The recovery strategy for agricultural sector, which gives priority to the value chain approach, renewed interest in both milk production and processing within the framework of livestock development policy. The consumption of locally produced cow’s milk has grown considerably in recent decades, despite the fact that Benin isn’t a major producer of cattle. The role of milk and milk products in the diet and economy of pastoral communities is well established. However, milk production is still weak and depends on genetic and many other factors. That’s is the reason why, despite its economic and nutritional importance, the Beninese dairy industry is still artisanal. Dairy industry in Benin ensures the marketing of derived products like a local cheese “Wagashi” and a local beverage “Degue”: two derivative products helping to meet the nutritional needs of the population. The production conditions as well as the lack of standardization of the processing and preservation practices are, among other things, critical points justifying the risks associated with the consumption of derived dairy products in Benin. The decline in quantity of domestic imports of milk and milk products in recent decades has led to a segmentation of the dairy markets where local products play an important role. Hence, the need to evaluate the potential of milk production as well as the risks related to the consumption of this with a view to an industrial valorisation involving consumer health safety. The importance of milk and dairy products in the diet, the cattle breeds involved in milk production and their performance and the risks linked to the consumption of dairy products produced in Benin are discussed in this review.

West Africa’s agri-food systems face a triple burden of malnutrition, climate vulnerability, and structural inefficiencies that compromise nutrition and public health. Despite increased attention to food security, agricultural strategies often prioritize yield over dietary quality. This paper explores the critical role of food processing in advancing Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture (NSA) and Nutrition-Smart Agriculture (NSmartAg) across West Africa. Drawing on a systems lens, it positions food processing not as a peripheral activity, but as a catalytic mechanism that connects nutrient-dense production with improved consumption outcomes. Food processing can reduce post-harvest losses, preserve micronutrients, extend food availability, and foster inclusive value chains particularly for women and youth. Yet, persistent challenges remain, including institutional fragmentation, infrastructure gaps, and limited financial and technical capacity. This paper proposes a conceptual framework linking food processing to NSA and NSmartAg objectives and outlines operational entry points for implementation. By integrating processing into agricultural policies, investment, education, and monitoring systems, stakeholders and policymakers can reimagine agriculture as a platform for resilience and nutritional equity. Strategic recommendations emphasize multisectoral collaboration, localized solutions, and evidence-informed interventions to drive the transformation toward sustainable, nutrition-oriented food systems.

West Africa faces persistent food and nutrition insecurity despite agricultural efforts, exacerbated by population growth, climate change, and socio-economic vulnerabilities. This study argues that integrating food processing principles with nutrition-sensitive agriculture (NSA) and nutrition-smart agriculture (NSmartAg) offers a transformative solution for human health. Therefore, we delineate these interconnected concepts and highlight their synergistic potential for a nutrition-focused food system. Likewise, critical analysis of key regional challenges, including infrastructural weaknesses, policy gaps, and gender inequities, was made prior to identifying significant opportunities for leveraging food processing as a strategic entry point to accelerate the implementation of NSA and NSmartAg. Based on these insights, six strategic pathways are proposed to achieve this objective: (i) integrating food processing into policies; (ii) investing in interdisciplinary R&D that puts nutrition and health benefits at the forefront of desired outcomes along with others; (iii) strengthening farmer and food processor capacities; (iv) improving agri-food infrastructure; (v) fostering multi-sectoral collaboration; and (vi) prioritizing youth engagement and market development. By adopting these integrated strategies, West African countries can build more resilient, equitable, and nutrition-centered food systems, ultimately improving public health outcomes and fostering sustainable regional development.