World Vision Kenya has distributed 5 metric tons of iron rich beans to 2,500 households in Marakwet East Sub County in its efforts to fight malnutrition in the county.
Speaking in Iten during the distribution, Alice Yugi the regional manager Grow Enrich programme which is being implemented by World Vision said the beans were aimed at improving the health and nutrition of mothers and children.
Yugi said malnutrition was still a major public health problem in the county with stunting levels standing at 22% in the county noting that high iron rich beans were critical in improving the lives of the targeted groups.
She continued that anemia contributed significantly to malnutrition and maternal and child mortalities in the county adding that the programme which is sponsored by the German government will continue supporting the Vitamin A sweet potatoes in a bid to boost immunity and reduce exposure to infections and diseases thus contributing to better nutrition.
Yugi said the organization will work with experts citing Kalro and Harvest plus who will sensitize the beneficiaries on agronomical and good husbandry practices so that they not only store seeds but also ensure they have local seed multipliers.
“This will ensure that there will be production of more seeds to reach more households and finally we can produce not only for consumption but also surplus which can be sold to generate income for the families,” she said.
Julia Rotich a senior nutrition officer from the state department of agriculture said malnutrition affects productivity and especially for pregnant women whose need for iron increases during pregnancy and after giving birth.
She said she looked forward to the programme being extended to other counties and schools where the children can be taken care of.
According to Ms. Rotich 40% of children aged between 6-59 months suffer from anaemia globally, while 37% of pregnant and 30 % of reproductive women suffer from the same.
Elgeyo Marakwet governor Wisley Rotich said so far the county had received 15 metric tons of the iron rich beans from World Vision saying 10 metric tons had already been planted in Keiyo North, Keiyo South and Marakwet West sub counties with some farmers already harvesting.
By Alice Wanjiru
