This report analyses policy options for reducing undernutrition in Nigeria by improving the functioning of markets and the private sector in providing food. It was produced as part of the Reducing Hunger and Undernutrition Programme, funded by DFID and is part of a project on strengthening agri-food value chains for nutrition.
The report identifies specific constraints that inhibit businesses from providing these foods, and reviews experiences with five policy strategies to address this problem. The analysis reveals that particular food-based strategies have been successful when they have overcome or circumvented key market constraints.
Identifying which the main constraints affecting a particular market or population are and assessing whether a particular approach will overcome them, should therefore be the first steps in developing food-based policies and programmes to reduce undernutrition. The report outlines options for strengthening these strategies in Nigeria, aimed at donors, federal and state governments, private sector organisations and non-profits.