The Pursuit of Resilient Food Systems
Bertie Turner, Kenya Ambassador and Strategic Communications and Advocacy Lead
As we stand on the threshold of 2024, the urgency surrounding global food security and nutrition is felt worldwide. Being an ambassador in Kenya, and living in this beautiful country for three years, I have witnessed the adverse effects of climate change, high food prices and post-COVID economic fall-out first-hand. The stark consequences of extreme droughts followed by flooding has caused communities to suffer - malnourishment, displacement and limited access to food – resulting in 60 million people in need of humanitarian assistance in 2023 (United Nations).
Amid these challenges, our focus sharpens on the pivotal role of nourishing food in disaster relief and, how we must create a more nutritious sustainable future, that not only empowers communities but protects the planet.
In October 2023, the World Bank published the updated World Food Security Outlook (WFSO), analysing global food security and providing essential information to support official statistics and to help understand the evolving landscape. The WFSO underscores the need for resilient food systems, something that resonates strongly in a nation grappling with the unpredictable realities of climate patterns and the persistence of disasters. The call is clear: our solutions must not be quick fixes, but ones of longevity and sustainability.
To truly navigate Kenya's food security landscape, the conversation must shift from merely providing sustenance to ensuring the right kind of nourishment. Enter spirulina, nature’s superfood. This unassuming microalgae, when dried, transforms into a nutritional powerhouse, offering critical nutrients and sustained plant protein.
Spirulina is a superfood that not only nourishes but does so with a minimal resource footprint. In a region like Kenya, where every piece of land and drop of water holds immense value, spirulina emerges as a revolutionary force. Compact, resilient, and nutritionally rich, it is the unsung hero in our battle for sustained nutrition.
Cultivation of spirulina could pave the way for supporting communities, providing not only immediate relief but also laying the foundation for long-term nutritional security. Spirulina boasts a 60% protein content making it a richer source of protein than most vegetables (Harvard Health, 2021). Just one gram of spirulina is equivalent to nutrients of 1,000 grams or 1 kilogram of assorted balanced vegetables and fruits (Food Science Journal, 2019).
It's a symbol of hope for communities grappling with the harsh realities of climate change, affirming that resilience and adaptability can be encapsulated in a small, green powerhouse that packs a punch.
This year and beyond is not just about addressing immediate challenges; it's about curating enduring solutions that protect the planet and nourish communities to empower their futures.