In Rwamagana district, a powerful initiative is changing the way families nourish their children. Through cooking demonstrations and nutrition education, parents and caregivers are learning how to prepare balanced meals using locally available foods. Supported by the Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security Project (SAIP), this effort is not just about feeding children it’s about securing a healthier future for an entire generation.
Supported by the Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Food Security Project (SAIP), this initiative was more than just a meal; it was an educational experience aimed at combating malnutrition at the household level.
Mukankubana Verena, a dedicated community health worker, welcomed the parents and children with a warm smile. “Proper nutrition starts with knowledge,” she said. “By learning how to prepare balanced meals, we can ensure our children grow healthy and strong.”
The demonstration began with simple, locally available ingredients: vitamin A-fortified sweet potatoes, SASSO chicken eggs, fresh vegetables from community kitchen gardens, and nutrient-rich porridge made from maize, soya, and groundnuts. Parents eagerly watched as trained nutritionists explained the importance of each food group and how to balance meals for growing children.
“Before SAIP, eggs and fruits were a luxury in many households,” shared Nyiransabimana Dativa, a mother of three. “But now, we have kitchen gardens and fruit trees that provide food year-round. My children love the eggs, and I have learned how to prepare them in different ways.”
As the event concluded, parents expressed gratitude for the knowledge gained and the practical skills they could take home. “We are not just feeding our children; we are securing their future,” said Mukamana Joseline, a mother of two. “Thanks to SAIP, we are now empowered to provide nutritious meals every day.”
As the food was served, excited children sat together on colorful mats, enjoying the nutritious meals. The joy on their faces reassured parents that these feeding practices were not just effective but enjoyable. Community health workers guided parents on portion sizes and meal frequency, reinforcing the importance of consistency in maintaining child health.
SAIP’s support doesn’t end at feeding exercises. Expectant mothers receive nutrition education as early as three months into pregnancy, attending eight prenatal visits to ensure healthy births.
When children reach six months, they are enrolled in complementary feeding programs, ensuring their diet is enriched with essential nutrients.
Additionally, families receive sustainable food resources, including vitamin A-fortified sweet potato vines, fruit tree seedlings, and improved farming inputs.
The impact has been transformative.
“Before the project, only 20% of households had kitchen gardens. Today, nearly every family has one,” stated Radjab Mbonyumuvunyi, Mayor of Rwamagana.
He added, “Malnutrition rates have significantly dropped, and in some areas, severe malnutrition has been eradicated. Stunting rates in Rwamagana have fallen to just 11%, a testament to SAIP’s success.”
Beyond nutrition, SAIP has strengthened rural economies. Farmers who once struggled with subsistence farming now grow surplus crops, build homes, and send their children to school. Over 1,000 jobs have been created through irrigation and agricultural projects, ensuring long-term resilience for families.
With continued support from The Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) and the World Bank, SAIP is proving that sustainable agriculture, nutrition education, and economic empowerment can create lasting change.
Written by Emma-Marie Umurerwa
