In a world where food is abundant for some and scarce for others, the complexities of food and nutritional security have never been more critical. What does it truly mean to be food secure, and how can we ensure that everyone—not just those in wealthy nations—has access to safe and nutritious food? As we prepare to celebrate World Food Day, it’s time to dive deeper into these vital concepts that shape our health, well-being, and the future of our communities.
What is Nutrition?
It’s shocking to realise that one in nine people globally still go to bed hungry every night. Hunger isn’t just about the lack of food; it’s about the lack of the right food. You are what you eat, or so the saying goes. It’s the vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats that our bodies need to function properly. Yet, many people around the world don’t get the nutrition they need, even if they’re eating enough food. Proper nutrition forms the cornerstone of health, growth, and the ability to lead a productive life. Without it, the cycle of poverty tightens its grip, trapping families, communities, and entire nations in its hold.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 149 million children under five suffer from stunted growth due to poor nutrition. Poor nutrition doesn’t just affect physical development; it impairs cognitive function, making it harder for children to learn and for adults to work productively. It’s not just about food but about quality food, a fundamental aspect of life that is often neglected.
Malnutrition: The Silent Crisis
Can you imagine a child who eats every day but still suffers from malnutrition? Malnutrition isn’t always about not having enough food; sometimes, it’s about not having the right kind of food. This condition occurs when the body doesn’t get the nutrients it needs for proper growth and function. Malnutrition can manifest in different ways—undernutrition (stunting, wasting, underweight), micronutrient deficiencies (lack of essential vitamins and minerals), or overnutrition (leading to obesity).
Globally, 1 in 3 people suffer from some form of malnutrition, with Africa bearing a significant burden. In sub-Saharan Africa, more than 200 million people are undernourished. Kenya is no exception, where 26% of children under five years are stunted, and 4% suffer from wasting, according to UNICEF. In Kajiado, where semi-arid conditions often exacerbate food scarcity, malnutrition affects not just children but adults, particularly women of reproductive age.
Food Security
The term food security is often misunderstood as simply having enough food on the table. True food security means having physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food at all times to meet dietary needs and preferences for a healthy life. Food security has four dimensions: availability, access, utilisation, and stability.
In Kenya, food insecurity remains a pressing issue. FAO estimates that nearly 3.1 million Kenyans face acute food insecurity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions like Kajiado. Many of these regions rely heavily on rain-fed agriculture, making them particularly vulnerable to climate change. Without consistent access to food, individuals and communities are trapped in cycles of poverty, unable to break free and improve their livelihoods.
Nutritional Security: Going Beyond Calories
Having enough food isn’t enough if that food doesn’t nourish the body. Take, for example, eating one staple food every day all year. It may be enough, perhaps more than enough but is it nutritious? This is where nutritional security comes into play. Nutritional security goes beyond simply having access to food; it ensures that the food people eat is diverse, balanced, and rich in essential nutrients. Nutritional security requires a stable food system that can provide a variety of nutrient-rich foods year-round, improving health outcomes and preventing diseases linked to poor nutrition.
In Kenya, while some communities may have access to staple foods, such as maize or rice, these staples alone don’t provide sufficient nutrients. In regions like Kajiado, where food availability is limited by droughts and arid conditions, families often rely on calorie-rich but nutrient-poor diets. This leads to malnutrition despite the apparent presence of food, perpetuating cycles of ill-health and poverty.
Food Safety
Even when food is available and nutritious, food safety cannot be overlooked. Safe food is free from harmful substances like pesticides, bacteria, and contaminants that can cause illness. According to the World Health Organisation, foodborne diseases affect nearly 600 million people each year, causing 420,000 deaths. Food safety issues disproportionately affect low-income regions, where proper storage and handling facilities are scarce.
In Africa, food safety is a growing concern due to a lack of infrastructure and education around safe food handling practices. In Kenya, foodborne illnesses are a significant public health issue, with diseases like cholera and aflatoxin poisoning frequently linked to contaminated food supplies. Ensuring food safety is not just about preventing illness—it’s about protecting people’s ability to work, thrive, and escape the clutches of poverty.
The Link Between Food, Nutrition, and Poverty
Food insecurity and malnutrition don’t just result from poverty; they perpetuate it. When individuals lack access to nutritious food, they are more likely to suffer from health issues that limit their ability to work and learn. This in turn diminishes their economic opportunities, trapping them in a cycle of poverty. It’s a vicious loop, and the only way to break it is by addressing both food and nutritional security.
In Kenya, poverty remains a significant issue, with 36.1% of the population living below the poverty line, according to the World Bank. In rural areas, like Kajiado, the situation is often worse, with families relying on subsistence farming and limited access to markets. But what if we could change that? What if, through sustainable farming practices like those at Ambokili Farm, we could empower communities to grow not only more food but more nutritious food?
Breaking the Cycle
At Ambokili Farm, we believe that the key to breaking the cycle of poverty is through sustainable agriculture, education, and community development. By transforming semi-arid terrains into thriving ecosystems, we help communities achieve food and nutritional security. We can’t do it alone. We invite you to support our efforts through donations or sharing our work.
The fight for food security isn’t just about filling stomachs; it’s about empowering people to build better futures for themselves and their families. As we celebrate World Food Day, let’s remember that the path to ending hunger starts with ensuring that every bite counts.
