CONTRIBUTION OF SCALING UP NUTRITION ACADEMIC PLATFORMS TO NUTRITION CAPACITY STRENGTHENING IN AFRICA: LOCAL EFFORTS, CONTINENTAL PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Addressing contemporary nutrition problems often requires application of knowledge frommultiple disciplines. The scaling up nutrition (SUN) movement harnesses multiple sectorsfor effective global and in-country planning and implementation. Although the role of knowl-edge networks (academia and research institutions) is recognised, the how of engaging knowl-edge networks in the current SUN architecture is only now becoming apparent. For relevantsectors to play their roles effectively, observed capacity gaps, particularly in developing coun-try settings, need to be addressed. The present paper presents the work being undertaken by theGhana SUN Academic Platform (AP), a local knowledge network, towards strengtheningnutrition capacity in Ghana. The AP presently provides technical support, evidence and cap-acity towards scaling up effective nutrition interventions in Ghana and beyond. The data pre-sented draws heavily on the observations and collective experiences of the authors in practice,complemented by a review of relevant literature. The ultimate goal of the AP is to build cap-acity of professionals from nutrition and cognate sectors (including planning, agriculture,health, economics, research and academia). This is an essential ingredient for effective anddurable SUN efforts. The paper recognises that both disciplinary and interdisciplinarycapacity is required for effective SUN efforts in Africa, and offers an approach that utilisescross-sector/inter-professional, peer-learning and experiential learning initiatives