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With research staff from more than 60 countries, and offices across the globe, IFPRI provides research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition in developing countries.

researcher spotlight

Kalyani Raghunathan

Kalyani Raghunathan is Research Fellow in the Poverty, Gender, and Inclusion Unit, based in New Delhi, India. Her research lies at the intersection of agriculture, gender, social protection, and public health and nutrition, with a specific focus on South Asia and Africa. 

Where we work

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Where we work

IFPRI currently has more than 600 employees working in over 80 countries with a wide range of local, national, and international partners.

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experts

Development Strategies and Governance

Doreen Kufoalor

Research Officer

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Bio

Doreen Kufoalor is a Research Officer with the Development Strategies and Governance Unit, and is based at IFPRI-Accra.

Publications

Publications

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Journal Article

Putting consumers first in food systems analysis: Identifying interventions to improve diets in rural Ghana

2022Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Gelli, Aulo; Agandin, John; Kufoalor, Doreen; Donovan, Jason
Details

Putting consumers first in food systems analysis: Identifying interventions to improve diets in rural Ghana

A critical, yet underexplored, dimension of food systems is how consumer food preferences and beliefs interact with the food environment. We present a consumer-centered approach to identifying options for improving diets. The Value Chains for Nutrition (VCN) mixed-methods multi-disciplinary analytical approach was applied in rural Ghana. Data from in-depth consumer interviews, structured vendor interviews, and (secondary) household consumption surveys were analyzed to assess consumer diet patterns, related norms and preferences, and supply and demand characteristics of a set of empirically defined high-potential nutritious foods. Mapping results onto a supply–demand typology, we identify promising interventions to support increased availability, access, and affordability of these foods. Consumption data suggested that diets among Ghanaians were deficient in key micronutrients and calories. Fresh nutritious fruits and vegetables tended to be grown for home consumption rather than sale due to transportation challenges and seasonality of demand, especially near rural markets. Seasonal availability (fruits and vegetables) and affordability (animal foods) severely limited consumption of many nutritious foods. A set of supply, demand, and value chain interventions to enhance availability and affordability of nutritious foods are presented. Critical to success is to consider the set of interventions along each value chain required for impact.

Year published

2022

Authors

Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Gelli, Aulo; Agandin, John; Kufoalor, Doreen; Donovan, Jason

Citation

Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Gelli, Aulo; Agandin, John; Kufoalor, Doreen; and Donovan, Jason. 2022. Putting consumers first in food systems analysis: Identifying interventions to improve diets in rural Ghana. Food Security 14: 1359-1375. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-022-01277-w

Country/Region

Ghana

Keywords

Western Africa; Sub-saharan Africa; Africa; Value Chains; Households; Nutrition; Food Consumption; Diet; Rural Areas; Food Systems; Feeding Preferences

Language

English

Access/Licence

Open AccessCC-BY-4.0

Links

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-022-01277-w Source record

Project

Policies, Institutions, and Markets

Record type

Journal Article

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Report

Improving diets in rural Ghana: Food system analysis to identify opportunities for nutrition-sensitive small and medium enterprises

2021Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations; International Food Policy Research Institute; Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Gelli, Aulo; Agandin, John; Kufoalor, Doreen S.
Details

Improving diets in rural Ghana: Food system analysis to identify opportunities for nutrition-sensitive small and medium enterprises

This publication presents an in-depth analysis of the food system in Ghana with the dual purpose of providing an overview of the current situation, and identifying opportunities for leveraging the role of small and medium-sized enterprises for nutrition-sensitive food systems. The data collected and the results of the analysis enhance the understanding of some of the challenges that, in the Ghanaian context, contribute to determining diet-related issues; more importantly, the analysis identifies opportunities and entry points for improving diets by overcoming some of the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises. The information provided could be of support not only for further analyses, but also for planning interventions and designing policies to improve nutrition in Ghana and in other contexts.

Year published

2021

Authors

Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations; International Food Policy Research Institute; Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Gelli, Aulo; Agandin, John; Kufoalor, Doreen S.

Citation

Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO); and International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). 2021. Improving diets in rural Ghana: Food system analysis to identify opportunities for nutrition-sensitive small and medium enterprises. Rome, Italy; and Washington, DC: Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO); and International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). https://doi.org/10.4060/cb5139en

Country/Region

Ghana

Keywords

Western Africa; Sub-saharan Africa; Africa; Participation; Healthy Diets; Nutrition Education; Nutrition; Small and Medium Enterprises; Diet; Food Systems

Language

English

Access/Licence

Open AccessCC-BY-NC-SA-3.0-IGO

Links

https://doi.org/10.4060/cb5139en Source record

Project

Policies, Institutions, and Markets

Record type

Report

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Working Paper

Mapping the implementation process for subsidized fertilizer distribution under Ghana’s Planting for Food and Jobs Program

2021Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Kufoalor, Doreen S.; Gilbert, Rachel
Details

Mapping the implementation process for subsidized fertilizer distribution under Ghana’s Planting for Food and Jobs Program

Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) is Ghana’s flagship program for agricultural transformation and employment creation. Alongside other components, the program provides subsidized fertilizer, hybrid and open-pollinated seeds and other planting materials, improved extension services, and marketing support to smallholder farmers across the country. The objective of this study was to assess the implementation process of the PFJ input subsidy program in order to identify opportunities for strengthening the process. The study focused only on fertilizer distribution as a distinct complex process of importance, although some of the lessons will be applicable to other components of the PFJ program. The study applied the Process Net-Map method, a research approach that is particularly useful for assessing the coherence between formally prescribed procedures and how those procedures are implemented in practice, enabling the identification of inefficiencies and bottlenecks in a complex process. The implementation of the PFJ fertilizer subsidy program was mapped in interviews with key informants at national level and in six districts. Interviews with national-level stakeholders yielded important insights about the complex largely administrative process involved in the implementation of PFJ, which is generally unseen by beneficiaries. These administrative processes, however, have a considerable impact on the timeliness of the program and provide an outline of the intended implementation process at the local district level. The perspectives of farmers with regards to these processes were also investigated through in-depth interviews. Across the study districts we found some ambiguity and inconsistency in following the formally prescribed procedures for implementing the PFJ fertilizer subsidy program. While we found broad agreement among key informants and farmers that the program is meeting its objectives, some areas in which the implementation process for the PFJ fertilizer subsidy program could be improved are highlighted. These improvements will enhance the efficiency and impact of the program.

Year published

2021

Authors

Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Kufoalor, Doreen S.; Gilbert, Rachel

Citation

Aberman, Noora-Lisa; Kufoalor, Doreen S.; and Gilbert, Rachel. 2021. Mapping the implementation process for subsidized fertilizer distribution under Ghana’s Planting for Food and Jobs Program. GSSP Working Paper 56. Washington, DC: International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). https://doi.org/10.2499/p15738coll2.134432

Country/Region

Ghana

Keywords

Western Africa; Sub-saharan Africa; Africa; Fertilizers; Employment; Extension Systems; Agricultural Transformation; Smallholders; Subsidies

Language

English

Access/Licence

Open AccessCC-BY-4.0

Links

https://doi.org/10.2499/p15738coll2.134432 Source record

Project

Policies, Institutions, and Markets

Record type

Working Paper