Gardens for Health International (GHI) held a two-day "light-touch model" training at its farm in Bumbogo Sector in Gasabo District on November 7 and 8 that aimed at enhancing health and nutrition practices and promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture in all sectors of Gasabo District.
Themed "Investing in Nutrition-Sensitive Initiatives to End Child Malnutrition in Rwanda,” the training brought together the Rwanda Agriculture Board (RAB) representative, the National Child Development Agency (NCDA) representative and Early Childhood Development (ECD) focal points, District Officers, Sector Agronomists, Social Economists, Farmer Field School Facilitators, and Health Center Nutritionists.
The initiative aims to equip key community stakeholders with essential knowledge and skills to improve nutrition outcomes, particularly for pregnant women, children, and families.
By strengthening the capacity of health agents and agriculture promoters, GHI’s training aims to foster sustainable nutrition practices and contribute to the reduction of child malnutrition in Gasabo District and beyond.
ALSO READ: Urban lifestyles fuel rising childhood obesity in Rwanda
According to Esther N. Mukundane, the Executive Director at Gardens for Health International, the aim of the training is to ensure that the knowledge gained is implemented at health centers and through communities.
"We work at the intersection of agriculture, health, and nutrition to address malnutrition in children. With our "light-touch model”, we foresee the creation of home gardens in the communities, providing better access to nutritious food and potentially generating income through surplus produce,” she said.
She underlined that addressing malnutrition requires a coordinated, multi-sector approach, adding that through their training program, Garden for Health International hopes to create lasting change, improving both nutrition and the lives of families while also contributing to Rwanda’s broader goals for child health and nutrition.
Faustin Katembo, the Senior Program Manager at Gardens for Health International, said that the workshop is designed to expand the organization’s efforts to address stunting by involving local leaders at all levels.
"We want to accelerate the reduction of stunting and make sure that it is integrated and comprehensive, and our hope is that these community leaders will take what they’ve learned back to their communities and collaborate with other stakeholders to address malnutrition," he added.
Denyse Niyubahwe, the Agriculture Manager at Gardens for Health International who also facilitated the workshop shared her insights around nutrition-sensitive agriculture as a tool to foster healthy lives.
"We use a holistic approach that entails climate-smart agricultural practices such as; bed-building, planting & transplanting, in-season care, post-harvest handling and seed saving. The trainees toured our 5-acre demonstration farm and participated in the hands-on practicals from which, knowledge and skills learned, they will replicate in their given communities and sectors.” She added.
ALSO READ: Is eating healthy, nutritious foods becoming a costly affair?
One participant highlights the practical benefits of the training, which teaches urban residents how to farm in small spaces using innovative techniques such as sacks.
He emphasizes that the training has introduced him to new techniques, including using the organic pesticides and organic fertilizers, and he plans to apply these methods in a different, more effective way going forward.
"I learned how to train my community to plant crops in sacks, using organic applications. Now, I will approach farming differently," he said.
One other participant points out that while food is generally available, many people struggle with knowing how to prepare it properly.
As a mother, the training has helped her learn how to prepare healthy meals for her child and her family. She feels reassured by the knowledge she’s gained and is ready to apply it in her daily life.