A Scoping Review of Benin’s Nutrition Policy and Programme Landscape: Gaps, Overlaps, and Opportunities for Action in Food Fortification

This project aims to conduct a scoping review to increase understanding of the policy instruments, policy-related instruments, and programmes addressing malnutrition and gender equity in Benin, with particular attention to iron deficiency (ID), iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), and fortification efforts. The review is intended to inform policymakers and interest-holders involved in the implementation of nutrition and gender equity policy and programmes, by identifying these instruments and programmes, and analysing their scope and equity considerations. Specifically, the scope will examine which target populations are identified within nutrition- and gender-equity related policies and programmes, the systems and actors involved in their design and implementation, and how these policies and programmes are operationalised to address nutritional deficiencies and equity. Equity will involve assessment of gender responsiveness, determining whether each policy or programme is gender-sensitive, gender-specific, or gender-transformative (1). These findings will guide the design and implementation of future interventions to be sustainable, equitable, and align with government policies, programmes, and strategic priorities.