IDEAS Ghana launches project to tackle child malnutrition in Bawku West

Ingraining Development for Empowerment and Advancement of Society (IDEAS Ghana) has launched the Promoting Children’s Access to Nutritious Food project aimed at addressing rising levels of child malnutrition in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region.

The launch brought together stakeholders from the Ghana Health Service, the Department of Agriculture, World Vision Ghana, World Food Programme, UNICEF, NABOCADO, the District Chief Executive, members of the media, and representatives from the communities of Kamega, Gbere, Bugure, Guzesi, and Komaka.

According to the organisation, the project seeks to respond to persistent malnutrition challenges affecting children in the district.

Data from the 2023 USAID Feed the Future report indicates that 17.5 percent of children in Bawku West are stunted, six percent are wasted, and 12.3 percent are underweight.

IDEAS Ghana noted that the situation worsened in 2024 due to insecurity and the influx of Burkinabe migrants into the area, which placed additional pressure on food systems and healthcare services.

The organisation further observed that women, who are largely responsible for food production and childcare, often lack the resources and decision making power needed to improve household nutrition.

Funded by Kindermissionswerk of Germany, the pilot project will train women smallholder farmers to cultivate nutrient rich crops such as orange fleshed sweet potatoes, legumes, and leafy vegetables.

The initiative will also provide nutrition education and cooking demonstrations for caregivers, while addressing harmful food taboos that limit children’s access to nutritious meals.

In addition, the project will establish market outlets and digital platforms to support the sale of nutrient rich produce and engage young people as “Children Nutrition Champions” to lead peer education and awareness campaigns within their communities.

Speaking at the launch, Board Chairman of IDEAS Ghana, Prof. Emmanuel Delwin Abarike, said the initiative is intended to improve the health and wellbeing of children in the district.

“We want every child in Bawku West to grow healthy, learn, and thrive. Today marks a step forward in making malnutrition a challenge of the past,” he stated.

Other speakers at the event underscored the importance of ensuring that children receive proper nutrition to prevent malnutrition and support healthy development.

IDEAS Ghana also expressed appreciation to Kindermissionswerk and the people of Germany for their financial and technical support toward the implementation of the project.