According to UNICEF, Nigeria has the second-highest number of stunted children globally, with about 32 per cent of children under five affected. An estimated two million Nigerian children suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), yet only one in five currently receives treatment. The consequences—ranging from stunted growth and weakened immunity to long-term cognitive and developmental setbacks—often unfold quietly, far from the attention of policymakers and urban populations.
In response to this challenge, the Food Agricultural Nutrition Network (FANN), a non-governmental organisation founded by public health nutritionist Dr Phorbee Olapeju, is implementing grassroots interventions aimed at improving protein intake among vulnerable children. Headquartered in Abuja but operating across several states, FANN integrates research, agriculture and nutrition to address malnutrition through evidence-based, community-driven programmes.
Central to the organisation’s work is its flagship initiative, Egg-a-Child, which targets children under five in rural communities around the Federal Capital Territory. The programme uses eggs—an affordable, nutrient-dense source of animal protein—as a practical solution to widespread protein deficiency.
Eggs provide complete protein essential for growth, alongside key nutrients such as choline for brain development, omega-3 fatty acids, iron to prevent anaemia, and vitamins A, D, B12 and E that support immunity, bone health and vision. Their affordability and ease of preparation make them a viable alternative to more expensive protein sources like meat or fish.
Before launching the programme, FANN conducted extensive baseline surveys, focus group discussions and dietary assessments. According to Olapeju, the findings revealed significant nutritional gaps. “Many children had never eaten eggs regularly, even in households that kept chickens,” she said, attributing the problem to low awareness, poor prioritisation of child nutrition and economic pressures.
Community engagement formed a cornerstone of the intervention. FANN worked closely with local leaders, healthcare workers and caregivers to build trust and encourage participation. Registered children received seven vouchers, redeemable for eggs at designated primary healthcare centres, where the eggs were prepared and consumed on-site to ensure proper intake.
Mothers and caregivers actively participated by preparing the eggs—boiled or fried—using locally provided resources such as firewood and water. This participatory approach, Olapeju said, strengthened community ownership while reinforcing practical nutrition education.
The impact, according to programme monitors, was rapid. By the fourth feeding session, improvements in children’s energy levels, alertness and overall appearance were observed. Caregivers also reported noticeable changes, reinforcing the importance of consistent protein consumption.
Beyond food provision, the programme incorporated nutrition education sessions for parents and community members, emphasising the role of protein-rich diets and the effective use of locally available foods. “Behavioural change is just as important as providing food,” Olapeju noted.
Affordability and sustainability were key considerations. Eggs, costing approximately ₦5,500 per crate of 30, were selected as a cost-effective option. The programme was funded through contributions from Nigerian donors, allowing it to operate without foreign funding and underscoring local commitment to child nutrition.
Egg-a-Child was implemented across three rural communities—Figba, Burum and Tarku Shara—with activities carefully scheduled around agricultural cycles. Interventions were paused during peak farming periods to respect local priorities, enhancing acceptance and cooperation.
FANN also partnered with primary healthcare centres to identify and refer severely malnourished children for medical care, ensuring a more comprehensive response to child health needs.
Encouraged by the programme’s success, FANN plans to expand its efforts by promoting household-level egg production through small-scale poultry rearing. The approach aims to link food production directly with child nutrition, creating a sustainable, community-led model for food security.
Olapeju said continued education would ensure that eggs produced at home are prioritised for children rather than sold or diverted. She added that the initiative offers a replicable model for addressing protein deficiency nationwide.
By combining research, cultural sensitivity, community participation and practical solutions, FANN’s Egg-a-Child programme demonstrates how locally driven interventions can deliver measurable improvements in child health and inform broader nutrition policy in Nigeria.