A recent survey of several countries found that 34 percent of the people surveyed in South Asia and 59 percent in SSA were suffering from severe energy deficiency (Smith and Wiseman, 2007). Both groups obtained 67 percent of their energy from staple foods (cereal grains, grain legumes, starchy roots and tubers) containing small quantities of only low-quality protein. Their average per capita egg consumption was only 42 per year, compared with a global average of 153. Stunting and wasting in children under five years of age, and slow mental development were seen mainly in rural areas of SSA. Eight out of ten of those affected were among the poor. Diseases such as kwashiorkor and marasmus, both seen in underweight children, are associated with inadequate dietary energy and protein. Pregnant and lactating women and young children are particularly vulnerable.