Fighting malnutrition; Savana Signatures embarks on cooking demonstrations in Karaga and Sagnarigu to Boost Nutrition Awareness in the Northern region
In a significant stride towards improving nutrition and promoting healthier food choices, Savana Signatures has organized a series of interactive cooking demonstrations under the Nutrition in Retail Project.
This initiative, funded by the World Food Programme (WFP) and DSM and supported by the Ghana Health Service and the Ghana Education Service, is designed on the concept of Social Behavior Change (SBC) to raise awareness about the importance of consuming locally available nutritious and fortified foods in the Sagnarigu and Karaga districts.
The demonstrations, focused on practical and accessible nutrition, were hosted for the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) community in the Sagnarigu Municipality and selected Senior High Schools, including Kalpohin, and Tamale and Islamic Senior High Schools.
The project extends beyond culinary techniques and recipes; it is a community-centered initiative addressing the pressing issue of malnutrition. By emphasizing the value of nutritious local foods, Savana Signatures aims to create a lasting impact on health outcomes for vulnerable groups, particularly adolescents, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and children under five years.
Demonstrations that Inspire Change
The Programs Manager in charge of Health and Gender at Savana Signatures Rahana Mohammed said the cooking demonstrations were tailored to the needs of diverse audiences, empowering participants with practical knowledge on selecting, preparing, and fortifying local ingredients for maximum nutritional benefit.
“In each session, attendees were introduced to a range of locally sourced foods rich in essential nutrients, including legumes, grains, vegetables, and fruits. The recipes were designed to be accessible and affordable, making healthy eating achievable for all households”. She explained
In a bid to broaden the reach and impact, Savana Signatures extended the demonstrations to senior high school and Junior high school students in Tamale, Kalpohin, and Tamale Islamic Senior High Schools, Karaga model girls, Tong D/A JHS and Ishadia E/A JHS integrating health and nutrition education into school communities. By teaching young people about nutritious and fortified foods, the project not only builds a foundation for lifelong health but also fosters a ripple effect as students share newfound knowledge with their families and communities.
Community Engagement for Sustained Impact
In a related development, Savana Signatures also organized community engagement sessions in several communities in the Sagnarigu and Karaga Districts.
By the use of Cinema van, these gatherings were aimed at creating a supportive environment where community members could learn together and discuss the benefits of nutritious diets. Topics covered included the importance of fortified foods in combating malnutrition, the role of locally available ingredients in a four star diet, and practical ways to incorporate these foods into daily meals.
Rahana Mohammed added that, “These community engagement sessions highlighted the essential role that locally sourced, fortified foods play in tackling malnutrition a concern that continues to affect many individuals, especially in underserved communities. The emphasis on local nutritious foods also reflects a commitment to sustainable practices, reducing the reliance on imported ingredients and encouraging the use of regionally grown produce.” She said.
A Collective Effort for a Healthier Future
She said working closely with key health and educational institutions, Savana Signatures is fostering a strong network of support to ensure that nutrition education reaches those who need it most.
The Ghana Health Service and the Ghana Education Service play a pivotal role in this project, ensuring that health messages are aligned with national standards and that schools are equipped to continue these lessons on nutrition.
The Nutrition in Retail Project is more than a series of events, it’s a call to action for communities to embrace the power of nutritious local foods. Through hands-on demonstrations, community dialogues, and the support of health and educational bodies, Savana Signatures is paving the way for a future where nutritious and fortified foods become a staple in households across Northern Ghana.
Testimonies from project Participants
Some participants of the cooking demonstrations shared their experience with. “We had similar meetings, but this has proved different because you intentionally engaged us men to participate actively in it. Usually, it is a women’s activity and most often they target only women forgetting we provide the money and decide the food we eat. This engagement has helped me to understand the need to be close to my wife in the kitchen to ensure what we eat are of the right nutritional value to our bodies. I have also learnt the importance of vegetables and would include leafy vegetables in my rice farming.” (Naayim Inusah-Tamalgu community)
Another participant, Hawa Iddrisu said, “I have learnt from this meeting the nutritional value of soybeans and the different ways to use it in food preparation. I thought soybeans were used for only commercial purposes so I always sell my soya beans after harvesting but I am now aware, and I can add soya beans into TZ, Banku, Stew, soup, and porridge. Henceforth I will always add soya beans in my meals to enhance the nutritional value of my meals.”
Conclusion
The journey toward better health outcomes starts with knowledge, and with the support of World Food Programme, Ghana Health Service, and Ghana Education Service, Savana Signatures is dedicated to building healthier, more resilient communities. Perusal
Source: Savana Signatures, Communications Unit