This project developed and tested the approach, tools and methods needed to carry out a Nutrition Sensitive Value Chain Analysis in northern Nigeria. It was implemented to support the IFAD-funded Climate Change and Agribusiness Support Program (CASP).

Summary

Based on a nutrition assessment conducted previously, the study team carried out in-depth analyses of five  commodity value chains, namely cowpea, soyabean, groundnuts, sorghum and millets using a nutrition lens. The main deliverable was to suggest an intervention option to help CASP contribute to nutrition outcomes by identifying the constraints and opportunities affecting the supply, nutritional value, and demand of the commodities. Given that current guidance on how to design Nutrition Sensitive Value Chain Analysis is limited, the study team also undertook an introspective analysis of the process, and documented insight from the experience. The latter informed IFAD for developing operational guidelines for IFAD project design teams.

In a sequel to this assignment, the study team tested the guidelines with another IFAD funded Value Chain Development Project in central Nigeria (Benue and Niger states) in the context of rice and cassava value chains.