Food Fortification Gets a Boost as Regional Meeting hosted by ECOWAS Concludes in Cotonou, Benin Republic.
By Raymond Enoch
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has concluded a significant four-day Technical Regional Workshop in Cotonou, Benin Republic, aimed at developing a comprehensive Regional Framework for Large-Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) in West Africa.
This initiative is a critical step towards improving food security and combating malnutrition, especially in vulnerable populations.
Malnutrition remains a pervasive issue across the region, with women and children bearing the brunt of its consequences. Recognizing the urgency of addressing this challenge, ECOWAS launched the Regional Food Alliance in 2023, a strategic move designed to support large-scale food fortification efforts and promote better health outcomes across member states.
The workshop brought together experts from various sectors, along with a delegation from the ECOWAS Commission, led by Mr. Lassane Kabore, the Director of Industry at ECOWAS.
The focus of the meeting was to create a robust framework that will facilitate synergies between national and regional food fortification initiatives, enhancing coordination among stakeholders and amplifying the impact of the efforts.
In his remarks, Mr. Kabore emphasized the importance of a well-structured framework. “It will create synergies between regional and national LSFF initiatives and better coordinate the various stakeholders towards greater impact,” he stated. His comments underscored the need for a unified approach to fortification across the region, ensuring that the right policies, processes, and infrastructure are in place to make fortified foods both accessible and effective in tackling malnutrition.
The workshop discussions were centered around sharing best practices from national LSFF frameworks and fortification projects. Participants explored how lessons learned from various member states could be used to enhance the availability and quality of fortified foods. A key objective is to ensure that affordable, high-quality fortified foods, which comply with national and international standards, are produced in the region and widely available in the market.
Target groups for the LSFF initiatives include women of child-bearing age, children, and low-income populations, all of whom are particularly vulnerable to the effects of malnutrition. By ensuring that these groups have access to safe and nutritious fortified foods, ECOWAS aims to improve public health outcomes across the region.
The Cotonou meeting also focused on creating the necessary conditions for better coordination and trade facilitation to support food fortification efforts. By fostering regional collaboration, the workshop set the stage for more efficient systems for the production, distribution, and consumption of fortified foods.
As the ECOWAS Commission moves forward with its commitment to improving food security and public health in West Africa, the new Regional Framework for Large-Scale Food Fortification marks a critical milestone in the fight against malnutrition and will play a pivotal role in creating healthier, more resilient communities across the region.
