Kenya is facing a burden of malnutrition, undernutrition, overnutrition,
and micronutrient deficiencies.
The numbers are grim. About 18 per cent of children under age five are
stunted, 5 per cent are wasted,10 per cent are underweight, 17 per cent of
women, and 4 per cent per cent of men (20-49 years of age) are obese, according
to the 2022 Demographic and Health Survey.
To help change the trajectory, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition
(Gain), EAT, Food & Land Use Coalition (FOLU) and Nutrition Connect have
announced the launch of the Dietary Shifts Competition (DISH) 2024.
The DISH Competition, which takes place November 26, invites food system stakeholders to submit already tried and tested evidence-based solutions to promote healthy and sustainable dietary changes in Kenya and Indonesia.
Each country will unveil 15 solutions that are improving the unique
dietary needs of the population. Pitched solutions should align with the
national recommendations for improved health and nutrition in Kenya and
Indonesia. During the competition participants will collaborate with experts
from government, the private sector, and civil society. The desired outcome is
to build on new transformative partnerships for systemic change leading to
impactful and long lasting dietary shifts.
Aligning the competition with the objectives of food diversity and sustainable land use, Michael Onchabo, Director at FOLU, Kenya, said: “Small shifts in our diets can spark big changes in our food and land use systems, enhancing both our health and the well-being of our planet. Let’s embrace a sustainable way of eating today for a healthier, more resilient tomorrow.”
Michael Onchabo spoke to Star’s John Muchangi
Question: Give us a brief about the Dietary Shifts
Competition (DISH) 2024
Answer: The DISH 2024 is an initiative launched by GAIN, EAT, FOLU, and Nutrition Connect aimed at promoting innovative dietary solutions in Kenya and Indonesia to address malnutrition and encourage sustainable eating practices.
Why are dietary shifts necessary in Kenya?
Kenya faces a significant ’triple malnutrition crisis’ of undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies, with 23 million people undernourished and high rates of obesity (17 per cent of women and four per cent of men aged 20-49). Dietary shifts are essential to address these challenges.
What types of solutions does the DISH Competition seek?
The competition invites innovative, evidence-based solutions that promote healthier
eating habits aligned with national health recommendations and the Planetary
Health Diet. Solutions should be locally viable and actionable to effectively
address the unique dietary needs of the population.
Who can participate in the competition?
A diverse range of stakeholders from
various sectors of the food system can participate, including entrepreneurs,
think tanks, policymakers, chefs, food
service leaders, and communication experts from Kenya and Indonesia.
What categories are available for submissions in the competition?
Participants can submit solutions in five categories: policy and advocacy, advertisement and culturally relevant strategies, food service interventions, culinary skills, and product-level innovations.
What are some key nutritional challenges facing Kenya beyond the competition?
Beyond the Dish Competition, Kenya
struggles with high rates of stunting (18 per cent), low weight-for-height (five
per cent), underweight (10 per cent), overweight (three per cent) of children below five years, and
micronutrient deficiencies. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive
strategies that include improving access to nutritious foods and educating
communities about healthy eating.
How can individuals contribute to healthier diets in their communities
Individuals can promote healthier diets by advocating for local foods, participating in community education programs about nutrition, supporting local farmers' markets, and encouraging policies that enhance access to diverse nutrient diets. Small dietary changes at the community level can lead to significant improvements in public health outcomes.