The RSM2SNF project ("Research Supporting African MSMEs to Provide Safe and Nutritious Food") is a five-year (2021-2026) collaborative initiative (launch event held on May 2022) funded by the GATES foundation and led by Michigan State University. It aims to strengthen food security by enabling Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria and Tanzania to provide safer, more nutritious and affordable fish and vegetable products.
Key details about the RSM2SNF project include:
Core Goals: The project bridges gaps in food availability for low-income populations by addressing safety and nutrition in African food value chains.
Key Focus Areas: Activities focus on fish, tomato, and leafy vegetable value chains.
Project Activities: Researchers are conducting studies on agri-food (fish, tomato and GLV) value chain dynamics.
Partnerships: It involves local institutions, including the University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, BABCOCK University and the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
Gender Inclusivity: The project explicitly integrates gender analysis, ensuring that findings and capacity-building efforts are tailored to both male and female actors in the value chains.
Our Link: Nigeria RSM2SNF - Food Security Group https://share.google/hzwlyeh3hTxw1acRg
The World Water Day is an annual United Nations (UN) observance day held on 22 March that highlights the importance of fresh water (Link).
The day is used to advocate for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. The theme of each year focuses on topics relevant to clean water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), which is in line with the targets of the Sustainable Development Goal. Therefore, the RSM2SNF, in commemoration of the World Water Day, has produced a short video on the importance of water on hygiene among our food handlers.
RSM2SNF is addressing critical hygiene concerns in Nigerian markets, where research shows a significant lack of adequate toilets and clean water. In several states, including Oyo and Lagos, hundreds of traders often share a single toilet, increasing the risk of diseases like cholera. Through hygiene sensitization and training at locations like Bodija Market in Ibadan, this initiative promotes proper handwashing and safe food handling to ensure healthier communities and safer food for all.