Entrepreneur-led food fortification: A complementary approach for nutritious diets in developing countries

Abstract

Small and micro food enterprises are critical implementation partners for fortification strategies that address the widespread micronutrient deficiencies in low-income countries. This paper describes the concept and practice of Entrepreneur-led Food Fortification (ElFF). It draws on the experience of a consortium of US and African food and nutrition R&D organizations, partnering with African small-scale food processors. ElFF can address major challenges faced by such enterprises by providing convincing value propositions, product distribution and marketing, and achieving business scale and nutritional impact. Through the example of entrepreneur-led production of food-to-food fortified grain-based instant porridge flour, we illustrate a framework for successful implementation of ElFF both in local markets and potential links to government nutrition strategies to address micronutrient deficiencies.