By Kazeem Akolawole
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)Commission has engaged key stakeholders on large-scale food fortification (LSFF) in the West African region.
A statement from the ECOWAS Secretariat in Abuja said the meeting was to identify key LSFF stakeholders, discuss ongoing support and find ways to channel efforts and promote synergy and efficiency in this specific area.
The ECOWAS Commissioner in charge of Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs. Massandjé Toure-Litse, noted that food fortification was important to ensure that the population, especially women and children, had access to the nutrients necessary to prevent, reduce and/or control deficiencies and, thus, ensure their well-being.
Also, participants who presented their projects and initiatives expressed their interest in supporting the development and harmonisation of standards on LSFF and the operationalisation, use, and promotion of the ECOWAS Quality Certification Mark (ECOQMARK).
“Indeed, ECOQMARK will facilitate the movement of goods in the region and consumer protection, promote local food producing industries and food security and improve the standard of living of our people and their well-being.”
In view of the challenges, stakeholders called on ECOWAS to consider the establishment of a technical working group and regional alliance on large-scale food fortification to ensure synergy of action in the region and leverage available resources for greater efficiency in project implementation and a greater positive impact on the welfare of the population.
