Social Entrepreneurship in Nutrition: Scaling Sustainable Business Models for Public Health Impact

Abstract

Malnutrition and nutrition-related illnesses continue to be significant public health concerns worldwide that need solutions beyond government and donor-funded initiatives. The article explores social entrepreneurship in nutrition as a novel approach combining business sustainability and public health impact. The paper examines the conceptual foundations of social-nutrition related enterprises that seek to improve nutrition while emphasizing their hybrid models that ensures a balance in financial sustainability with health-driven missions. Sustainable business models, inclusive value chains, and innovative financing mechanisms are identified as the key drivers of long-term success in social-nutrition enterprises. The study further highlights scaling pathways such as replication, partnerships, and policy integration that enable nutrition enterprises to extend their reach and systemic influence. Case studies, including KuliKuli’smoringa-based model and Kuli-kuli (groundnut cake) community-level enterprises common in most areas in Nigeria, both demonstrate practical strategies for linking livelihoods with improved nutrition outcomes. While financial sustainability challenges, regulatory challenges, cultural resistance, and lack of infrastructure still remain, enabling policies and cross-sector collaborations are seen to strengthen the ecosystem for growth. In terms of future directions, new technologies, digital platforms, and systems-level collaboration offer new opportunities for scaling impact. The article concludes that social entrepreneurship in nutrition holds tremendous potential to advance the Sustainable Development Goals of zero hunger and good health and thus a central path to sustainable public health transformation.