Stunting is a critical public health challenge in Niger, particularly in the Maradi Region. Fortified complementary food supplements are a key nutritional intervention to address growth faltering during the complementary feeding period. This scoping review aimed to map and synthesise evidence on the impact of a specific fortified complementary food supplement on linear growth velocity in infants aged 6–18 months in Maradi, Niger. It sought to describe the scope of available evidence and identify research gaps. A scoping review was conducted following established frameworks. A systematic search was performed across multiple electronic databases and grey literature sources. Studies were included if they reported on the specified supplement and linear growth outcomes in the relevant population and location. Data were charted and analysed thematically. The review identified a limited but consistent body of evidence. Provision of the supplement was associated with a modest, statistically significant increase in linear growth velocity compared to non-intervention groups. One key study reported a mean difference in length-for-age Z-score of approximately 0.15. The evidence base originated predominantly from a single, large-scale research programme. Existing evidence suggests a positive association between this supplement and improved linear growth velocity in this population. However, the evidence is circumscribed, largely deriving from one research initiative, which limits generalisability. Further independent and longitudinal research is required to confirm findings and assess long-term impacts. Operational research should investigate programme delivery, coverage, and adherence to inform scale-up. Integration of the supplement within broader multisectoral strategies to address the underlying determinants of stunting is also recommended. stunting, linear growth, complementary feeding, food fortification, nutritional supplementation, infant, Niger, scoping review. This review consolidates the available evidence on a specific nutritional intervention in a high-burden setting, clarifying the extent of the evidence and providing direction for future research and programming.
Mariama Aboubacar Moussa (Sat,) studied this question.