SENEGAL

Building Sustainable Nutrition Solutions Through Agriculture, Innovation and Partnership

The Sumner Foundation is working in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Action of the Republic of Senegal, the Institute of Social Paediatrics (IPS/UCAD), local communities and international development partners to explore an innovative approach to tackling child and maternal malnutrition.

 

The initiative seeks to harness Senegal's peanut value chain to establish a sustainable system for the local production of therapeutic nutrition products. By linking agriculture, manufacturing, research and public health, the programme aims to improve access to life-saving nutrition while creating economic opportunities for farming communities and strengthening national capacity.

 

Why This Matters

Malnutrition remains a significant public health challenge in Senegal, particularly among children under five and pregnant and breastfeeding women. At the same time, Senegal is one of West Africa's leading peanut producers, offering an opportunity to add value locally by manufacturing specialised therapeutic nutrition products that are currently imported.

The proposed programme aims to transform this opportunity into a sustainable solution that benefits both public health and rural development.

 

Our Approach

The initiative brings together government, academia, local communities and international partners to create an integrated model that connects:

• Smallholder peanut farmers and producer cooperatives

• Local manufacturing of therapeutic nutrition products

• National health and nutrition programmes

• Research and innovation through IPS/UCAD

• International humanitarian procurement opportunities

 

This collaborative approach is designed to strengthen existing health systems, support local enterprise and create long-term economic resilience while improving access to quality nutrition products.

 

A Sustainable Model

A key feature of the initiative is the exploration of a sustainable financing model in which locally manufactured therapeutic nutrition products could serve both Senegal's national needs and international humanitarian markets, subject to the successful completion of the feasibility phase and all necessary regulatory approvals.

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The long-term vision is to reduce dependence on imported products, strengthen local manufacturing capacity and support a more resilient and self-sustaining nutrition system.

 

Research and Evidence

Scientific leadership from IPS/UCAD will help ensure that the programme is guided by evidence and aligned with national priorities. Research will inform programme design, monitor outcomes and support continuous learning throughout the project's development.

 

Looking Ahead

The partnership is currently preparing for a comprehensive feasibility study that will assess the technical, financial, public health, environmental and institutional viability of the proposed programme. The findings will guide future investment and implementation decisions.

 

The Sumner Foundation is committed to working alongside the Government of Senegal and its partners to develop practical, locally owned solutions that improve health, strengthen communities and create lasting impact. Through collaboration, innovation and shared purpose, we believe this initiative has the potential to become a model for sustainable nutrition and community development across the region.