When anyone mentions nutrition it conjures images of superfoods, diet plans and food trends. But some rural communities are going beyond convention, and doing what they were always meant to do - help increase production of nutritious food and build diet diversity. They are literally taking matters into their own hands by cultivating kitchen gardens, which act as a steady supply of diverse and nutritious food for their families.
A study by NGO Vitamin Angels India, supported by UNICEF, showcases how communities with strong local leadership and grassroots initiatives create greater diet diversity. The study surveyed communities of fisherfolk, salt pan workers and brick-kiln workers among others.
These initiatives have liberated rural women in many ways. They have:
- Reduced dependence on markets
- Encouraged self sustenance
- Retained traditional farming practices while enhancing them with modern techniques
- Promoted growth of indigenous crops like millets, pulses etc.
The study noticed these initiatives were successfully implemented in regions where women played a central role in deploying the same. While the communities and their women have been doing the hard work the study urges governments to work with them closely to:
- Implement programmes offering additional and nutritional food for pregnant women, in turn, improving maternal and child health
- Work around local, familial and cultural dynamics. In short, provide modern nutritional insights that are culturally acceptable
- Offer advanced training and tailored advice
- Subsidise resources for economically disadvantaged households and children
- Offer health education programs
- Improve access to fresh and nutritious food, particularly in remote or economically disadvantaged areas
Women led grassroots communities are capable of countering food insecurity, cope with economic challenges and counter environmental issues with novel cultivating methods.
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