Culinary expert, Christian Abegan has been named by the World Food Programme (WFP) as its Chef advocate in West and Central Africa, said a statement to APA on Tuesday.
A champion of sustainable food systems and healthy diets, Abégan has dedicated his career to elevating African gastronomy, advocating for food security and promoting the use of nutritious, locally sourced ingredients to fight hunger.
Honoured with the Diplôme d’Honneur de l’Institut de la Gastronomie Française, laureate of the Afro-Caribbean Excellence Trophy and author, he brings a wealth of expertise and passion to WFP’s mission of fighting hunger and malnutrition worldwide, the statement said.
In his new role as WFP’s Chef Advocate, Abégan will collaborate with WFP to promote fortified foods, advocate for homegrown school meals, and mobilise decision-makers to support global food security efforts.
Chef Abegan will also share his culinary knowledge and techniques, empowering people to access nutritious meals using available resources.
“As a chef and a passionate advocate for nutritious and accessible food for all, I fully identify with WFP’s mission to fight hunger,” said Chef Christian Abégan.
“Taking on this role is a great honour and a responsibility that I embrace with passion and determination.“
For the past 35 years, Abégan has advocated for the power of food as a tool for better health, culture, community cohesion and growth.
According to the statement his expertise in African cuisine and sustainable food systems aligns with WFP’s efforts to promote nutrition, food security, support to smallholder farmers and education through its homegrown school feeding programme.
“Chef Christian Abégan’s expertise and creativity bring a powerful synergy to WFP’s efforts in West and Central Africa, blending culinary innovation with social impact,” Margot Van Der Velden, WFP’s Regional Director for Western Africa was quoted as saying.
Chef Abégan’s appointment comes as West Africa grapples with an acute food security and nutrition crisis with an estimated 52.7 million women, men and children projected to experience acute hunger by June 2025.
This hunger crisis is mainly driven by conflict, displacement, economic crises and severe climate shocks, with devastating floods in 2024 affecting over six million people across the region.
Moreover, 8 in 10 children under two lack access to dietary diversity in a region hosting 16 percent of the global burden of child stunting.
WN/as/APA