Nutritionists seek improved food systems across Africa

For five days – October 7 to 11, 2024, nutrition experts converged in Cape Coast, Ghana, for the 9th African Nutrition Conference, where the participants exchanged insights on solutions for improving food systems across the continent.

Themed: “Food and Nutrition in a Changing World: Implications for Nutrition Security and Health,” the conference provided a platform to address the growing global challenges impacting food security and health.

This year’s discussions aligned with international efforts toward food systems transformation and emphasised the importance of national commitments for sustainable progress by 2030.

Key participants, including government representatives, policymakers, programme implementers and international development partners, exchanged insights on solutions for improving food systems across the continent.

For the period the conference lasted, speakers focused on advancing agricultural innovation, empowering youth and improving food systems across Africa. Discussions emphasised the importance of investing in agribusinesses and leveraging technology to enhance productivity and sustainability.

Sessions highlighted the need for inclusive policies to ensure equal opportunities for women, youth and underserved communities in agriculture. A key highlight during the conference was an announcement by the founder and CEO of Women Advancing Nutrition, Dietetics, and Agriculture (WANDA), Tambra Raye Stevenson of a new partnership with Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and Johns Hopkins Medicine’s Ward Infinity.

The partnership will host a two-day inaugural gathering focused on the intersection of food, health and economic empowerment within the Black community.
During the panel session on food labeling, speakers advocated for accurate nutrient profiling to inform consumers and ensure public safety. President of the Ghana Association of Nutrition and Dietetics (GAND), Professor Kingsley Pereko, emphasised the need for front-of-package warning labels to help consumers make healthier choices.