Rwanda strives for better nutrition amid food availability challenges
On October 16, World Food Day was celebrated around the globe, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the FAO. In Rwanda, the International Food Day will be celebrated on October 24 in Nyamagabe District.
On this occasion, Dr. Christine Mukantwali, Head of the Nutrition Division at the FAO office in Rwanda, told the media that people need to learn how to eat properly.
She stated: “Recent research shows that the available food is sufficient. According to FAO, a person should normally consume 12 different types of food, including cereals, white tubers, vitamin-rich vegetables and fruits, meat, fish, dairy products, and water.”
She added that every day people should eat foods from these groups — including cereals and meat — and also add an appropriate amount of oil.
Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, Rwanda’s Minister of State in charge of Agriculture and Animal Resources, noted that about 5% of households in Rwanda can afford to buy meat, fish, and dairy products each week, while 95% are not consuming them as they should.
He further explained that overall, 83% of Rwandans are able to meet their food needs, 16% have insufficient diets (down from 19%), and the remaining 1% are unable to get enough food as required. However, he emphasized that Rwanda aims to reach 100% in the future.
The minister revealed that the reason why around 17% of Rwandans still lack adequate food is due to variations in food production in different regions of the country and the lack of uniform standards.
By: Alex RUKUNDO
