zero hunger
Combating Malnutrition in Rural Kenya
Written by Greg Baird, President, The Kilgoris Project
The Kilgoris Project’s holistic approach to education brings significant nutrition resources to 2,000 students in rural Kenya, working toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #2 to end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
Food insecurity is an ongoing problem in Kenya, as it is in many nations worldwide, particularly among more vulnerable population groups such as children. More than a quarter of children under the age of five in Kenya, or two million children, have stunted growth, which is the most common symptom of undernutrition among young children. In addition, 11% of children are underweight, and 4% of children are "wasted," which indicates that they are suffering from acute malnutrition. These alarming statistics from UNICEF Kenya highlight the need to address food insecurity and malnutrition, particularly among children.
Sustainable Agriculture Program Boosts Access to Nutritious Food
“Many of our own TKP students show up to school hungry, having had nothing but a cup of chai (tea) or even nothing at all,” says Amos Leperes, TKP’s Student Health Officer. “They may be unable to benefit to their full potential from the education that is being provided because they are not receiving adequate nutrition, which can also have long-term negative effects on their mental and physical development.”
Even though TKP’s primary goal is to transform lives by ensuring that children receive a high-quality education, we are well aware that children who are hungry are not in the best mental state to learn. To address this critical issue, TKP has developed a comprehensive nutrition program that provides its students with two hot, nutritious meals per day, in addition to providing them with fresh fruit and clean water. Our food program guarantees that children have access to the required nutrients for optimal growth and development, and as a result, we have achieved a 0% malnutrition rate among our students.
TKP invests in farms and campus gardens to meet the expanding nutritional needs of our children. Our Sustainability Manager, Peter Leshan, stewards TKP resources toward 28 acres of land and campus gardens to grow maize, beans, millet, vegetables, and fruits for our student meals. As a former standout teacher in TKP schools, Peter innately understands how quality nutrition translates to classroom success. His sustainable farming leadership not only allows us to provide healthy food, but the investment allows us to mitigate market price swings of food, and bring more nutrients and vitamins to our students.
The Kilgoris Project’s programs to combat food insecurity and advance the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger are evident in the lives of the children who attend our 12 schools. Our health and nutrition programs also have a significant impact on the families and communities of the children we serve. We see a measurable improvement in school attendance and academic achievement when we provide nutritious meals, invest in farms and gardens, and encourage environmentally responsible farming techniques. This is because children who are well-nourished are better able to concentrate and learn while they are in school.
All of this is made possible because of the generous partnerships we have with those who want to make a difference in the lives of children who struggle to have even their most fundamental needs met. From peer organizations to foundations, to regular families worldwide–our global TKP community is making an impact in rural, southwest Kenya. Taking care of these children's nutritional needs completely transforms their lives, making it possible for them to get the most out of their education and introducing them to new options that they would never be able to explore if these needs were not satisfied.