Fighting Malnutrition in Nigeria: How TechnoServe’s Strategies are Saving Lives
Discover how TechnoServe is combating malnutrition in Nigeria through food fortification, youth empowerment, and sustainable food systems.
Malnutrition in Nigeria, especially for children, is a serious issue. About 11 million young children—one in three—struggle with severe food poverty. This makes them 50% more likely to suffer from wasting, a dangerous form of malnutrition, according to a report released by UNICEF in 2024. As the country director for TechnoServe Nigeria, these numbers are not just statistics to me—they represent a call to action, a challenge we must overcome to secure a healthier, more prosperous future for our nation.
The Vicious Cycle of Malnutrition and Poverty
Malnutrition and poverty are inextricably linked, forming a vicious cycle that traps individuals, families, and entire communities. Poverty often leads to inadequate access to nutritious food, clean water, and healthcare. This, in turn, results in malnutrition, which can impair cognitive development, reduce productivity, and increase susceptibility to diseases. The consequences? Lower earning potential and perpetuated poverty.
But there’s hope. At TechnoServe, we believe that breaking this cycle is not only possible but essential for Nigeria’s development. Our approach focuses on harnessing the power of the private sector to combat poverty. We do that through various approaches, including regenerative business and food processing.
TechnoServe’s Transformational Impact: Tackling Malnutrition in Nigeria with Innovative Solutions
TechnoServe has been at the forefront of transforming food systems across Africa for over a decade. Our work spans various initiatives, all aimed at improving nutrition and livelihoods:
1. Supporting Food Processors
Since 2010, we’ve worked with nearly 600 food processors across Africa. In Nigeria, our efforts have yielded remarkable results:
- Increased the availability of vitamin A-fortified sugar by more than 200%, making it accessible to 96% of the Nigerian population—reaching over 125.5 million people.
- Improved compliance levels for fortified edible oil from 25% in 2018 to 49% in 2021.
- Increased compliance levels for fortified wheat flour from 56% in 2018 to 64% in 2021.
2. Large-Scale Food Fortification
Our Strengthening African Processors of Fortified Foods (SAPFF), Technical Assistance Accelerator (TAAP), and Inspiring Good Nutrition Through Enterprise (IGNITE) programs have been instrumental in increasing the production and sale of fortified foods. By providing technical assistance, facilitating sector-wide training, and introducing innovative tools like the micronutrient fortification index (MFI) and the Millers for Nutrition coalition, we’ve helped improve nutrition outcomes for millions.
3. Reducing Food Loss and Waste
We’re reducing food loss and waste through initiatives like NutriSave and Horticurity. The “Horticurity-Security for Resilient Communities Project” is an innovative solution designed by TechnoServe Nigeria to address the challenge of food insecurity in two states, one of which is flood-prone (Delta) and the other food insecure (Kano). Horticurity aims to increase the accessibility and availability of fruits and vegetables while improving resilience to climate and economic shocks in low-income communities in the states of Delta and Kano. We’re working to redirect surplus fruits and vegetables to low-income markets. This reduces food waste and enhances access to nutritious foods for low-income consumers, particularly women.
4. Promoting Regenerative Agriculture
Regenerate 30 aims to benefit 30 million people, cut 30 million metric tons of GHG emissions, and bring 30 million acres of land under sustainable management, protection, or restoration. This approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also ensures long-term food security and climate resilience. In Nigeria, we have built the capacity of thousands of smallholder farmers on regenerative agricultural practices through projects like Developing Inclusive Grains Value Chains in Nigeria (DIGVCN), Regenerative Agriculture Add-On (RegenAg), and Strengthening Farmers and SMEs Resilience through Climate Smart Grains Production (StreFAS).
5. Empowering Youth and Women
We recognize the crucial role of youth and women in transforming food systems. Our programs focus on creating economic opportunities, enhancing business skills, and strengthening leadership and personal agency for these groups. Programs like PAYED trained 2,300 youth — 76% of them women— to build micro-retail entrepreneurship. The program attracted and influenced partners to increase support for entrepreneurs, ultimately leading to job creation and revenue growth.
NutriVision 2024: A Pan-African Youth Dialogue on Nutrition
As we continue our fight against malnutrition in Nigeria, we were excited to co-host NutriVision 2024 with Nile University. This pan-African youth dialogue on nutrition brought together experts, stakeholders, and dynamic young leaders to address the critical challenges of nutrition, food security, sustainable agriculture, and financing in Nigeria and across Africa.
NutriVision 2024 featured a conversation with Bill Gates, as well as youth who are taking actions to address malnutrition, like Tosin Samuels, Aproko Doctor, and Jon Batiste. It was an opportunity for African youth to engage with global thought leaders, share innovative ideas, and develop actionable strategies to combat malnutrition.
It served as a platform for Africa’s youth to step up as leaders in the fight against malnutrition.
A Vision for the Future: TechnoServe’s Roadmap to a Nourished Nigeria
The challenge of malnutrition in Nigeria is immense, but so is our determination to overcome it. At TechnoServe, we believe in the power of business solutions to create lasting change. By supporting food processors, promoting fortification, reducing food waste, and empowering youth and women, we’re laying the groundwork for a healthier, more nutritious future.
But we can’t do it alone. Solving the challenge of malnutrition is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of all sectors—public, private, and civil society. Most importantly, it requires the energy, creativity, and leadership of Africa’s youth.
