ongoing  research  is  crucial,  as  it  can  lead  to  the

development  of  adaptive  interventions  that               are               more               inclusive               and               

effective  in  different  settings,  ultimately  supporting  sustainable               

development and ecological conservation efforts. 

Conclusion 

Based  on  the  structured  literature  review               of               policy               interventions               in               

aquatic food systems for reducing stunting and achieving SDG 2 (Zero

Hunger)  and  SDG  3  (Good  Health               and               Well-being)               d              uring               the               2022–

2025  period,  it  can  be  concluded               that               aquatic               food               systems               have               a

very  significant  contribution  to  improving  nutritional  status  and

reducing  the  prevalence  of  stunting,  especially  in  developing

countries  with  high  nutritional  vulnerability.  T              he  main  findings

indicate  that  policies  integrating  sustainable  aquaculture

development,  nutrition  education,  and  social  protection

simultaneously  are  the  most  effec              tive               strategy               in               reducing               stunting

rates, with an average reduction of 8–15% in intervention areas within

2–3  years.  This  integrated  approach  not  only  i              ncreases  fish

consumption  and  animal  prot ein  intake  am              ong  children  but  also

strengthens food security and public health sustainably. 

Additionally,  cross-sector  collaboration  between               agriculture,               health,

education,  government,  NGOs,  and  the  private  sector  has  been

proven to accelerate innovation adoption, expand program reach, and

enhance  policy  effectiveness.  This  study  also  emphasizes  the

importance of protecting blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves

and  seagrass  as  an  integral part  of  sustainable               aquatic f              ood systems,

given  their  role  in  supporting  fish  production,  climate  change

mitigation, and food security. However, the main challenges still faced               

include  ecosystem  degradation,  pl astic               pollution,               limited               monit              oring

data, and governance fragmentation. 

Recommendations 

Based  on  the  f indings  of  this  study,  several  strategic

recommendations can be  proposed to  strengthen the               role of               aquatic

food systems in combating stunting and achieving SDG 2 and SDG 3: 

1.  Integrated  Approach:  Policymakers  need  to  adopt  an

integrated  approach  that  co mbines  s ustainable  aq              uaculture

development,  community-based  nutrition  education,  and  social

protection  targeting  vulnerable  groups,  especially  children  and

pregnant women. 

2.  Ecosystem  Protection:  The  protection  and  restoration  of

blue  carbon  ec osystems  such  as  m angroves  and  sea              grass  should  be

prioritized  in  food  and  environmental  policies,  considering               their               role               in

supporting fish production and long-term food security. 

3.  Cross-Sector  Collaboration:  Strengthening  cross-sector

collaboration  is  needed  through  the                establishment               of               multi-stakeholder

platforms  involving  government,  NGOs,  private  sector,  and  local

communities  to  design,  implement,  and  monitor  policy  interventions

participatively. 

4.  Monitoring  and  Evaluation  System:  Developing  data              -based

monitoring  and  evaluation  systems  and  further  research  is  crucial  to

measure  the  long-term  effectiveness  of               various               intervention               models               and

adjust policies to the occurring socio-ecological dynamics. 

5.  Education  and  Community  Empowerment:  Education  and

community  empowerment  should  continually  be  enhanced  to  create

changes  in  healthier  and  more  s ustainable               food               consumption               behaviors,

as well as to strengthen food security and public health comprehensively. 

By  implementing  these  recommendations,               it               is               hoped               that               aquatic               f              ood

systems  can  optimally  contribute  to  combating  stunting  and  achieving

sustainable development goals at both national and global levels.

Budiyanto et al. Reimagining Catfish (Clarias sp.) Cultivation: Crafting Sustainable Feed for Economic Prosperity and E              co-Friendly

Practices in Simple Concrete Ponds

18

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