Understanding undernutrition in the Sahel: Contextualisation of the factors

This study tackles the understanding of the persistent challenge of undernutrition in the Sahel, focusing on Northern Burkina Faso and Southern Niger, where child wasting and stunting, as well as anaemia among women of reproductive age, remain highly prevalent. Despite significant investments in nutrition programmes by governments and international humanitarian agencies, progress has been limited. The study aims to examine the systemic and underlying causes of undernutrition, taking into account the complexity and multidimensionality of the factors that contribute to it.
By analysing the influence of contextual and structural factors, the research aims to identify the key challenges hindering the effectiveness of nutritional interventions. Special attention is given to the role of community participation, and understanding local perceptions of the root causes of undernutrition. The goal is to provide actionable insights to improve the design and implementation of future interventions in the Sahel.

The Nutrition Research Facility (NRF) conducted a series of consultations with decision-makers in EU Member States, EU partner countries, within Delegations of the EU in partner countries and within the European Commission, in order to identify their current concerns in relation to nutrition issues in development contexts. This question arose from a consultation workshop focusing African countries. (NRF, 2022).

The methodology involves a comprehensive document review, qualitative surveys, and community-focused group discussions in the target regions. The literature review will analyse publications and reports from 2005 onwards, as well as national and local databases, to map nutrition interventions and identify limiting factors in northern Burkina Faso and southern Niger. Qualitative interviews will be conducted with healthcare workers, managers, and technical partners at local, regional, and national levels, as well as with community actors, including mothers, guardians, and pregnant women who have participated in nutrition programmes. This approach aims to uncover barriers and drivers that may not be captured in existing published data, providing deeper insights into the factors that contribute to persistent undernutrition in the Sahel. Finally, multi-stakeholder group discussions will validate and enhance findings, ensuring a contextualised and relevant understanding of the issues.

By addressing critical challenges in health and nutrition, which are essential for sustainable development, the study promotes inclusive, evidence-based approaches to addressing the root causes of undernutrition, improve food systems and foster resilience in vulnerable regions of Africa.

Main contact: Gabriela Albuquerque

Organisation: ISA – School of Agriculture, University of Lisbon

Email address: galbuquerque@isa.ulisboa.pt

Centre de Recherche en Santé de Nouna / Institut National de Santé Publique du Burkina Faso (CRSN/INSP)