What it takes to eradicate hidden hunger

By The Inspirer writer.

In Rwanda the same as in other countries, hidden hunger is a threat to human health and growth that not only undermines individuals but also the family, the community and the nation as a whole. It is normally caused by lack of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin A, Iron, Zinc, Calcium, and Iodine. 

Hidden hunger occurs when people’s daily meals do not meet nutrient requirements, so the food is deficient in micronutrients that they need for their growth and development.

Experts believe that eradicating hidden hunger requires adequate and early consumption of nutritious food including fruits and vegetables.

Nziza Irene Muhorakeye, Nutrition Officer at Stewardship Agribusiness Incubation Centre (SAIC) explains hidden hunger as lack of enough Vitamins and Iron that manifests for a long time. “It is a micro-nutrient deficiency for a long time.” She says.

She advises people to eat vegetables and fruits in order to eradicate hidden hunger.

Women and children are the most affected

“Women and children are the ones who are mostly affected by hidden hunger because when a pregnant woman lacks vitamins and minerals, her growing baby also can be affected, that is why women should take care of themselves by eating vegetables and fruits in order to prevent malnutrition to their newborns.” Nziza says.

She says that nutrition as one of the components of SAIC’s programmes is key towards the wellbeing of the community and they are doing their best to eradicate it countrywide through holistic agribusiness approaches.

“As SAIC, we plan to distribute seeds of vegetables and fruits to many young people and other Rwandans to prevent them from having hidden hunger, we are also helping them to have access to trainings on how to prepare balanced diet.’’ Nziza notes.

She adds that they are doing whatever to boost Agriculture and livestock farming to make sure that food security goals are attained.

Nziza also clarifies undernutrition as a threat that has many effects on teen mothers’ health and their children.

Effects of hidden hunger on kids

“Lack of micronutrient into the mother’s body affects the brain maturity of the child during foetal development. It also affects the child’s performance and his/her cognitive ability at school.” She notes.

Source: SAIC Rwanda.