Soybeans, maize and sorghum better alternatives to ending malnutrition

Crops provide high-energy, nutrient-rich paste used to treat children with severe malnutrition

Local crops such as chickpeas, sorghum, maize, and soybeans are better alternatives to beating mulnutrition than conventional formulations that rely on milk and peanuts, according to a new study.

More than 2.7 million people in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) are facing acute food insecurity, while hundreds of thousands of children need treatment for malnutrition.

The study noted that locally grown crops such as sorghum, maize, soybeans, and chickpeas could help make lifesaving nutrition treatment more affordable and accessible.

The findings come at a time when poor rainfall, high food prices, and declining household food stocks are worsening the nutrition situation in vulnerable communities.

Source: The Star