Discussion about entry: Spirulina-enriched foods for the malnourished children of Central African Republic
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Hello Nanga,
I enjoyed learning about your program. I must commend you on your efforts to cultivate cross-organizational partnerships; they are very important to the kinds of institutional changes your organization is seeking. As you have documented, partnerships are integral to the success of your program, I am writing to inquire about your efforts to expand your partnerships to either the private or government sector? Have you been able to secure private financing of or in-kind contributions to the program? Has this been possible? Though quite challenging, identifying partners in these sectors could facilitate increased opportunities to strengthen the program’s sustainability and exposure.
Best of luck in your important work,
Cecelia Tanaka
Cecelia,
many thanks indeed for your interest in our project. we are a young organization that's open to constructive partnerships. our spirulina projects is generating a lot of interests in the private as well as public sector inside CAR and in the region. to date no funding has been pledged to as by neither but our in-kind contributions come from the government of CAR in terms of land allocation and a food processing company in Cameroon in terms of technical support.
Hello again Nanga!
Thank you for your reply. In-kind donations from the government of CAR and the food processing company in Cameroon speak very highly of your project. It seems possible that these two facets of support could be leveraged to garner future financial contributions.
There is a cross-sector partnership in India that provides fortified meals to over a million children that may provide useful information for you and your program.
The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) http://www.gainhealth.org/ and Naandi Foundation (http://www.naandi.org/) are running a successful food fortification program in India’s government schools by partnering with private companies and the Indian government. The GAIN-Naandi program provides fortified wheat, rice, and soya dal to over one million children in India. You can find out more about the program and partnership on Naandi’s website.
One way Naandi Foundation has been able to attract private support is by offering marketing and advertising opportunities to corporations. As sponsors of the program, private companies can place their logos in the centralized kitchens that prepare meals, and on food transportation vehicles that travel around Indian states delivering meals.
Best of luck in your important work,
Cecelia Tanaka
Cecelia,
I found the information on GAIN-Naandi food fortification program very interesting indeed. thanks also for sharing the strategies on how to attract private support in such venture. I will continue to do the research necessary to move this process forward. thanks.
Nanga
Great entry! We would really like to hear more of a discussion on spirulina itself. How are you planning on taking this product to market? Will it be made accessible and is it affordable? We really enjoyed reading your initiative and look forward to your response! Please remember to filter any additional comments back into your entry form. Thanks!
- Naveen Shakir, Ashoka’s Changemakers
Dear Naveen,
I appreciate your comment on my entry. our spirulina venture is born out of a long period of trials. we are able to successfully and cost-effectively grow, harvest, and distribute spirulina in CAR. with more and more people discovering the virtues of this food commodity, the demand for it is rising. the potential to penetrate the regional market is exceptionally exciting. we are open to sharing more including our business plan with potential investors/donors.
thanks again for your support.
Nanga