Gisagara residents turn to avocado farming to combat malnutrition among children

By The Inspirer.

Residents of Ndora Sector in Gisagara District have decided to fight malnutrition by planting avocado trees, viewing the fruit as a key ingredient in combating malnutrition and stunting among children.

They are focusing on preparing nutritious meals for children that include animal-based products and avocado, prompting every household to commit to planting at least three avocado trees.

Christine Mbazumutima, a resident of Ndora Sector, explained that after learning about the importance of including avocado in a balanced diet for children, she decided to plant avocado trees to ensure her family has affordable access to the fruit.

She stated: “Nowadays, avocados are among the most expensive fruits. Since I understand their role in combating malnutrition, I decided to plant them so that in the future, I can add them to my children’s meals without having to buy them from the market.”

Devota Mukeshimana, also from Ndora Sector, shared a similar perspective, noting that she now recognizes avocado as an essential component of a child’s balanced diet.

She said: “You can’t find an avocado for less than 100 Rwandan Francs. Since I’ve understood its benefits in fighting malnutrition, I’ve decided to plant them. This way, I’ll have avocados readily available for my children’s meals without needing to purchase them.”

Emmanuel Nzabandora, another resident, highlighted not only avocado’s role in combating malnutrition but also its economic value.

He remarked: “After the local authorities taught us that avocado complements children’s meals in fighting malnutrition, I realized it is also a product in daily demand. That’s why I’ve set a goal to plant many avocado trees, so in the future, I can use them both to improve my family’s nutrition and as a source of income.”

Dusabe Denise, Gisagara District’s Vice Mayor in charge of Social Welfare, emphasized the long-term benefits of planting avocados, both for economic development and improved living conditions.

She stated: “Planting avocados is a great initiative for Gisagara residents. It will help us combat malnutrition and stunting in children when combined with balanced diets, while also boosting household income through avocado sales. I encourage all residents to prioritize avocado cultivation.”

She added that, in collaboration with the district’s partners, they aim to ensure every household plants at least three avocado trees. This initiative is part of the broader national agenda to eradicate malnutrition and stunting in children by promoting avocado production and incorporating it into balanced diets.

Currently, 20,350 avocado trees have been planted, with the goal of ensuring that every household grows at least three trees. This will increase avocado availability for combating malnutrition and stunting by integrating the fruit into children’s meals as a supplement to other components of a balanced diet.

theinspirerpublications@gmail.com