Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) recently conducted diversified food cooking demonstrations at Kerekicho Nutrition Model Village (NMV) in Angacha District, Kembata Zone, Central Ethiopia Region, and at Raya Boda NMV in Ana Sora District, Guji Zone, Oromia Region. These events highlighted the importance of following proper food and nutrition protocols for a healthy life.

Kerekicho-NMV Event Highlights

During the demonstration at Kerekicho-NMV, Ato Israel Loha, representing The Food and Nutrition Office (FNO) of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) emphasized the necessity of consuming healthy and organic agricultural products for a better quality of life.

Representatives from Ministry of Agriculture, the Central Ethiopia Region, Kembata Zone, and Angacha District Agriculture and Communications were in attendance. Mrs. Aberash Tsehay, Coordinator for Nutrition-sensitive Agriculture (NSA) at SAA, explained that the objective of the cooking demonstration was not just to serve cooked foods, but to teach the preparation of diversified meals using six essential food groups.

Experience Sharing at Raya Boda-NMV

The second demonstration at Raya Boda-NMV drew participants from six neighboring districts, who visited to share experiences and observe best practices. These include the promotion of post-harvest technologies, improved nutrition interventions, and the use of six food groups for diversified meals.

Mr. Bezuneh Berchu, Head of Ana Sora District Administration Office, officially opened the event. He acknowledged SAA’s contributions to regenerative, market-oriented and nutrition-sensitive agriculture. He highlighted SAA’s efforts in promoting integrated farming approaches, which ensure the supply of healthy, high-quality agricultural products to markets, thereby boosting the economy and improving farmers’ livelihoods.

The event also showcased 272 crop varieties, along with demonstrations of nutrition-focused food preparation and post-harvest technologies. Mr. Desta Gebreyes, Deputy Head of Guji Zone Agriculture Office, stressed the importance of these experiences in enhancing agricultural practices across the zone. He encouraged farmers to adopt cluster-based farming to double production, improve their economic stand, and enhance livelihoods.

Broader Impacts

The cooking demonstrations underscored the importance of teaching communities how to prepare diversified meals using locally available resources. This approach not only addresses malnutrition but also promotes sustainable agricultural practices. Participants included representatives from regional and local government offices, media, neighboring districts, and other stakeholders.

Through events like these, SAA continues to foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing to scale up agricultural technologies and improve the lives of rural communities across Ethiopia.

Related article: Launch of SAA's Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture Model Villages in Ethiopia (January.25.2024)