Economic and logistical barriers to the use by SMEs in Africa of local ingredients in enriched foods: a case study in Chad with moringa and spirulina

This study aims to explore the economic sustainability, logistical feasibility and regulatory compliance of replacing imported vitamins and minerals premixes with locally sourced natural alternatives like spirulina and moringa by Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) involved in the production of enriched foods in Chad.
It aims to provide operational recommendations to overcome the barriers identified to the promotion and use of these nutrient-rich, locally available foods, which would contribute to sustainable food systems and regional value chains.
Beyond the specific Chad case-study, the analysis will offer broader insights for other countries interested in similar initiatives.
The findings will inform both local actions and global strategies, ensuring relevance and applicability across contexts.

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 the EU Delegation to Chad.

Through a desk review, the study will gather secondary data on the production, logistics, and regulatory aspects related to spirulina and moringa.
In addition, primary data will be collected in Chad through surveys and interviews with key stakeholders, including MSMEs, farmers, and government officials.

The International Trade Center report "Made by Africa" suggests potential for developing and scaling up infant food value chains in Africa, calling for action to strengthen the local capacity of nutritious and high-quality food production and the facilitation of sourcing and selling across borders to reduce dependency on food imports.
Making infant complementary foods available, affordable and accessible to the most vulnerable ones contributes to reducing young children’s malnutrition, preventing them from having irreversible long-term consequences on cognition, health and educational performance.
Moringa and Spirulina are currently still underutilised local ingredients rich in micronutrients that can enhance the nutritional value of complementary foods.

Main contact: Christophe Guyondet

Organisation: Ghent University

Email address: cguyondet@gmail.com