Mwanza families urged to grow more nutritious foods

Communities in Mwanza have been urged to increase production of nutritious foods as one way of reducing cases of malnutrition and advancing child survival.

Mwanza district nutrition Coordinator Maryana Banda made the appeal on Wednesday at Chithumbwi Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Kanduku in the District.

It was during the distribution of seeds by Foundation for community Livelihood and Development (Focold) to over 600 families from T/As Kanduku and Nthache.

Banda said when properly taken care of, the seeds which include ground nuts, maize and soya beans will be a reliable source of nutrition for households.

“Mwanza has been known to have a large number of malnourished children but with organisations such as these intervening, I am optimistic that the figures will drop,” said Banda.

She said in collaboration with agriculture extension workers, her office will follow up on the inputs to see that they are properly utilised.

Focold Executive Director Jones Mwalwanda said the seed distribution exercise is in support of the ‘thanzi la mwana’ project it is running in the two traditional authorities.

“Through the project [thanzi la mwana], we have reached out to many children in childcare centers and we would like the support to trickle down to households so that they are food secure and are able to provide for their children,” said Mwalwanda.

One of the beneficiaries Linley Levison, a mother of three, said the help will go a long way in ensuring that her children are not affected by malnutrition.