Partnership for small-scale cultivation and processing of spirulina to fortify complementary food for children in Hawassa, Ethiopia

Malnutrition remains a critical challenge in Ethiopia, especially for women and children. Approximately 22% of the population is undernourished, with 39% of children under five stunted, 7% wasted, and a 4.6% mortality rate before the age of five. Ethiopia faces worsening food insecurity due to climate change, internal conflicts, and economic instability. Spirulina is a blue-green alga that has very high macro- and micronutrient content. This project proposes spirulina cultivation to combat micronutrient deficiencies in infants and young children, while empowering women. Hawassa University (HU) and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) will collaborate to strengthen HU's capacity in key areas, including maternal dietary education, nutritional quality analysis, and the cultivation of spirulina for home fortification of complementary foods. By addressing malnutrition and strengthening food security, this SI project supports both public health and economic empowerment in Hawassa.