In Rwanda, over 40 percent of children under the age of five suffer from stunted growth. When a child's growth is stunted they are not able to reach their full growth potential. Stunting in early life has long-lasting consequences on children and their families. Children who become stunted experience lower educational performance. Later in life, they receive lower wages and an increased risk of nutrition-related chronic diseases.
While stunting has many causes the most direct cause is inadequate nutrition. According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), around 40 percent of Rwandan children under the age of five suffer from stunted growth. The United Nations World Food Programme’s 2019 report, The State of Food Insecurity in the World, lists Rwanda as one of the most undernourished nations in the world. The problem of undernourishment is urgent because it affects society as a whole. Rwanda is a nation that is constantly striving to improve, but due undernourishment families struggle to lift themselves out of poverty. Inadequate nutrition in Rwanda cost the country an estimated 11.5 percent of the country’s annual GDP.
All Maternal and Child Health Peace Corps Volunteers in Rwanda work on First 1000 Days Program, a government scheme that seeks to address the issue of childhood stunting that results from chronic undernourishment. One of the most important parts of First 1000 Days Program is Shisha Kibondo. Shisha Kibondo is a locally produced, fortified blended food made of partially precooked and milled cereals, fortified with vitamins and minerals.
SHISHA Kibondo consists of two products, Shisha Kibondo Mother and Shisha Kibondo Infants. Shisha Kibondo Mother is a mix of maize, soya, vitamins, and minerals for pregnant mothers or breastfeeding women. Shisha Kibondo Infant is a mix of maize, soya, milk powder, sugar, vitamins, and minerals used for infants and young children older than 6 months. Both products are mixed with water and cooked as porridge. Of the over 90,000 Rwandans currently receiving Shisha Kibondo, most live below the poverty line, earning less than $1.90 a day. Peace Corps Volunteers distribute Shisha Kibondo to Rwandan children and mothers intending to address undernourishment and stunting.
Each Shisha Kibondo distribution day begins with the measurement of the children. First, children are weighed using a hanging scale and measured using a measuring board. Next, they are measured using a Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) tape. MUAC tape is a colored tape that is wrapped around the left upper arm. The colors on the tape help reveal if the child is being properly nourished. Each measurement is recorded so that the mother and the health care workers have a running record of each child's wellbeing. After the recording bags of Shisha Kibondo are given to the mothers based on the child’s needs.
Shisha Kibondo is integral to the health and wealth of Rwandan families. Rwanda is making significant progress in improving undernourishment. Between 2010 and 2015, rates of chronic malnutrition among children under 5 years have decreased by 6 percent. Porridge is helping Rwanda become a healthier, happier and more productive nation.
Work Cited
“Nourishing New Beginnings in Rural Rwanda.” Ifc.org, June 2019, https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/news_ext_content/ifc_external_corporate_site/news and events/news/improved-foods.
“Projects in Rwanda.” Projects in Rwanda, https://www.peacecorps.gov/rwanda/projects/.
“Rwanda: Nutrition Profile .” USAID, USAID, Feb. 2018, https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1864/Rwanda-Nutrition-Profile-Mar2018-508.pdf.
“SOFI 2019 - The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World.” Www.fao.org, http://www.fao.org/state-of-food-security-nutrition/en/.
“Stunting in a Nutshell.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 19 Nov. 2015, https://www.who.int/nutrition/healthygrowthproj_stunted_videos/en/.
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