The Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI) encouraged farmers to cultivate fast-growing crops that help fight malnutrition as a way to address hunger among Rwandans and promote efforts to eradicate stunting in children.
This was highlighted on October 16, 2024, during the celebration of World Food Day, which carries the theme “the right to food, good health, and a bright future.” It marks the 44th celebration, focusing on strategies to help farmers adopt professional farming practices.
Malnutrition issues are present in Rwanda, Africa, and globally. In Rwanda, 20.6% of households do not meet desired food requirements, which is why farmers are urged to grow crops that provide necessary nutrients, including those that prevent diseases, provide energy, and build the body, so that every Rwandan has access to a balanced diet.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Animal Resources, Eric Rwigamba, urged farmers to plant fast-growing crops such as vegetables, beans, and other crops, and to cultivate drought-resistant crops like sweet potatoes and cassava, given that the current season has faced a delay in rainfall.
The Minister emphasized that every farmer should focus on growing fast-maturing crops because the planting season has been delayed. Farmers should put more effort into their activities to combat malnutrition and hunger.
“Every citizen is encouraged to plant fruit trees at their homes, along roadsides, and in schools, so that wherever a flower is planted, a fruit tree is also nearby. This does not require significant resources; it only requires understanding and valuing the effort.”
Mrs. INGABIRE Assumpta, Director General of the National Child Development Agency (NCD), urged parents to always care for their children because parenting is a continuous responsibility.
She stated, “Parents must be aware of children’s rights in nutrition and understand what they should feed them depending on their age, thereby respecting children’s rights, as they are Rwanda’s future.”
Mrs. Ingabire stressed that when households lack sufficient food, the child is the first to suffer.
MINAGRI and other agricultural stakeholders have set aside a whole month, from October 16 to November 15, 2024, to raise awareness among Rwandans about the importance of a balanced diet and professional farming.
During this month dedicated to food, MINAGRI will carry out various activities, including planting fruit trees in schools, distributing chickens to combat malnutrition, and providing cows to help farmers and herders get milk and manure to fertilize crops.
