Northern Region: Kinvia, RAINS promote healthy eating among rural families on World Food Day
As the world marks World Food Day, international nonprofit organisation Kinvia—formerly known as Canadian Feed The Children (CFTC)—in partnership with the Regional Advisory Information and Network Systems (RAINS), a Tamale-based NGO, has intensified its commitment to promoting healthy eating and food security among rural households in Northern Ghana.
This year’s World Food Day, celebrated on October 16, is themed “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future.” The theme emphasiaes the power of collaboration among communities, governments, civil society, and private institutions in creating sustainable and nutritious food systems for all.
Since its establishment by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1979, World Food Day has served as a platform to raise global awareness about hunger, malnutrition, and the urgent need for sustainable food production and equitable access to nutritious meals.
Empowering women through nutrition education
Speaking to Graphic Online, Mr. Augustine N-Yokuni, Country Director of Kinvia-Ghana, said the initiative aims to equip women in rural communities with practical cooking and nutrition skills to help them prepare healthy meals using what they already grow and consume locally.
Women from four beneficiary communities—Bidima in the West Gonja Municipality, Kpachilo in the Nanton District, and Kulinkpegu and Bachabordo in the Mion District—participated in this year’s training programme.
The participants included school cooks, mothers with young children, and members of parent-teacher associations, all of whom participated in hands-on cooking demonstrations showcasing how everyday traditional dishes can be made more balanced and nourishing.
Hands-on nutrition training
At one of the sessions, facilitators led participants through the preparation of yam porridge, a popular local dish. Using locally sourced and affordable ingredients such as yams, palm oil, onions, tomatoes, pepper, dried fish, eggs, dawadawa, and greens like bitter leaf and moringa, the women learned simple ways to improve the meal’s nutritional value.
Nutrition Officer from the Ghana Health Service (GHS) Northern Region, Madam Rahinatu Adam also explained the health benefits of each ingredient—highlighting how proteins, vitamins, and minerals play a vital role in child growth, maternal health, and overall family well-being.
Building food security through local knowledge
The training aligns with Kinvia’s broader mission of improving nutrition and strengthening food independence in rural communities. By encouraging families to rely on local food resources and traditional knowledge, the project seeks to reduce malnutrition and build self-sufficient households.
“These food demonstrations are not just about cooking—they are about empowering families with the knowledge and confidence to prepare healthy meals from what they already have,” said Mr. N-Yokuni. “When women understand nutrition, they make better food choices for their children and the entire household.”
Kinvia and RAINS believe that by sharing the skills learned, participants can help spread healthier eating habits across their communities, leading to improved diets and reduced nutrition-related illnesses.
A call to support rural nutrition
As part of this year’s World Food Day celebration, Kinvia is appealing for stronger collaboration and support from the public, private sector, and development partners to expand its community nutrition initiatives to more underserved areas.
“This World Food Day, we are encouraging everyone to join us in helping families access nourishing meals and long-term solutions for food security,” said Mr. N-Yokuni. “Together, we can make healthy eating a way of life for every family.”
Some of the women participants expressed gratitude to RAINS and its partners for the training and pledged to apply the knowledge gained to improve health outcomes in their homes—particularly for their children.
