Stakeholders distribute bio-fortified beans to combat malnutrition in Iringa

Iringa. In a bid to address high rates of malnutrition among children under five in Iringa, nutrition stakeholders have commenced the distribution of bio-fortified bean seeds to primary and secondary schools across the region.

Recent statistics reveal that 47 percent of children in this age group are stunted, highlighting that nearly half of the children suffer from impaired growth.

This statistic is particularly concerning for Iringa, a major food-producing region in Tanzania.

Key factors contributing to this issue include a lack of sufficient knowledge among parents about the importance of balanced diets rich in essential nutrients for child development.

Additionally, many families struggle to prepare meals with the right nutritional balance, exacerbating the malnutrition issue.

Parents often face challenges in finding the time to feed their children properly due to busy schedules.

To address these challenges, the Iringa regional government has introduced various strategies, including providing nutrition education and raising awareness about the importance of balanced, nutrient-rich meals for children.

It also ensures funding for nutrition interventions, mandating councils to allocate budgets for nutrition programmes such as purchasing therapeutic foods and conducting educational campaigns.

Furthermore, it collaborates with stakeholders, including partnerships with organisations and institutions focused on improving nutrition.

The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) has been a key player in these efforts.

On January 28, 2024, GAIN launched the distribution of bio-fortified bean seeds to schools in Iringa Municipality.

This initiative aims to encourage the cultivation of nutrient-rich crops to improve community health, with a particular focus on students.

GAIN’s project officer, Mr Edwin Josiah, highlighted during the launch that the seeds are part of the organisation’s ongoing mission to address nutrition-related challenges in the community.

He revealed that the programme would be expanded to schools in all districts and councils across the region.

“We want to see communities benefit from better nutrition through agriculture. This is a vital step towards improving public health and tackling malnutrition,” Mr Josiah explained.

He added that, while GAIN previously focused solely on farmers, the organisation has now extended its efforts to include schools, aiming to improve both student and community health.

Government leaders in the region stressed the importance of collaboration between farmers, the government, and organisations like GAIN in achieving the region's nutrition goals.

Iringa’s regional adult education officer, Ms Martha Lwambano, who oversees school nutrition programmes, reinforced the regional commissioner’s directive to enhance student health through school-based farming initiatives.

“Schools with agricultural land are encouraged to grow bio-fortified beans to ensure students receive essential nutrients for their health,” Ms Lwambano stated.

The event also featured discussions between teachers and agricultural experts on best practices for cultivating bio-fortified beans.

Iringa’s regional nutrition officer, Ms Anna Nombo, reaffirmed the region’s commitment to ensuring nutritious foods are available in schools.

She highlighted the benefits of bio-fortified beans, which are rich in iron and zinc—crucial nutrients for children’s health.

GAIN has pledged to continue supporting the community by providing high-quality seeds and modern agricultural training to enhance community health and well-being.

While these efforts are commendable, the fight against malnutrition and stunting in Iringa demands sustained commitment.

Communities must work closely with the government and stakeholders to ensure children receive the nutrition they need for healthy growth and development.