GAIN rallies stakeholders to boost access to safe, nutritious foods

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is set to convene critical stakeholders from across the nutritious food supply chain in Sub-Saharan Africa in Nigeria in a bid to boost access to safe and nutritious foods.

The convening aims to empower Enterprise Support Organisations (ESOs) to integrate effective nutrition strategies into their support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

GAIN, in a statement, noted that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in low- and middle-income countries MSMEs dominate agricultural value chains from farm to fork, and play a critical role in pricing (affordability), markets (accessibility), and quantity (availability) of foods on the market.

However, despite the crucial role that MSMEs play in ensuring affordability, availability, and access to safe and nutritious foods, the organisation noted that they face several challenges that limit their ability to grow and increase the production of nutritious foods.

“To enhance their effectiveness, these MSMEs need support from business support organisations such as the ESOs. With a focus on “Catalysing Nutritional Innovation: Empowering ESOs to Transform Food Systems,” the One-day event happening August 29 feature presentations, stakeholder engagements, and panel sessions”, Mercy Olorunfemi, Project Manager – Nutrition Impact at Scale at GAIN.

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“This gathering will serve as a catalyst for advancing nutrition-focused entrepreneurship in Nigeria. By fostering collaborations across sectors and engaging with relevant actors, we aim to create an enabling environment that supports the growth and impact of MSMEs focused on nutritious foods. We are excited to bring together diverse stakeholders to drive innovation and transform food systems in Sub-Saharan Africa”,Olorunfemi added.

Key objectives of the convening include equipping ESOs with advanced tools and skills for driving innovation in nutritious food product development and business practices, fostering partnerships across public, private, academic and finance sectors, and advocating for supportive regulatory frameworks that encourage investments in nutrition-focused enterprises.

The event will also highlight the benefits and potential returns of investing in nutrition-focused MSMEs, promoting innovative financing solutions. Participants can expect in-depth discussions, networking opportunities, and actionable insights aimed at transforming food systems to better meet nutritional needs in Nigeria.