Malnutrition remains a serious issue that continues to affect the health of many people, especially young children, in various districts across the country. In Rusizi District, residents benefit from proximity to Lake Kivu and access to agricultural products, but stunting remains a significant challenge that requires urgent attention. Despite the availability of food, people still face malnutrition due to the lack of essential nutrients needed for the growth of their children.
In response, a collaborative campaign has been launched by the Rwanda Standards Board (RSB), the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), and the National Child Development Agency (NCDA) to address the issue of malnutrition. This campaign focuses on promoting the consumption of nutritious, quality foods, including fish and anchovies.
The campaign, known as “Zamukana Ubuziranenge,” aims to help residents use food that meets nutritional standards to combat stunting. Kabalisa Placide, the head of the measurement division at RSB, emphasized that anchovies and fish-based flour products produced under quality standards help young children receive the nutrients they need, while also increasing the value of fish-based products. He stated, “Food quality is essential because it plays a role in the growth of Rwandan children, providing nutrients that help fight stunting.”
Kagombe Amza, the project manager for “Project Peche” in Rusizi, pointed out the significant benefits of their activities for the local population. He said, “The fish we process into dried anchovies using advanced machinery, and turn into flour, plays a vital role in ensuring good nutrition for young children. These dried anchovies also help people by being easily transported in vehicles that prevent spoilage.”
Nyirasafari Hadidja, a vendor selling anchovies in Kamembe Town, shared that they often faced losses due to poor-quality fish that was often mishandled or stored improperly, particularly during the rainy season. She noted, “The harvest would spoil because fishermen didn’t pay attention to quality standards. As a result, many anchovies went unsold due to their poor condition.”
However, there are challenges in the district, such as the sale of uninspected fish directly to markets or even to the Democratic Republic of Congo without quality checks.
Kabanguka Nathan, responsible for nutrition, hygiene, and sanitation at NCDA, highlighted that although the quality standards campaign has its benefits, it is crucial for residents to understand the importance of these standards in maintaining their health and advancing the local fishery industry. This understanding is essential for tackling the high rates of stunting in the region.
Gatera Emmanuel, the director of the standards division at RSB, reminded the public that fish-based products should play a vital role in enriching the nutritional value of food on Rwandan tables. People are encouraged to adopt balanced diets and ensure that the food they buy at markets meets the necessary quality standards.
Overall, the “Zamukana Ubuziranenge” campaign aims to prioritize high-quality food products, helping to combat malnutrition, especially among young children, by ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients for healthy growth
