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Farmers, residents to benefit from vegetable consumption campaign in Mombasa

A trader selling vegetables at Marikiti Market in Mombasa. (Photo: Khadija Abdi)

By Farhiya Hussein | 20 Jan 2024

The project aims to promote vegetable consumption to address malnutrition problems in Kenya.

Farmers and residents have a reason to smile after the launch of a nutrition campaign to spearhead the consumption of fresh vegetables to improve nutrition.

The project dubbed "Vegetables for All" was launched in 2022 by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and is expected to run up to 2026.

The project aims to promote vegetable consumption to address malnutrition problems in Kenya targeting five counties that are Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Machakos, and Kiambu.

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The project intends to reach 1.1 million consumers to encourage them to improve on vegetable consumption.

Project Manager of GAIN Denis Amberi said that research by the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that vegetable and fruit consumption should be at 400 grams per day per person. It adds that with the increase in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Kenya, the consumption is still low at 100 to 130 grams per person

“To increase vegetable consumption, GAIN has introduced the "Food Fiti" brand in Mombasa County to spearhead the vegetable consumption campaign in the county,” he said.

“We have collaborated with the Mombasa County government to support initiatives such as the ongoing Food Safety policy bill. We are also actively engaging with public health, trade, and agriculture sectors to collectively reach specific consumer targets,” said Amberi.

The brand aims to anchor three components that are access to fresh and safe vegetables near the consumer, creating awareness of the need to consume fresh vegetables, and an enabling environment where policies can be promoted that will enable vegetable safety.

A Public Health Representative Phylis Kemunto, speaking at the launch of a sensitization program in Mombasa at Jomvu, said the program will increase consumption of vegetables.

“The program aims to increase vegetable consumption among locals in partnership with the Department of Health in Mombasa and GRAIN.”

The program is expected to be effective in addressing issues of food security and malnutrition by assisting transporters to deliver vegetables efficiently to vendors who deliver to consumers on the ground.

The Chairperson for Tuktuk in Jomvu John Chengo lauded the initiative and called for coastal people to shift from fast foods to traditional vegetables that have nutritional benefits.

“There is still a challenge in the intake of vegetables since most households prefer pizzas and fries,” he said.

Chengo called upon all Kenyans to embrace the consumption of vegetables, saying that eating healthy is not just a dietary choice but a way to stay away from diseases.

A farmer, Alli Kenga, told Eastleigh Voice, that he hopes the project will increase demand for the vegetables.

"As a farmer in Mombasa, the Vegetables for All project brings hope, promising increased demand for fresh produce. This will pave the way for better income and sustainable agriculture."

Miriam Kadzo, another farmer, said she sees great opportunities ahead following the launch of the project.

”It will be an advantage to farmers like me in Mombasa. It will also contribute to the community's health and well-being through nutritious produce.”