Fortified Whole Grain Alliance Set to Combat Malnutrition in Rwanda Through Sustainable Food Systems
oplus_0
The Fortified Whole Grain Alliance, FWGA, was officially launched with a new ambitious goal of reaching 10 million people across seven countries.
This was witnessed during the 2024 Africa food systems conference summit hosted by the government of Rwanda and the AFS Forum Partner’s Group that set fortified whole grains solutions for Kenya, Rwanda, Benin, Burundi, Egypt, Ghana and Nigeria by next year (2025).
A coalition of stakeholders from across the food system, FWGA is supported by The Rockefeller Foundation, Novo Nordisk Foundation, and Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), in collaboration with core, implementing, and institutional partners such as the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), DSM-Firmenich, Boston Consulting Group, and others was reached.
Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi will focus on fortified whole-grain maize with expansion plans including at least three West African nations of Ghana, Nigeria, and Benin concentrating on parboiled unpolished rice and Egypt from focusing on whole wheat flour.
The launch of the FWGA, according to FWGA managing director David Kamau marks a crucial step in combating global malnutrition and promoting sustainable food systems.
“We have set a target of increasing the availability of fortified whole grains in low- and middle-income countries by least 50% in institutional markets and 25% in consumer markets by 2032. We welcome partners to join this movement for a healthier future.”
This latest effort advances the Alliance’s long-term vision of catalyzing a significant shift in consumption patterns of fortified whole grains to tackle global malnutrition and promote more sustainable food systems for people and planet.
Speaking at the launch, Jean Claude Musabyimana, from the Ministry of Local Government in Rwanda said together they were more than just a coalition.
“We are a beacon of hope, a testament to what we can achieve when governments, the private sector, nonprofits, and communities come together with a shared vision.”
According to him by working together they can create a future where fortified whole grains are a staple in every household, thus, ensuring the health and well-being of future generations.
Roy Steiner, senior vice president for Food of The Rockefeller Foundation added that the FWGA was a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation.
“By investing in fortified whole grains, we are investing in the health and well-being of future generations – especially people living in vulnerable communities.”
This initiative aligns with The Rockefeller Foundation’s commitment to building a more equitable and sustainable world where everyone, no matter their circumstances can thrive.
Shifting from refined grains to fortified whole grains offers a multitude of benefits. They can significantly improve dietary quality without increasing production costs.
Fortified whole grains offer six to seven times more nutritional value than their refined counterparts, providing higher protein, fiber, and essential micronutrients.
In addition, this transition supports environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions as FWGs require less water, land, fertilizers, and pesticides.
The launch of the alliance on the sidelines of the Africa Food Systems Conference Summit also included discussions on the broader impact of fortified foods on public health and development, highlighting FWGA’s potential to contribute to Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to zero hunger and good health and well-being.
