The County government of Nakuru is set to host the first ever food fair aimed at promoting consumption of healthy and nutritious food stuffs.
The one day event that will be staged in collaboration with Building East African Communities Network (BEACON) intends to bring on board various traditional and exotic food stuffs from diverse cultures.
The fair which is being held under auspices of the Sustainable Diet Program (SDP) targets to promote biological diversity on the farms and consumption of nutritious meals by households within the county.
The food fair themed, ‘Diverse foods and sustainable diets for a healthy population in Nakuru’ also seeks to reduce malnutrition in the county.
A recent study undertaken by BEACON in three sub counties shows that the malnutrition rate in Nakuru is at 28 per cent. The report further states households that are afflicted by malnutrition are not necessary food deficient.
It was established that some households sold the entire stock of nutritious fruits and foodstuffs, while their members consumed non nutritious foods.
The County Government therefore aims to support nutrient-dense vegetable crops by creating awareness to locals and providing a platform for residents to interact with exhibitors on the new Agri-nutrition industry.
Some 85 farmers from Bahati, Gilgil and Njoro sub-counties have already benefited from the Sustainable Diet Program. The program which will run for 18 months and is funded by a Dutch organization called HIVOS and aims to increase acreage, yield and promote capacity building.
At the event, exhibitors will be awarded a certificate of recognition in supporting an expanded market base for the nutrition-dense foods.
By Jane Ngugi
