| Written by Monica Makali |
Healthy eating took center stage today at a forum in Machakos, where experts from the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition(GAIN) partnered with the World Vegetable Center to advocate for increased vegetable consumption.
The message was clear , eating more vegetables isn’t just about nutrition; it’s a national health strategy.
According to Joseph Wambugu of GAIN, Kenya loses over 373 billion shillings annually to illnesses that could be prevented through better diets and healthier lifestyle choices.
“The government spends billions every year treating preventable diseases. If Kenyans embraced vegetables as part of their daily diet, we would not only be healthier but also reduce this economic burden.”
The conference also spotlighted the economic potential of vegetable farming.
Simon Thairu of the World Vegetable Center urged young people to take up vegetable farming, describing it as a low-capital, high-impact venture that can empower both youth and women.
“Vegetable farming requires minimal capital, yet offers great returns. We are calling on youth and women to see this not just as agriculture, but as a business opportunity.”
Both organizations also encouraged farmers to adopt organic practices, ensuring that produce is not only nutritious but also environmentally sustainable.
As the country grapples with rising health costs and youth unemployment, initiatives like this may offer a fresh path one where good health and economic growth grow side by side, quite literally from the ground up.
