Policy Making in Nutrition: Driving Change for Better Health

Nutrition is at the heart of public health, and effective policies ensure that communities have access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food. But how are these policies made? Who influences them? And how can you, as a nutritionist, become part of the policy-making process?

Let’s explore what nutrition policymaking is, the steps involved, and how you can position yourself as a policy advocate or even a policy maker.

What is Nutrition Policy Making?

Nutrition policymaking refers to the development and implementation of laws, regulations, and guidelines that influence food systems, public health nutrition, and overall well-being. These policies shape food production, distribution, and consumption and address critical issues like:

✅ Food security and malnutrition
✅ Breastfeeding and maternal nutrition
✅ School feeding programs
✅ Food fortification and safety regulations
✅ Dietary guidelines for non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
✅ Taxation on unhealthy foods (e.g., sugar tax)

These policies aren’t just documents; they determine what happens in hospitals, schools, communities, and even at the national economic level.

Who Makes Nutrition Policies?

1. Government Agencies & Ministries

• Federal & State Ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Education
• National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
• Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON)
• National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA)

2. International Organizations & NGOs

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
• United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF)
• Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)

3. Research Institutions & Academics

• Universities and think tanks conduct studies that guide policy decisions.

4. Private Sector & Industry Leaders

• Food companies and agricultural businesses influence food production policies.

5. Professional Bodies & Nutritionists

• The Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN)
• Dietitians Association of Nigeria (DAN)
• Public health and community nutritionists advocating for policy changes.

How to Become a Nutrition Policy Maker

If you are passionate about shaping the future of food, health, and nutrition, you can influence or directly participate in policymaking. Here’s how:

1. Build Expertise in Nutrition & Public Health

To be taken seriously, you need a strong knowledge of nutrition, public health, and food systems. Consider:
✅ Pursuing a master’s or PhD in Nutrition Policy, Public Health, or Food Security
✅ Gaining experience in community nutrition or health research
✅ Staying updated on national and global nutrition trends

2. Learn the Policy Process

Policies don’t just appear overnight! They follow a structured process:
🔹 Agenda Setting – Identifying nutrition problems that need policy solutions.
🔹 Policy Formulation – Researching and drafting policy options.
🔹 Policy Adoption – Gaining approval from government agencies.
🔹 Implementation – Putting the policy into action.
🔹 Evaluation & Monitoring – Checking if the policy is effective.

Understanding this cycle helps you push for impactful policies at the right stages.

3. Join Nutrition Networks & Professional Bodies

Networking connects you with decision-makers and experts in the field.
🔹 Attend conferences hosted by NSN, DAN, and other health organizations.
🔹 Join TGNC (The Global Nutrition Community) and other advocacy platforms.
🔹 Participate in policy-focused projects or research studies.

4. Engage in Nutrition Advocacy

Being a policymaker doesn’t mean you need to be in government. You can advocate for change through:
✅ Writing articles, reports, and petitions on nutrition issues
✅ Engaging with lawmakers and public health officials
✅ Starting grassroots campaigns or working with NGOs

5. Pursue a Career in Nutrition Policy & Governance

If you want to fully immerse yourself in policy-making, consider roles like:
👨‍💼 Nutrition Policy Advisor – Works with government agencies on food and health policies.
📊 Public Health Researcher – Conducts studies that shape national nutrition policies.
🏛️ Food & Nutrition Program Manager – Leads projects at NGOs or international organizations.
🎤 Advocacy & Communications Specialist – Drives public awareness on nutrition policies.

Why Nutritionists Should Get Involved in Policy Making

💡 Policies drive lasting change! While individual nutrition counselling helps clients, policies impact entire populations.

✅ You can prevent malnutrition on a national scale.
✅ You influence laws that make healthy food accessible to all.
✅ You ensure that nutrition is a priority in government decisions.

🚀 We need more nutritionists influencing policies at local, national, and global levels!

Final Thoughts: Can You Be the Next Nutrition Policy Leader?

If you’re passionate about nutrition, you already have what it takes to drive policy change. Start small by getting involved in advocacy, joining networks, and understanding the policy process. Over time, you can grow into a powerful voice in nutrition policy-making.

💡 Would you like to explore more opportunities in nutrition policy? Check the next post!