GREAT CSR STUNT! TechnoServe, technical partners join forces to tackle hidden hunger in Nigeria
In a commendable CSR move, TechnoServe, in collaboration with Bühler, dsm-firmenich, and Partners in Food Solutions, has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative alongside the Nigerian government to address hidden hunger, aiming to bolster nutrition and enhance food security across the nation.
Hidden hunger, a prevalent condition in which individuals consume food lacking essential vitamins and minerals, is on the rise in Nigeria, highlighting the urgency for concerted efforts to combat this issue.
Toju Ukubeyinje, Country Director of Partners in Food Solutions, emphasized the cost-effectiveness of addressing hidden hunger, stressing that it offers significant returns on investment for businesses. He underscored the necessity for a collective approach involving all industry stakeholders during a recent one-day national seminar held in Kano.
This collaborative partnership is dedicated to ensuring increased consumption and access to fortified foods among Nigerians. Ukubeyinje revealed that their organization has mobilized a team of volunteers to support indigenous rice millers in capitalizing on opportunities in the food fortification sector.
Jesse Ichull, an account manager at dsm-firmenich, presented findings from a recent nationwide study indicating that approximately 85 percent of Nigerians are inclined to purchase fortified rice products. Furthermore, 76 percent of respondents expressed a willingness to pay more for such fortified rice, signaling widespread acceptance and demand for micronutrient-fortified products in the country.
Ichull encouraged rice millers and stakeholders at the seminar to seize the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, expertise, and adopt the cutting-edge technologies being promoted at the event to remain competitive in the industry.
Ayodele Tella, Senior Program Manager at TechnoServe, representing the Millers for Nutrition (M4N) coalition, highlighted the coalition’s support for rice fortification initiatives in Nigeria. M4N, backed by various players across the food value chain, aims to empower and incentivize millers to lead the charge in fortifying rice, aligning with the government’s directive to enhance essential nutrient intake through staple foods.
The Millers for Nutrition program, coordinated by TechnoServe across Nigeria and other regions, will provide essential technical support to rice millers, expediting progress towards the government’s goal of reducing hidden hunger.
Elucidating the need for food fortification in Nigeria, Tella pointed out the prohibitive cost of diverse and nutritious diets for millions in poverty. She stressed the importance of fortified staple foods, such as rice, edible oil, flour, and sugar, as viable alternatives to address nutritional deficiencies.
The seminar aimed to galvanize rice millers towards the federal government’s objective of fortifying 100 percent of rice in Nigerian food items available in markets by 2026.
During the event, Ghosh Aryuman, Senior Area Sales Engineer of Bühler Nigeria, highlighted Bühler’s equipment solutions for rice fortification. These solutions include the CompacTwinTM Twin-Screw Extruder, ensuring stable fortified rice kernels with 99 percent nutrient retention even after prolonged storage, and the SpeedMixTM Batch Mixer, facilitating consistent mixing quality with minimal maintenance requirements.
Similarly, Abdoulaye Lo, Sales Manager at dsm-firmenich Nigeria, shared insights into his company’s global operations and outlined interventions ready to support Nigeria’s rice industry in achieving a hunger-free status.
The collaboration between TechnoServe, its technical partners, and the Nigerian government marks a significant step toward eradicating hidden hunger and ensuring sustainable nutritional security for all Nigerians.
