EAT MORE INDIGENEOUS FOODS- KENYAN'S URGED

Only five percent of Kenyans consume vegetables in Kenya something that is worrying nutritionist as they say the consumption and production of indigeneous foods that are rich in micronutrients has drastically reduced in Kenya since they are considered as poor man's food,this has emerged in the National Dialogue on Agri food systems conference that kicked off today in Nairobi Kenya bringing stakeholders in food sector together to deliberate on food security.

State Department of Administration Director Ms Justine Nelima speaking on behalf of Agriculture cabinet secretary Mithika Linturi has called on farmers to shift to alternative crops from the maize which has been over relied and focus to crops like Millet which can protect one from diseases like cancer and diabetes.Ms Nelima has said the ministry of Agriculture is spearheading planting of climate resilience crops and incorporating them in floors to ensure food security and proper nutrition to Kenyans.

Interventions should be inclusive of everyone and should factor in pastoralists in adaptive productions systems which promote Indegeneous foods,This will adress reduction in malnutrition in reproductive age and children and ensure nutritious foods are affordable.

World Food program (WFP) has partnered with the National government and country governments by established thirty one labs across sixteen counties to help and train in management of toxins in a bid to ensure food safety.

According to the stakeholders, indegeneous foods have been neglected and should be eaten on daily basis thus calling for measure to make them more attractive to the young generation,this will include enacting policies that includes private sector in the campaign to strengthen agriculture food systems.