SBN Madagascar Funds Agricultural Activities to Supply Nutritious Produce to Schools

This article was originally posted in Midi Madagasikara here. 

“The SUN Business Network in Madagascar carries out a range of activities which contribute to the fight against food insecurity in the country. According to the National Institute of Statistics, malnutrition now affects 42% of the population, with young people suffering the most. For this reason, SBN Madagascar has provided support to two entities who are committed to fighting malnutrition in the regions of Vakinankaratra and Atsimo-Andrefana by allocating them each a sum of 4 million Malagasy Ariary (approx. 1,000 USD)” said Thierry Nohasiarivelo, SBN Coordinator Madagascar.

These funds will be used to finance agricultural activities, in particular market gardens (small-scale businesses that produce fruits, vegetables and legumes). The produce will be supplied to school canteens in the two regions.

Malnutrition is a significant obstacle which prevents young people from continuing their studies. This is why SBN Madagascar is committed to this initiative, and is inviting other private companies to join the fight against malnutrition, invest in future generations, and contribute to the socio-economic development of Madagascar.

SBN Madagascar works in close collaboration with the government to achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal of ‘Zero Hunger’ by 2030. The network has prioritised the following actions, which require the support of all stakeholders:

1. Improve the government’s nutritional priorities and regulations
2. Strengthen nutritional value chains
3. Increase the availability of fortified foods
4. Raise awareness around nutrition
5. Increase the demand for nutritious foods

SBN Madagsacar was set up in 2017 – visit their country page for more information on how the network is supporting the private sector’s contribution to improved nutrition.

Visit their Facebook page for more updates.