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Is investing in food small and medium enterprises a viable path to improved nutrition in Sub‐Saharan Africa? A multidisciplinary perspective

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  • Alice Chapple
  • Elise Reynolds
  • Andrew Mude
  • Warda Riaz
  • Reina Engle‐Stone

Abstract

Through the perspectives of impact investors, and the nutrition community, this paper explores whether impact investment in food‐related small and medium enterprises (SMEs) creates a viable path to improved nutrition in Sub‐Saharan Africa. From the nutrition perspective, investment in food SMEs could help address coexisting multiple forms of malnutrition by shifting nutritional quality of available foods. From the investor perspective, attractiveness of investment in food SMEs depends on financial risks, how costs are passed on to consumers, and probability of impact. Clear nutritional objectives and investment criteria are needed, as well as research to maximize the potential of this innovative approach.

Suggested Citation

  • Alice Chapple & Elise Reynolds & Andrew Mude & Warda Riaz & Reina Engle‐Stone, 2024. "Is investing in food small and medium enterprises a viable path to improved nutrition in Sub‐Saharan Africa? A multidisciplinary perspective," Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 46(2), pages 475-498, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:apecpp:v:46:y:2024:i:2:p:475-498
    DOI: 10.1002/aepp.13427
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. William A Masters & Yan Bai & Anna Herforth & Daniel B Sarpong & Fulgence Mishili & Joyce Kinabo & Jennifer C Coates, 2018. "Measuring the Affordability of Nutritious Diets in Africa: Price Indexes for Diet Diversity and the Cost of Nutrient Adequacy," American Journal of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, vol. 100(5), pages 1285-1301.
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    7. David L Tschirley & Jason Snyder & Michael Dolislager & Thomas Reardon & Steven Haggblade & Joseph Goeb & Lulama Traub & Francis Ejobi & Ferdi Meyer, 2015. "Africa ' s unfolding diet transformation: implications for agrifood system employment," Journal of Agribusiness in Developing and Emerging Economies, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 5(2), pages 102-136, November.
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