Nourishing a sustainable future for communities: CASCADE Kenya.
The CAtalyzing Srengthened policy aCtion for heAlthy Diets and resiliencE (CASCADE) is a systems-strengthening programme funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs to improve food security and contribute to reducing malnutrition for at least 5 million children and women of reproductive age. In close collaboration with national governments, CARE and GAIN are implementing CASCADE in six African countries: Benin, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Uganda, with 60 million Euros from 2022 to 2026.
In Kenya, CASCADE is implemented across three counties: Nairobi, Nakuru, and Nyandarua, with the overall goal of strengthening the implementation of key policies aligned with nutrition.
CASCADE Policy Focus in Kenya
- Kenya Nutrition Action Plan (National) – County Nutrition Action Plans (county)
- Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS 2019-2029)
- National Food and Nutrition Security Policy (NFNSP) 2012 and its implementation framework the National Food and Nutrition Security Implementation Framework (NFNSP-IF) 2017–2022
- Kenya National Food Fortification Strategic Plan 2018-2022 – County Food safety and food fortification policies
Other policy focus areas include; Agri-nutrition Implementation Strategy (ANIS, 2020-2025), Women Economic Empowerment Strategy 2020-2025, National Guidelines for Healthy Diets and Physical Activity (2017), and Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Implementation Framework 2018-2027
Juan Echanove, Associate Vice President, CARE USA, visited the CASCADE’s implementation areas in Nakuru and Nyandarua Counties in Kenya on February 20- 21, 2024. He visited demo sites, met FFBS group members, attended courtesy calls with Nakuru and Nyandara County governors, met different ministries, and visited a social enterprise company.
Members of Nyakiambi Hope Women Group in their demo farm
Besides meeting community groups of FFBS, a significant highlight of his trip to Nakuru was witnessing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony with the Nakuru County government, underlining the commitment to collaborative efforts. He also had the opportunity to explore Dheiton Ventures Ltd., a social enterprise company, further deepening his understanding of the local context. His enthusiasm was palpable, reflecting the warmth and passion of governors and senior government officials toward fostering partnerships between CASCADE and the local government. He was excited as governors and government senior officials were cordial and passionate about the collaborations between CASCADE and the government.
Juan Echanove
“I am so impressed and delighted to see how the Kenya team is working closely with the government and implementing nutrition policy through CASCADE”
Juan Echanove (left with microphone ) engages the Nyakiambi Hope Women Group members.
During the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the CASCADE project and the County Government of Nakuru, Nakuru’s Deputy Governor, H.E Hon. David Kones, emphasized the critical link between development and nutrition by stating, “You cannot talk about development if you do not talk about nutrition. A healthy nation needs healthy people.” This statement underscores the core philosophy driving CARE’s Pillar 2, Food, Water, and Nutrition Security efforts. This pillar embodies a comprehensive approach to development, recognizing the intricate connections between health, gender, agriculture, nutrition, and Water, Health, and Sanitation (WASH).
MOU Signing between CASCADE Project and Nakuru County Government
While in Nyandarua County, Juan was joined by the County Secretary, County Executive Committee Members, and representatives from various ministries. Together, they engaged with local leaders and private entities, including Dheiton Ventures Limited, a prominent player in agribusiness innovation in the county. This cooperative exchange established the groundwork for potential collaborations with the private sector.
During the courtesy visit, H.E Hon Badilisha Kiarie emphasized the importance of farmer groups remaining innovative in farming methods to ensure households have access to healthier food sustainably. Her Excellency The First Lady Grace Kiarie, the CASCADE Project Champion, further echoed this vision and expressed unwavering support for initiatives fostering sustainability, mainly through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), empowering women across the county. The shared dedication among the key stakeholder groups, including the county government, set a promising ground for achieving CASCADE’s strategic objective: increasing the consumption of healthy diets for women of reproductive age and children.
Courtesy call to Governor Hon Badilisha Kiarie, Nyandarua County
Nazneen Rahman
“To nourish a sustainable future for communities, it is essential to establish connections across government, private sectors, small-scale farmers, and communities.”
The Kenya CASCADE team has already demonstrated their commitment and strength to this journey, positioning themselves to achieve CASCADE’s impactful goals.
Authors
Nazneen Rahman; Technical Lead- Nutrition, CASCADE, CARE USA
Charlotte Kirui; Advocacy and Communications Officer; CARE Kenya
Geraldine Nthigah CASCADE Country Coordinator, Kenya
