In an era where malnutrition remains a pressing global issue, innovative solutions are crucial for improving public health, particularly in vulnerable populations. In Ethiopia, the Millers for Nutrition Initiative is making significant strides in this regard by enhancing the nutritional quality of staple foods. At the forefront of this initiative is Edward Richard Ahonobadha, the Senior Communications Specialist for East Africa at Technoserve. With a rich background in communications, stakeholder engagement, and program management, Edward has dedicated his career to driving impactful initiatives across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Millers for Nutrition Initiative aims to support local millers in fortifying staple foods such as wheat flour and edible oils with essential micronutrients. This effort aligns with Ethiopia’s National Food Fortification Program, which has already demonstrated success in addressing deficiencies through previous initiatives like salt iodization. By collaborating with local millers, the initiative seeks to ensure that fortified foods become widely available and affordable, reaching millions of households across the country.

In this interview, Edward shares valuable insights into the goals and methodologies of the Millers for Nutrition Initiative, highlighting the importance of food fortification in combating malnutrition. He discusses the initiative’s collaborative approach with government agencies, NGOs, and international partners, and elaborates on the anticipated impact on the nutritional status of the Ethiopian population, especially among children and pregnant women. Join us as we explore how this initiative is paving the way for a healthier future in Ethiopia, one fortified grain at a time. Excerpts;

Capital: Could you start by explaining the primary goals of the Millers for Nutrition Initiative in Ethiopia?

Edward Richard Ahonobadha: The Millers for Nutrition Initiative is fundamentally about improving the nutritional health of Ethiopians by supporting local millers to fortify staple foods like wheat flour and edible oil. This initiative is closely aligned with Ethiopia’s National Food Fortification Program, which has already demonstrated the power of fortification with the successful salt iodization program. Our goal is to replicate that success and ensure that fortified foods become a standard, reaching millions of households across the country. We aim to create a sustainable market for these nutrient-rich staples.

Capital: How exactly will the initiative work with local millers to achieve these goals?

Edward: Our approach is multifaceted. We connect millers with a network of industry experts, suppliers, and social enterprises, providing access to top-tier technical assistance and specialized training. This isn’t just about adding micronutrients; it’s about improving the overall efficiency and competitiveness of their businesses. We offer training on best practices in food processing, quality control, and business management. Additionally, we recognize and celebrate the achievements of champion millers through national and international events and media, which serves as both an incentive and a platform to share best practices.

Capital: What specific micronutrients are being added to these staple foods, and why were they chosen?

Edward:  We’re focusing on essential micronutrients that are critical for public health, particularly for vulnerable groups. In wheat and maize flour, we’re fortifying with iron, zinc, folic acid, and B vitamins. In edible oil, we’re adding vitamins A and D. These nutrients were selected based on evidence of widespread deficiencies and their proven impact on health. For example, iron deficiency is a major cause of anemia, especially in women and children, while vitamin A is crucial for vision and immune function.

Capital: Ensuring quality and consistency is crucial in fortification. How will the initiative achieve this?

Edward: We provide member millers with comprehensive support through digital tools and training programs to meet both national and international fortification standards. We have a robust monitoring and verification system in place, which includes routine testing to ensure adherence to these standards. We also work closely with the Ethiopian government to establish and strengthen certification processes and ensure the proper calibration of fortification machinery. This collaborative approach ensures that the fortified foods are safe, effective, and consistently meet the required nutrient levels.

Capital: How do you anticipate this initiative will impact the nutritional status of the Ethiopian population, especially vulnerable groups?

Edward: Micronutrient deficiencies affect over 3 billion people globally, with significant economic and social consequences. Malnutrition stunts economic growth, strains healthcare systems, and reduces productivity. Food fortification is a highly effective and cost-efficient way to address these deficiencies. By making fortified staple foods widely available, we can significantly improve the nutritional status of the population. This is especially important for children and pregnant women, who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of micronutrient deficiencies. Over time, we expect to see substantial improvements in public health, leading to a healthier and more productive population.

Capital: What are the long-term sustainability plans for the initiative, including ensuring the continued participation of millers and the availability of fortification technologies?

Edward: Sustainability is at the core of our strategy. We focus on three main components: capacity-building, policy alignment, and technology accessibility. Capacity-building involves continuous training and incentive programs to ensure millers are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge. We also recognize and celebrate their efforts to maintain motivation. Policy alignment means working closely with the Ethiopian government to align with existing fortification mandates and ensure compliance. Technology accessibility is crucial for long-term success. We are working to make fortification equipment more affordable and accessible, ensuring widespread adoption and scalability.

Capital: Consumer awareness and acceptance are critical for the success of any food fortification program. How will the initiative address these challenges?

Edward: You’re absolutely right. Consumer awareness and acceptance are vital. We are implementing a comprehensive communication campaign that includes educational workshops, media outreach, and partnerships with local influencers. We aim to demystify fortification and highlight its benefits, making it clear that fortified foods are safe and essential for good health. We also publicly recognize and promote millers who meet fortification standards, building trust and credibility. Ultimately, the best way to ensure acceptance is to make nutritious staple foods readily available and affordable to consumers.

Capital: Could you elaborate on the government agencies, NGOs, and private sector organizations involved in the initiative?

Edward: We have a strong coalition of partners across multiple sectors. Key government agencies include the Ministry of Industry and the Food and Beverage Industry Research and Development Center. We are also working closely with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). TechnoServe is the program coordinator, bringing decades of experience in development work. We are also fortunate to have funding support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as strategic fortification partners like BASF, BioAnalyt, Bühler, dsm-firmenich, Mühlenchemie, and SternVitamin. These partnerships are essential for our success.

Capital: How will the initiative collaborate with other nutrition programs and initiatives in Ethiopia?

Edward: Collaboration is key to maximizing impact. We work closely with the National Food Fortification Program and align with broader initiatives like the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) movement. This coordinated approach allows us to leverage existing resources and expertise, ensuring a unified effort to tackle micronutrient deficiencies and malnutrition. By integrating with the National Food Fortification Program, we ensure that our members meet established standards and that fortified foods reach the most vulnerable populations.

Capital: Finally, what role will international organizations and donors play in supporting the initiative?

Edward: International organizations and donors are crucial for providing technical expertise, training, and guidance. The Gates Foundation, in particular, has been instrumental in providing funding and strategic support. TechnoServe, with its extensive experience in development, oversees program implementation. Our global partners contribute valuable knowledge and resources, helping us to achieve our goals and ensure the long-term sustainability of the initiative.