Some researchers develop models that help describe and make projections on public health problems, factors that influence these problems and more. The resulting data help policymakers and researchers develop more effective policies and allocate resources.
As an example, the International Food Policy Research Institute [sustainable solutions for ending hunger and poverty], conducts research that supports its IMPACT model.
Copied from the IFPRI website:
Global Trends in Food Supply and Demand
The IMPACT model is designed to examine alternative futures for global food supply, demand, trade, prices, and food security. The IMPACT model allows IFPRI to provide both fundamental, global baseline projections of agricultural commodity supply, demand, trade, prices and malnutrition outcomes along with cutting-edge research results on quickly evolving topics such as bioenergy, climate change, changing diet/food preferences, and many other themes.
