There is no meaningful conversation about good nutrition when a significant number of people go to bed on empty stomachs.
Hunger remains a daily reality for many households, making it difficult to emphasize the importance of balanced diets when the immediate struggle is simply finding food to survive.
As a country, our population is growing rapidly, and this growth places an even greater strain on the available food supply. It is undeniable that we are not fully food secure, and this reality makes it hard to push nutrition education in some regions where food scarcity is the bigger challenge.
In such circumstances, the call to action must be centered not only on teaching people about healthy diets but also on ensuring that there is enough food on the table to begin with.
One of the most viable ways forward is embracing smart farming practices that can sustainably increase crop yields while addressing the challenges of climate change and limited resources. With the right technologies, methods, and policies, it is possible to turn arid and semi-arid regions into productive agricultural zones.
The adoption of improved, drought-resistant seed varieties is one such solution that can enable successful farming in areas that were once considered unfit for cultivation.
These seeds are scientifically developed to withstand harsh weather conditions
such as prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall patterns that farmers in many
regions are already experiencing. By planting such seeds, farmers can secure
more reliable harvests, which in turn strengthen food security for families and
communities.
Smart farming goes beyond just seeds. It involves the application of modern agricultural science and technology in all areas of farming, from soil management to water conservation, pest control, and post-harvest handling.
Precision farming techniques, for instance, help farmers use the right amount of water and fertilizer at the right time, reducing waste and maximizing productivity.
Similarly, digital tools and data-driven farming can guide farmers on when to plant, how to monitor crop health, and how to predict market demand. These innovations are not beyond reach; they only require investment, training, and commitment to transforming agriculture into a sector that is both resilient and profitable.
Unfortunately, misinformation and disinformation about agricultural science remain major barriers. Many farmers and communities are misled into believing that improved seeds or scientific methods are harmful, expensive, or foreign concepts that do not align with traditional practices.
Such misconceptions slow down progress and keep communities trapped in cycles of low productivity and food insecurity. It is high time that agricultural science is given the space to speak truth and offer clarity on these matters.
Scientists, policymakers, and extension workers must work hand in hand to communicate accurate information and demonstrate practical results to farmers. When people see the benefits of modern farming methods, higher yields, reduced losses, and more stable incomes; they are more likely to embrace change.
Food security is the foundation upon which nutrition education and better health outcomes can stand. Without enough food, talking about dietary diversity or balanced meals is a privilege many cannot afford.
Therefore, the country must prioritize strategies that enhance agricultural productivity, particularly in dry areas. Smart farming and scientific innovations hold the key to feeding our growing population, reducing hunger, and creating the foundation for meaningful nutrition conversations.
By embracing agricultural science and dispelling myths, we can secure a future where no one has to sleep hungry and where nutrition education becomes both relevant and achievable.
Writer: A certified Nutritionist proficient in Medical- Nutrition Therapy
Socials: @LucyChegeM
