NUTRITION EDUCATION: NEED OF TODAY.

Nutrition education is the education given to find a balance between the needs of nutrients and an individual diet. Over time, the importance of nutrition has started to increase in Nepal. Current Status of Nutrition Education Since 2077, the Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality of Dhading has been receiving financial support from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program and Technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organization, like other districts and rural municipalities of Nepal. In addition, in coordination with Focus Nepal Dhading, the Food and Nutrition Security Enhancement program run by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has also been implemented in the community, giving a platform to many organizations to conduct different programs. Among these programs, the most important is Nutrition, which is related to our body, well-being and life. The situation of people living in Benighat Rorang before the nutrition program was very poor. Although this program could not work completely, it offered guidance to the community in reducing malnutrition and improving the nutritional situation. Before the nutrition program, even the farmers depending on vegetables and fruits for their living lacked the knowledge on nutrients available in vegetables and fruits they grow in their garden. Despite knowing the importance of cleanliness, they showed carelessness in personal and children’s hygiene. Washing hands was not about cleanliness but was like a household chore. When it came to food, they were guided by “it is all about filling our stomachs” and did not even consume the readily available food. The parents were less concerned about their children’s health and gave reasoning like he is getting thin to gain height, is not gaining weight as he is always busy playing, he is eating well but not gaining weight when asked. In addition, they did not provide food on time and the variety needed for a balanced diet. During the program, it was clear that they were unaware of food safety and the fact that nutrients in the food would be lost when kept open. They offered their children Dal, Bhat as the only option for their daily food requirements. Since parents lacked nutritional education, they were ignorant about the importance of nutrition in a child’s growth and development. They all were focused on filling their children’s stomachs rather than offering a variety of food items that supported growth and development. In case of any health problem due to excessive lack of nutrition in the child, parents ignore their condition by saying he is weak or has poor health condition without emphasizing nutritious food. It happened because they were unaware that these problems might also be due to the lack of nutrition. Apart from this, health issues like low weight and stunted growth in children were also ignored by the parents, as they did not know that children should be fed according to their age and bodily needs. Previous Status of Nutrient Education After implementing the Food and Nutrition Security Enhancement Project program in 2077 in Benight Rorang Rural Municipality, many improvements have been made. This program has been implemented with three other programs in agriculture, animal husbandry and nutrition to improve the nutritional status. The program has provided the farmers with seeds of advanced varieties, cage construction for poultry and goats, and fruits and vegetable seeds, along with small and supplemental grants. Based on the belief that we should prioritize food available locally, a Model Household Nutrition Garden program has also been implemented. Different nutrition classes have also been conducted to initiate positive changes in the eating habits of mothers and children by raising awareness about nutrition. It is noted that programs like this have brought positive change and improvement in the mentality of the farmers on the importance of nutritional food. They are now aware of the supplements found in different food items. After understanding that eating food is not just to fill our stomachs but for well-being, growth and development, they have started diversifying their food. Instead of repeating the same food time and again, they have made a habit of mixing and eating different foods. If any health problem is visible in children, they reach the relevant health institution on time. Understanding the importance of cleanliness in reducing health hazards, they have developed the habit of washing hands, properly cleaning fruits and vegetables, and consuming locally produced food. Utilizing the barren lands, the community members have started planting fruits and vegetables to diversify the food. In addition, they have also started to raise chickens to feed eggs and meat to improve the nutritional status of children. While previously, only savings were collected in the meeting, today they discuss nutrition and are concerned about their health. This program has taught them how to properly consume things that come from plants and barns up to our lips. The participants are keen and happy to learn such practical things through their village meetings. Nutrition education is a subject of great need, as many nutritional problems have started to appear in people. Today nutritional program has become necessary to bring about behavioural changes and improve the nutritional status to stay healthy. If the nutrition program can flourish from the streets to the settlement area of the people, it can benefit the children from the backward community. They can be alerted by providing information in time. Even a small problem can cause great damage when not treated on time, especially in places with limited health facilities. Therefore, the nutrition program conducted in the villages plays a very significant role in changing the lifestyle and behaviour of the community. Communities that lack information and communication means can benefit from such programs as they can pass information to the community members about their health and life by providing timely information. Hence nutrition education is the need of the day.

Name: Shanti Chhatkuli

Designation: Nutrition Facilitator

Address: Benighat Rorang, 7 Charaudi Dhading