A groundbreaking nutrition initiative worth 139 billion Shillings has kicked off in the Karamoja sub-region. Known as the ‘Gender Equitable Nutrition in Tanzania and Uganda (GENTU)’ project, it will be spearheaded by Action Against Hunger in collaboration with the Karamoja Women’s Umbrella Organization.
Targeting Nakapiripirit, Moroto, and Nabilatuk districts, the endeavor is generously supported by a consortium including the World Food Programme-WFP, Sida Humanitarian, EUTF RISE, Swedish Embassy Resilience, Alborada Trust, the German, Dutch, and French governments, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, USAID, and Save the Children.
The project’s primary objective is to enhance nutrition among the most underprivileged, particularly focusing on women, adolescent girls, and children.
Ritah Kabamyoro, the Country Director for Action Against Hunger, stressed the urgency of providing top-notch, gender-sensitive integrated nutrition and health services, especially to those on the fringes of society.
Kabamyoro highlighted the plan to collaborate with community leaders to tackle entrenched gender norms perpetuating malnutrition. Furthermore, efforts will be made to bolster food security through Climate Smart Agriculture, addressing the region’s harsh weather challenges.
Notably, Action Against Hunger is piloting a food security program in Napak district with the goal of eradicating the prolonged hunger prevalent in the sub-region.
Grace Ochieng, Principal Nutritionist at the Ministry of Health, urged cohesive collaboration with district nutritionists within health facilities, citing the need to streamline efforts amidst the influx of disparate aid initiatives.
Cornelius Lomuria, the Vice Chairperson for Nabilatuk, emphasized the resilience of Karamoja’s people in agricultural pursuits despite climate-induced adversities. He cautioned against disjointed efforts, advocating for community engagement to ensure project sustainability and efficacy.
Mark Aol Musoka, an Elder from Rupa Sub County, proposed utilizing school lands for agricultural training, fostering a culture of self-sufficiency among students.
Zakary Lokodo, a community-based facilitator for Nutrition in Nabilatuk, outlined the project’s approach, including the formation of care groups to empower mothers in monitoring household nutrition and promoting self-reliance in food production.
In Karamoja, widespread food insecurity exacerbates malnutrition, adolescent pregnancies, and stunting. Addressing these interconnected challenges requires a holistic approach encompassing nutrition education, agricultural innovation, and community involvement.