This pillar seeks to identify and use Africa’s untapped resources—including indigenous knowledge—to enhance nutrition, especially at the community level. It also aims to find new sources and methods for funding nutrition initiatives.

Africa has vast resources that can address hunger and malnutrition: 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, local expertise, traditional food crops, a young population, media (including traditional forms), a dynamic private sector, academia, and research institutions among others. AfriCAN will coordinate efforts to use these assets for improved nutrition.

Despite political commitment, investments in nutrition remain insufficient, relying heavily on external funding and resulting in limited, unsustainable projects. Research findings and policies often fail to reach communities. While Africa can produce enough food, substantial funds are spent annually on imports, and malnutrition persists. Indigenous, nutrient-rich crops and foods are underused.

AfriCAN believes Africa has the resources to end malnutrition, with its people being the key asset. Leveraging indigenous dietary knowledge and multisectoral action can accelerate progress. Many stakeholders already work with communities but their impact on nutrition is limited. AfriCAN’s community engagement strategy will identify and involve such organizations to integrate nutrition into their operations, unlocking local resources for better nutrition.