Harvesting Health: Integrating Nutrition and Sustainable Farming

The Mount Elgon region in eastern Uganda, known for its fertile volcanic soils, has historically been a hub for diverse crop cultivation, particularly the internationally acclaimed arabica coffee. However, recent challenges such as population growth, intensive land use, climate change, and fluctuations in the coffee market have led to serious sustainability issues like erosion, flooding, and increased reliance on agrochemicals. These changes have contributed to higher levels of poverty and malnutrition in the region.The region's diet primarily consists of starchy staples complemented by pulses and occasional animal products. However, due to economic constraints and livestock diseases, the consumption of nutrient-rich foods is limited, leading to a diet lacking in diversity and essential micronutrients. This has resulted in widespread malnutrition, especially among women of reproductive age and children under five, who are the most affected groups. The programme focuses on women of reproductive age and children under five in Kapchorwa and Kween districts. These groups are crucial due to their high risk of malnutrition, stunting, and micronutrient deficiencies. Through the establishment of care groups and farmer groups the project targets the food availability as well as the food utilization aspect of food security.On top of that the project targets education and capacity-building in schools, promoting agricultural clubs and nutritious diets among students. It also addresses gender inequality, financial literacy, and policy advocacy to create a conducive environment for sustainable agriculture and nutrition. The expected result is a multifaceted improvement in the food system of the Mount Elgon region, encompassing increased availability and access to nutritious foods, better utilization of food resources, and enhanced stability in food supply.