iDE Ghana trains Janania residents on preparing nutritious local meals

The International Development Enterprises (iDE) Ghana has provided culinary training to residents of Janania in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality on how to use locally available food products to prepare nutritious meals under its ongoing nutrition project.

The food demonstration, held at the Janania CHPS compound on Friday, September, 29 in collaboration with the Kassena-Nankana Municipal Health Directorate, brought together residents who prepared a variety of local dishes.

Ebenezer Kwakye, Nutrition Projects Lead for iDE Ghana, explained that the initiative is part of a five-year maternal and child health project designed to promote the use of indigenous foods for better nutrition.

“This cooking demonstration is to help these women use locally available foods to make sure that they get the right nutrients for themselves, their children, and their entire family.” He said.

Kwakye encouraged families to prioritize cultivating and consuming indigenous crops.

“Let’s trust in the indigenous crops we are eating. Let’s just get the right balance, and once we do that, we do not need to go to the extreme to find what is good for us. Just behind our doorsteps and in our gardens, we can plant something very nutritious, and that will ensure all year round we have something healthy to feed ourselves and our families.” He added.

Abdul Aziz Seidu, Nutrition Officer for the Vunania-Kapanaia Sub-District of the Kassena-Nankana Municipality, noted that the exercise offered participants alternative ways of harnessing the nutritional benefits of local ingredients. He stressed that the initiative would significantly help reduce malnutrition in the area.

“So far as maternal and child health is concerned, this project will go a long way to reduce the prevalence of malnutrition within Janania and the Kassena-Nankana Municipality as a whole.” He said.

The Health Officer in charge of the Janania CHPS compound, Francisca Addah, expressed appreciation to iDE Ghana and urged participants to make good nutrition a daily practice.

“This will also help them at their homes. It’s not just for the children but for the family as a whole. Good nutrition is essential for a growing child because if you are not well nourished, it affects growth. So, it’s good that they are here to learn and then go home and practice it.”  She stated.

Monica Atogenbasiya, leader of the Janania women’s group, said the food demonstration has equipped them with new culinary skills to improve family nutrition.

The Nutrition Project is a five-year initiative being implemented by a consortium of nonprofit organizations, including Helen Keller International, Vitamin Angels, and iDE, with funding from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | Alexander Bombande