Building a Strategic Alliance for the Fortification of Oil and Other Staple Foods (SAFO): A Case Study

Abstract

The Strategic Alliance for the Fortification of Oil and Other Staple Foods (SAFO) is a project-based alliance with the private aim to strengthen inclusive ecosystems for food fortification in developing countries, and the public objective to reduce malnutrition. Roughly two billion people around the world suffer from vitamin A deficiency, as many low-income consumers often can only afford to buy staple foods and do not get a balanced diet that would provide them with adequate amounts of vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency most notably causes night blindness and weakens the immune system. Fortifying basic staples with vitamin A is an easy and cost-effective way to fight malnutrition. The German development agency GIZ and the German chemical company BASF have joined forces to facilitate the establishment of functional markets for fortified food in developing countries. The partners have taken a systemic approach and in Tanzania, as in other countries, a multi-stakeholder dialogue has been the foundation of this process. In addition, GIZ advises the public sector on malnutrition policies, while BASF works with staple food producers on developing technical capacities and business models. Jointly set up in 2008, SAFO has already reached more than 100 million people in several developing and emerging countries by increasing the countrywide availability of affordable vitamin A fortified staple foods.