Healthy Diets for Healthy Communities in Cameroon

Introduction

The nutrition programme that started in 2011 by our organization is forging ahead in its effort to improve on community health through balanced diets.

Radio Programme

Broadcasting on Nutrition

Nutrition education is continuing in the Fako region through Radio Bonakanda in Buea. This programme informs the communities on the health benefits of a healthy diet, how to ensure one’s diet is balanced and nutritious, and the effects of consuming organically produced food crops.

Organic Vegetable Farming/Gardening

During the last quarter, FORUDEF facilitated a training workshop for women in Buea on vegetable farming. The women who participated in this training had joined the nutrition program in the past, and had shown interest in learning more about the impact of nutrition on their lives- which local products have the most nutrients, ways of growing new, nutrient-rich crops, and ways of cooking these products. As such, FORUDEF organized this training to support the women to expand their knowledge and skills around nutrition.

Participants shared that since this training workshop, they have begun the locally produced food items to prepare a balanced diet without resorting to expensive items in the market, and have been able to incorporate some of the new crops that they had grown into their meals. In addition to improving household diet, the women have also been able to sell some of their harvest in order to raise their income. The development and implementation of this workshop exemplifies the extent to which the nutrition programme is spreading and informing more community members on the relationship between nutrition and health. FORUDEF hopes to take this second, more in-depth training workshop to other villages that have already received the nutrition program, and looks forward to continuing to build nutrition awareness throughout the whole southwest region of Cameroon.

Testimonies:

“FORUDEF has made us know how to cook and provide balanced diet to our families. We thank Global Giving donors for making this possible for us”. Mme Regina

“Thank you FORUDEF for the great information you have given us about nutrition. You taught us how to plant our food crops without chemicals, and also how to prepare a balanced diet. We thank the people who have helped us through you”.

We are continually thankful, as are the many women who are direct recipients of your generosity, for your commitment to making a difference through FORUDEF. We hope for and look forward to expanding this initiative to other poorly nourished communities. Without your generosity, we would not have come this far.