Youth Leadership in Nutrition: Empowering Child Parliamentarians and Junior Councillors in Zimbabwe

On the 30th of October 2024, the Food and Nutrition Council (FNC) conducted a capacity-building session for Child Parliamentarians and Junior Councillors in Murehwa District, Mashonaland East. This event aimed to achieve several key objectives:

  1. To orient Junior MPs and Councillors on key food and nutrition security policies, strategies and concepts.
  2. To develop skills and knowledge in Advocacy and communication for food and nutrition security issues.
  3. To develop synergies and networks between Junior MPs and Councillors with other stakeholders at national, provincial and district levels.
  4. To activate interest in the formation of School Nutrition Clubs and a SUN Youth Leaders for Nutrition Network.

By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, the session sought to engage and empower youth in the critical area of food and nutrition security.

Participants

       Members of the Murehwa Junior Council.

The capacity building session was attended by Child Parliamentarians, Junior Councillors, members of the Murehwa District Food and Nutrition Security Committee (DFNSC), the Zimbabwe Youth Council, the Zimbabwe Civil Society Organisations Scaling Up Nutrition Alliance (ZCSOSUNA) and the Food and Nutrition Council. A total of 28 children participated with 10 males and 18 females.

Key Highlights from the Session

Opening Remarks

Junior Parliamentarian Honourable Anesu Mupfumbati following proceedings.

The session commenced with welcoming remarks from Mr Chiguvare, Assistant District Development Coordinator (DDC) for Murehwa District. He emphasised the importance of active participation from youth in community development. Honourable Anesu Mupfumbati, a Junior Parliamentarian, expressed gratitude for the session’s relevance to their roles and responsibilities in representing their communities.

Understanding Food and Nutrition Security

Ms Mavis Dembedza, the FNC Food and Nutrition Advisor, provided an overview of the food and nutrition security policy environment, outlining the Government’s commitment to ensuring food security for all citizens. Following her presentation, Ms Tatenda Mafunga, FNC Nutrition Officer, introduced key nutrition concepts, focusing on the critical issue of stunting that affects many children in Zimbabwe.

Ms Mavis Dembedza, FNC Food and Nutrition Advisor giving an overview of the food and nutrition security policy environment.

Ms Tatenda Mafunga, FNC Nutrition Officer, expressing a point during her presentation.

The SUN Movement and Youth Engagement

Fadzayi Nyaguse former Junior Parliamentarian and Nutrition Advocate giving some words of encouragement to the participants.

With a solid foundation in the food and nutrition policy environment, participants were introduced to the SUN Movement by Mr Joel Chipfuwamuti from ZCSOSUNA. He discussed the movement’s networks, objectives and key achievements. The participants also had the privilege of hearing from Ms Fadzayi Nyaguse, a former Junior Parliamentarian who successfully established Nutrition Clubs in schools in Hatcliffe, Harare.. Sharing her personal journey, Fadzayi connected with the young attendees by discussing the challenges she faced and how she overcame them. She highlighted the numerous opportunities that arose from her involvement in the nutrition sector, encouraging participants to take initiative and assuring them that progress would lead to further opportunities. The session was engaging and interactive, with participants posing many questions.

The Role of Junior Councils

Ms M Banda, FNC Multisectoral Coordination Unit (MCU) Deputy Director, led a discussion on the critical role of Junior Councils in multi-sectoral food and nutrition security programming. She provided examples of successful interventions aimed at improving food security for children and emphasised how youths can advocate for their issues during planning sessions.

Ms M Banda, FNC MCU Deputy Director taking the participants through her presentation.

Advocacy and Communication

The final session, led by Ms Agnes Chigunde, Zimbabwe Youth Council (ZYC) Programmes Officer, focused on the importance of effective advocacy and communication in driving community development. Participants learned about key advocacy concepts and the necessity of being well-informed to influence nutrition policies effectively.

Lessons Learned

The session highlighted several important takeaways:

Active Participation: The enthusiasm and insights from youth participants showcased their potential as impactful nutrition advocates.

Engagement and Collaboration: Interactive discussions fostered collaboration and allowed participants to share their perspectives on nutrition challenges.

Desire for More Interaction: Feedback indicated a strong interest in more interactive elements such as games and activities to enhance learning experiences.

Conclusion and Recommendations

We are pleased to report that the session successfully empowered young individuals to become advocates within their communities. Continuous engagement with these youth is vital, particularly through the DFNSCs and other initiatives.

As the Food and Nutrition Council, we believe that empowering our youth is critical for the future of food and nutrition security in Zimbabwe. They are not merely the future; they are the present and their voices must be integral in shaping policies that affect their lives and communities. Together, we can cultivate a healthier, more secure future for all Zimbabweans.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Food Safety Practices in Households: Insights from the ZimLAC 2024 Rural and Urban Livelihoods Assessments

Food safety is a critical issue highlighted in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which underscores the importance of secure food supply chains as a cornerstone for enhancing public health and economic growth. This strategy resonates with the findings from the ZimLAC 2024 Rural and Urban Livelihoods Assessments, revealing both commendable efforts and areas needing improvement in food safety practices across households. Understanding how food safety intertwines with national development helps us appreciate its broader significance.

Cooking and Food Safety Measures

One of the most encouraging findings is that 73% of rural households reported cooking food thoroughly as a primary method to ensure food safety. This practice not only aligns with the WHO’s emphasis on thorough cooking to eliminate harmful bacteria, but also supports the NDS1’s objective of improving health outcomes. By prioritising safe cooking methods, households contribute to reducing the incidence of foodborne diseases, which can impede workforce productivity and economic stability.

However, a concerning trend has emerged: in both urban and rural settings; A significant proportion of households were not reading food labels. Specifically, 42% of urban households and 28% of rural households reported that they do not read the information on food packages before making purchases. Not reading food labels can lead to unintentional purchases of expired or spoiled food, posing significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children under five years. The NDS1 highlights the necessity of education and awareness in promoting food safety, pointing to a critical area for intervention that can yield substantial public health benefits.

Purchasing Trends and Risks

The urban assessment revealed that 19% of households unknowingly purchased spoiled or expired food, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. This situation is particularly concerning for children and other vulnerable groups. Despite the evident risks, many households continued to purchase food from vendors, with 36% of urban households buying fish, 27% buying chicken and 21% purchasing beef, goat or pork from street vendors. If these products are not stored or prepared properly, they can become sources of foodborne illnesses. This scenario is a clear indication of the need for improved safety standards, a key focus of the NDS1. By establishing stringent food safety guidelines, regulations, consistent enforcement and encouraging safe purchasing practices, we can create a healthier food environment that bolsters community resilience.

Keeping Food Safe

To ensure food safety, it is crucial for households to focus on keeping food at safe temperatures. The ZimLAC 2024 Livelihoods Assessment revealed that 46% of urban households were aware of this critical practice, while only 31% of rural households recognised its importance. Proper temperature control is essential for preventing the growth of harmful bacteria in food. Households should refrigerate perishables promptly and ensure that cooked foods remain hot or are refrigerated quickly. This practice not only aligns with food safety guidelines but also supports the NDS1’s broader goals of reducing healthcare costs associated with foodborne illnesses, ultimately enhancing economic productivity.

Another vital aspect of food safety is the use of safe water and raw materials in meal preparation. Awareness of this key was relatively low, with only 21% of urban households and 22% of rural households recognising its significance. Unsafe water and contaminated raw materials can lead to serious foodborne illnesses. It is therefore imperative for households to prioritise the quality of the water and ingredients they use when preparing meals. The NDS1’s emphasis on improving access to safe water and quality food directly addresses this issue, linking public health to economic stability and growth.

Awareness and Information

The findings indicated a gap in the dissemination of food safety information. In rural areas, only 13% of households reported to have received information on food safety at the time of the 2024 assessment, a figure consistent with the previous year. In urban areas, the proportion was slightly higher at 14%. This insight on low food safety education highlights the urgent need for more robust outreach and resources to educate households on safe food handling practices. The NDS1 calls for increased public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to improve food safety knowledge among households, recognising that informed citizens are essential for achieving national health and economic goals.

Conclusion

While many households are taking proactive steps to ensure food safety by cooking thoroughly and keeping food clean, there remains a critical need for increased awareness and education regarding food labels and safe purchasing practices. The WHO’s Five Keys to Safer Food provide a framework that can empower households to make safer food choices, ultimately protecting their health and well-being.

As we move forward, it is essential for a multisectoral approach in improving food safety education and accessibility. This collaborative effort aligns seamlessly with the objectives outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which advocates for strengthening food safety measures to enhance public health outcomes and economic resilience. By addressing gaps in education and promoting the WHO’s guidelines, we can create a robust food safety culture that not only safeguards our communities but also propels us towards the NDS1’s vision of sustainable economic growth and improved health for all. In doing so, we will ensure that food safety becomes a foundational element of our national development journey.

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Celebrating Findings in Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices: Insights from the ZimLAC 2024 Rural Assessment

The Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee (ZimLAC) 2024 Rural Livelihoods Assessment highlights commendable findings in Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices in Zimbabwe. While there are areas requiring urgent attention, several positive trends deserve recognition and celebration. The World Health Organisation recommends optimal IYCF practices which include the early initiation of exclusive breastfeeding within one hour of birth, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by nutritionally adequate and safe complementary foods, while continuing breastfeeding for up to two years of age or beyond.

Remarkable Increase in Continued Breastfeeding

One of the standout findings from the assessment is the significant rise in the proportion of children breastfed beyond one year. With 80% of children now continuing breastfeeding, this marks a substantial improvement from 56% reported in 2023. Notably, Matabeleland South has seen a remarkable increase from 51% in the previous year to 85% in 2024. This progress reflects the effectiveness of community education and support initiatives, fostering a greater understanding among parents and caregivers of the long-term benefits of continued breastfeeding for child health and nutrition.

High Rates of Early Initiation of Breastfeeding

The assessment also reported that 86% of children were put to the breast within the first hour of birth, demonstrating strong adherence to WHO guidelines. Provinces like Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East, with impressive rates of 92%, are setting a benchmark for early breastfeeding practices. This early initiation is crucial for enhancing infant survival rates and ensuring optimal health outcomes.

 Encouraging Consumption of Nutrient-Rich Foods

About 54.8% of children aged 6 to 23 months consumed vegetables and fruits in the 24 hours prior to the survey, a notable increase from 42.7% in the previous year. Furthermore, provinces such as Manicaland, reported that 49.6% of children consumed Vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables, while Mashonaland East reported 47% of children consuming these vital foods. These findings indicate effective local initiatives promoting the access and consumption of diverse, nutrient-dense foods, which are essential for children’s growth and development.

Conclusion: Building on Findings

The findings regarding breastfeeding practices and the consumption of nutrient-rich foods are commendable and should be celebrated. These insights provide significant data that will help inform future initiatives aimed at improving IYCF practices across Zimbabwe. By continuing to build on these findings, we can foster a healthier generation, ensuring that every child receives the nutrition needed for their growth and development. Let us acknowledge these positive developments and encourage ongoing efforts to further enhance optimal IYCF practices, ultimately leading to improved child health and survival in Zimbabwe.

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