Journal of Applied Mechanical Engineering

Food security and nutrition trends in West Africa challenges and the way forward

Joint Event on 2^nd International Conference on Advanced Robotics, Mechatronics and Artificial Intelligence & 3^rd International Conference on Design & Production Engineering

December 03-04, 2018 | Valencia, Spain

Harison Wara Che

City Chemist Roundabout, Cameroon

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Appl Mech Eng

Abstract:

West Africa has experienced very little progress in reducing food insecurity and child malnutrition in the past 20 years. Approximately, one third of children under five years of age are stunted, and 5-15 percent is wasted. Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly lack of vitamin A, iron and iodine, affect mainly women and children and contribute to some of the highest rates of child mortality in the world. Overweight and obesity are emerging problems in some urban populations with negative implications for chronic non-communicable diseases. The causes of malnutrition and food insecurity are complex and include the agro-ecological, socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the sub-region. Rising incomes, rapid population growth especially in urban areas, desertification, as well as HIV/AIDS affect the food system. Changes in diets and lifestyles especially in urban settings involve a shift from the consumption of traditional staples to imported cereals (wheat and rice). Although food availability has generally improved in the sub- region, the dietary energy and protein supplies are still below requirements and unstable, especially in Sahel countries. The nutritional quality of local diets remains low for most people and access to adequate food is not always secure for the poor. Besides the need to diversify and increase food production and productivity, increased support is needed for appropriate food storage, processing, and preservation techniques at community and industrial level, and better distribution and marketing. Technologies, such as fortification and plant breeding, are increasingly relevant within a comprehensive food-based strategy. Nutrition education is a complementary activity for ensuring the effectiveness of food-based approaches. Based on a review of lessons learned from food-based interventions implemented by FAO and other development partners, this paper addresses some of the major issues, challenges and opportunities involved in fulfilling the pledge of West African countries to meet the goal of reducing malnutrition by 50 percent.

Biography :

Harison Wara Che passionate about sustainable Development, Food security/processing, safety indigenous, Good living philosophies Environmental sustainability, Research theory and methodologies. His food philosophy is certainly called from years of experience in the industry and many adventures travelling, dining and meeting amazing people. However, it can undoubtedly be distilled to a concept I learned from the chef I truly confider my mentor Mike. While working in the industries in Cameroon my country of Birth I learned what is means to approach food with the mindset of a culinary anthropologist “and while working at the USA Army camp in Kandahar Afghanistan in a company called Supreme Group global food service his respect understand and appreciate the culinary tradon that underlie any particular foodstuff product or dish, Know how that ingredient is used in it indigenous form, then use that knowledge to apply it to whatever style or method suit you and joining organization that fight food was my biggest dream .

E-mail: che.warah@yahoo.com