DSM & WFP extend deal and strengthen private sector links in tackling malnutrition

12-Oct-2018 - Last updated on 11-Oct-2018 at 11:43 GMT

(L-R) Feike Sijbesma, CEO and chairman of the DSM managing board and David Beasley, the executive director of the WFP. ©DSM/WFP

Royal DSM has reiterated its commitment to tackling malnutrition by extending its relationship with the World Food Programme (WFP) for a further three years until 2021.

The extension to the partnership—in place since 2007—look to build on previous efforts with greater emphasis placed on raising awareness for improved nutrition.

Developing new scientific and technical solutions are also on the agenda as the Dutch giants highlight its involvement in a major project to develop fortified rice, a crucial staple food in the developing world.

“The extension of the DSM-WFP partnership will help address two of these most important SDGs: ‘Zero Hunger’ and ‘Good Health & Wellbeing’,” said Feike Sijbesma, CEO and chairman of the DSM managing board.

“DSM is very proud of this long-term partnership with the World Food Programme. We work towards the same goal of ending malnutrition and share the vision of a world beyond hunger, where every child, every human being can reach their full potential.”

Public-private partnerships

Support from the private sector has been key in driving WFP’s ability to deliver nutrition to those that need it the most.

WFP public-private partnerships include those with Unilever and organizations such as the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), which have gone on to develop products such as micronutrient powders, Super Cereal Plus (a nutritious porridge), fortified dates, ready-to-use foods that do not need water (often a source of contamination) and rice fortification.

DSM’s expertise in high-nutrient products and knowhow in improving the nutritional value of distributed food has resulted in over 39.4 million people in countries including Nepal, Kenya, Bangladesh and Afghanistan benefiting from a boost in essential vitamins, nutrients and fortified rice

The WFP-DSM partnership, has also aided in WFP pilot projects using a range of solutions, such as fortified date bars, fortified rice and highly nutritional wheat and corn-soya blends (super cereal / super cereal +) to address the micronutrient needs of different cultures and societies around the world.

“I am thrilled to continue partnering with DSM,” said David Beasley, the executive director of the WFP.

“One of our oldest partners, DSM has worked with us from the beginning to fight hunger though sustainable food solutions.”

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

DSM’s commitment to five of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that emerged from the 2016 Paris Agreement is in contrast to a report published back in April.

The publication, produced by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and the USCIB Foundation, called on the private sector to build on current efforts to address rising malnutrition rates.

“Nations cannot achieve the SDGs without engaging the private sector,” said GAIN executive director and recent World Food Prize winner Lawrence Haddad.

“But to ensure that engagement is positive, governments need to be proactive, businesses need to be responsible and incentivised.

“Dialogue, transparency and impact assessment need to pervade their alliances to ensure they have positive effects and no negative effects on the nutrition status of all, especially those most vulnerable”.