Promoting Children Access to Nutritious Foods (P-CAN) Project

Project Text

The Promoting Children’s Access to Nutritious Food (P-CAN) Project is being implemented by IDEAS Ghana in five communities: Bugure, Komaka, Gbere, Kamega and Guzesi in the Bawku West District, Upper East Region, Ghana. The project aims to improve children’s health and learning outcomes by increasing access to, production of, and consumption of diverse, nutritious foods.

• 17–18% of children under five are stunted, 6–7% suffer from wasting, and over 35% of women of reproductive age are anemic. Limited access to diverse diets is one contributing factor.
• Climate-smart farming and nutrition education are key solutions.
• IDEAS Ghana promotes children’s access to nutritious food.

Project Target

• 2,500 children (under 15) and 500 mothers in five communities (Bugure, Gbere, Guzesi, Kamega and Komaka) in the Bawku West District.

Expected Results

• 2,500 children eating fruits and vegetables
• 500 women farmers growing nutrient-rich crops
• 200 women earning income from the sale of produce

Key Activities

• Training 25 Volunteer Nutrition Counselors
• Training 500 mothers (including 100 teenage mothers)
• Providing OFSP plants and bean seeds
• Conducting cooking demonstrations in five communities
• Making monthly home visits to malnourished children
• Food marketing and contract farming

Expected Impact

• Improved child nutrition
• Empowered women farmers
• Sustainable income opportunities
• Stronger community resilience

Implementation Strategy

• Community Volunteer Champions to promote children’s access to nutritious food
• Community Volunteer Counselors to follow up on children with malnutrition issues
• Production of nutrient-rich crops and vegetables for children’s consumption
• Nutritious food preparation demonstrations
• Community-level advocacy on children’s right to nutritious food