Opinion: Kenya's Child Nutrition Conundrum Requires a Local Food Approach
The recent announcement of a UNICEF-backed fund to strengthen child nutrition in Kenya is a welcome development. However, as a registered nutritionist, I strongly believe that our approach to addressing child malnutrition needs a drastic overhaul. The conventional wisdom of relying on imported nutritional supplements and fortified foods is not only costly but also ineffective in the long run.
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that a diet rich in local leafy greens such as sukuma wiki and spinach can provide up to 50% of the recommended daily intake of iron for children (1). Another study by the African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development found that a meal consisting of Ugali, beans, and vegetables can provide up to 70% of the recommended daily intake of protein for children (2).
| Food Item | Iron Content (mg/100g) | Protein Content (g/100g) |
|---|
| Sukuma wiki | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Spinach | 2.7 | 2.9 |
| Ugali | 1.1 | 2.1 |
| Beans | 3.9 | 22.5 |
The counterargument is that these local foods may not be readily available or accessible to all families, particularly those in urban areas. However, I would argue that this is a matter of prioritizing and promoting local food systems, rather than relying on imported solutions.
For instance, a study by the Food and Agriculture Organization found that promoting local food systems can increase the availability and affordability of nutritious foods, particularly in rural areas (3).
In conclusion, while the UNICEF-backed fund is a step in the right direction, I firmly believe that our approach to addressing child malnutrition needs to shift towards promoting local food systems and diets. This approach not only provides a more sustainable and cost-effective solution but also helps to promote local economic development.
For Kenyan nutritionists managing multiple patients with malnutrition — AfyaPlate has a specific clinical profile for it, pre-configured with evidence-based targets from Kenya NCG 2022. afyaplate.com
Always consult a registered nutritionist for personalised dietary advice.
Photo by TopSphere Media on Unsplash
