Boosting agri sourcing in Central, West Africa

Nestlé has signed a memorandum of understanding with the IDH Sustainable Trade Initiative, as part of the Grown Sustainably in Africa (GSA) programme.

The three-year partnership aims to support 25 000 farmers and 50 small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as open up new markets for them in Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria, in an attempt to increase employment and food security.

According to a statement by Nestlé, the collaboration sought to develop and empower these farmers and SMEs. The aim was to help the company meet its goal of increasing the use of responsibly and regionally produced raw materials in the local production of the Maggi, Milo and Cerelac brands, from 60% to 70% by 2022.

Under the programme, IDH partners with retailers, brands and buyers to form broader long-term partnerships, with the aim of commercialising and improving business operations of potential SMEs and farmers in Africa who can supply these companies, the statement said.

“This is all part of our commitment to improve 30 million livelihoods in communities directly connected to our business activities,” said Rémy Ejel, CEO of Nestlé Central and West Africa. – Staff reporter

Fw archive ABOVE: Potato farmers in Belgium are under severe pressure due to reduced demand during the COVID-19 lockdown.