A 2021 UNICEF report stated that malnutrition is the underlying cause of almost 50% of children under five deaths annually in Nigeria. Therefore, addressing malnutrition is crucial to improving health, education, and economic development. For this reason, USAID launches its 2-year $9.5 million Advancing Nutrition Activity project for Nigerians in Bauchi, Kebbi, and Sokoto states. The project aims to address malnutrition causes, provide technical support, and improve nutritional health.
Two of Nigeria’s biggest challenges causing critical public health concerns are food insecurity and malnutrition. The project aligns with the Nigeria Global Food Security Strategy country plan and the USAID Multi-Sectorial Nutrition Strategy 2014–2025. These strategies aim to ensure that the food system is resilient and can meet the needs for safe, nutritious, and affordable foods. The transformation of the food system involves on-farm production and enhancing modern aggregation, transport, processing, distribution, and marketing systems. It also focuses on eradicating hunger, attaining food & nutrition security, and strengthening economic growth.
