EU and WFP partner to strengthen child nutrition and local food systems in Sierra Leone

Implemented over a 48-month period, the project will boost the production of fortified complementary foods by upgrading four existing food processing facilities and establishing a new processing center in Makeni. This initiative comes at a time when the Government of Sierra Leone and WFP, with the support of the European Union, are scaling up the production of Nyam Nyam Pap, a locally produced fortified complementary food for children aged 6 to 23 months.

Smallholder farmers will also receive training in good agricultural practices to better withstand climate shocks, improve post-harvest management, and strengthen market linkages, ultimately increasing production while reducing losses.

"This initiative demonstrates how locally driven solutions can transform nutrition outcomes while supporting economic growth," said Ambassador Jacek Jankowski, Head of the European Union Delegation to Sierra Leone. "By combining food production, nutrition education and market development, the EU and WFP are addressing the root causes of malnutrition."

With the support of its partners, WFP has already established four small-scale processing centers in Kambia, Moyamba and Pujehun. The centers employ mainly women and can produce up to 40 metric tons per year per facility of fortified complementary food made from locally sourced ingredients.

"Empowering women is essential to improving household nutrition and building resilient communities," said Andrew Odero, WFP Country Director in Sierra Leone. "Through this project, women are gaining skills, income, and leadership opportunities across the food value chain."

To date, WFP has supported more than 4,000 children at risk of malnutrition by providing nutritious locally produced food. Its nutrition awareness initiatives have also reached 8,000 people, while the establishment of four local processing centers has strengthened sustainable, community-based solutions.

This initiative is part of the national Feed Salone strategy, through which WFP and the European Union are strengthening child nutrition, supporting smallholder farmers, and promoting sustainable economic opportunities for women across the country.

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About WFP

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.

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