Potential commercial influences on IFE
Author: GIFA / ENN report
Year: 2003
Resource type: Case study
Case study from: INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD FEEDING IN EMERGENCIES GIFA/ENN PROJECT (2003)
Researchers: Mary Corbett (Evaluation of Module 1) and Marie McGrath (Collation of case studies)
Case 50
Location: South Africa
Time: 2003
Source: Kari Egge
Issue: Potential commercial influences on infant feeding practice
South Africa is more commercialised than many other areas in Africa. Here there are commercial companies that are responding to local needs and potential markets that are opening up as a result of the crisis. For example, food products that include mebendazole or fortified milk drinks have been marketed to NGOs. Whilst large NGOs with good technical knowledge may dismiss such advances, there is a risk of smaller operations availing of these. This is also a potential risk regarding infant formula, particularly in a population where it is generally available and artificial feeding has been practised. Also, with problems in the food pipeline in supplying appropriate foods in the ration for young children (i.e. lack of CSB), then there is a greater chance of local, and potentially inappropriate, commercial products being procured.
Reference this page
GIFA / ENN report (2003). Potential commercial influences on IFE. www.ennonline.net/ifecommercialinfluences
(ENN_604)