FOOD AND NUTRITION POLICIES IN AFRICA: CAPACITY CHALLENGES AND TRAINING OPTIONS

In spite of the continued efforts of nutritionists to address nutrition problems in sub-Saharan Africa, the levels of undernutrition remain high. This paper is an attempt to provide an overview of the challenges that face nutrition planners and policymakers in implementing and evaluating nutrition policies and program interventions. Presenting a conceptual framework for analyzing the causes of nutritional outcomes, it reviews past experiences in implementing various nutrition policies and program interventions in sub-Saharan Africa. Identifying capacity gaps for designing nutrition policies and programs, it outlines strategies for increasing the nutrition policy capacity in Africa. It is argued that unless the profile of nutritionists is elevated through appropriate capacity strengthening, their role in influencing nutrition policies and programs and hence nutritional outcomes will remain low in Africa. (Af. J. Food and Nutritional Sciences: 2001 1 (1):19-28