Transform Nutrition West Africa builds knowledge for decision-makers

TRANSFORM NUTRITION WEST AFRICA BUILDS KNOWLEDGE FOR DECISION-MAKERS

by ssseck | 10 March 2025
By Tamsin Zandstra, Roos Verstraeten, Ampa Dogui DiattaLoty Diop, and Mariama Touré

This blog post is part of a special monthly series entitled “Making a Difference,” documenting the impact of IFPRI's projects and initiatives. These stories reflect the wide breadth of the Institute's research, communications, and capacity-strengthening activities around the world, in fulfillment of its mission. The blog series has been peer-reviewed by IFPRI's Impact Committee members. More here

Impact at a Glance

+100 knowledge products were designed for decision-makers and made freely available.

+100 West African nutrition professionals participated in 4 coursses to strengthen their capacity and leadership skills.

+400 West African decision-makers were reached directly through events, webinars, and short courses, gaining knowledge they could directly apply to decision-making. 

52% OF WOMEN (15-46 yrs) suffered from ANEMIA

West Africa faces significant problems with various forms of malnutrition, especially among women and children. In the mid-2010s, these challenges intensified. In 2017, the region had the highest rate of under-5 wasting (low weight for age) in Africa—8.5% compared with the continent’s mean of 7.4%. Rates of stunting (low height for age) were also extremely high at 31.4%. In 2017, 52% of women aged 15-46 suffered from anemia.

These staggering numbers led to a push from governments and international organizations for solutions. Read more

This blog was previously published on IFPRI.ORG ''Making a difference'' special monthly series.