Book excerpt: Why is food security and nutrition (FSN) seldom a priority in national development planning? One reason is that strategies to reduce food insecurity and malnutrition are principally seen as a concern of the agricultural sector. Specific food insecurity reduction goals and targets are usually absent from most poverty reduction planning instruments. This book synthesises lessons learned from five countries - Bhutan, Cambodia, Kenya, Mozambique and United Republic of Tanzania - in providing policy assistance to better integrate FSN concerns in national policies and planning processes. Effective FSN policies should have strong links to social investment, poverty reduction measures, development policies and above all human dignity. These lessons will inform future FSN related policy assistance to member countries striving to eradicate the plight of hunger and malnutrition.