Malnutrition is a widespread and serious problem in Africa. CAADP, the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme of NEPAD, the New Partnership for Africa's Development, is urging for action addressing food and nutritional problems at regional and national levels. Measures include the Home Grown School Feeding (HGSF) Programme, food fortification to combat vitamin and mineral deficiencies, maternal and child nutrition, and dietary diversification to improve nutrition. 

The issue of nutrition has been neglected in development strategies, and co-ordination between actors is required for measures to gain momentum. So far, 25 countries have signed the CAADP Compacts outlining necessary action.

Bibi Giyose
Senior Advisor Food and Nutrition Security, NEPAD
Johannesburg, South Africa
bibig@nepad.org