Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ In the northeastern Gombe state of Nigeria, UNICEF is making strides to combat chronic malnutrition by empowering thousands of women through nutrition education and sustainable agriculture. By cultivating home gardens, these women are not only improving their families’ nutrient intake but also alleviating the financial burden of purchasing food, which is particularly impactful in a region where malnutrition is rampant.
This week, in the village of Poshereng, more than a dozen women gathered to learn from UNICEF’s training program. Here, they are introduced to at least 200 recipes utilizing locally grown crops like cassava, orange-fleshed sweet potato, maize, and millet. Hauwa Bwami, a 50-year-old widow and mother of five, shared her transformative experience. She nearly lost her grandson to kwashiorkor due to poor nutrition and lack of knowledge. Now, thanks to the training, she grows enough nutrient-rich food to sustain her family.
“I have my grandson; he was malnourished and suffered from kwashiorkor. UNICEF saw his condition and taught me how to prepare food with sweet potatoes and soya beans to prevent diarrhea. They taught us how to prepare nutritious food with vitamins,” Bwami told the AP during a training session.
Located in a semi-arid region with minimal rainfall in recent years, the Kaltungo community primarily consists of farmers who rely on agriculture as their sole income source. Despite its slow progression, malnutrition weakens the immune system over time, increasing vulnerability to other diseases, sometimes leading to death.
In Nigeria, many malnourished children never receive hospital treatment due to financial constraints or the absence of health facilities in remote areas. This dire situation is reflective of the broader African continent, where over one billion people are frequently afflicted by malnutrition, driven by conflict, climate crises, and escalating food prices. According to UN estimates, Africa bears one-third of the global malnutrition burden, with 13 of the 20 most affected countries.
UNICEF’s initiative in Gombe state is a beacon of hope, demonstrating how education and sustainable agricultural practices can make a significant difference in battling malnutrition. By equipping women with the knowledge and tools to grow and prepare nutrient-dense foods, this program is fostering healthier communities and brighter futures for Nigeria’s next generation.Top of Form
