Under the sprawling shade of a giant acacia tree in Longopito, a village in Isiolo’s Northern ASAL areas, an extraordinary event is unfolding. This is not just any gathering; it’s the Cooking Demo Exposure, an initiative led by the Livelihood Department to teach communities the art of cooking nutritional foods. Today, the participants include over 50 lactating mothers and 20 pregnant women from the Nilotic Samburu community, who have come together to learn, cook, and share a meal.

A New Approach to Nutrition

As the mothers and expectant women gather, the air is filled with a buzz of excitement and curiosity. The Cooking Demo Exposure aims to introduce new cooking techniques and nutritional practices that are crucial for the health of both mothers and their children. Traditionally, certain foods, like eggs, have been shunned in the Nilotic Samburu culture, but today marks a new beginning.

A key component of the event’s success lies in the sourcing of the ingredients. The food items for the demo are purchased from Nawiri-supported Last Mile Vendors (LMVs), creating a vital link between the community’s producers and consumers. This connection not only supports local businesses but also ensures that the participants have access to fresh, high-quality ingredients. The LMVs, such as Nasieku’s shop in Longopito, provide essential items like cereals, root vegetables, and eggs, demonstrating the positive impact of Nawiri’s support on local economies and nutritional practices.

The session is led by a team of experts from the Ministry of Health, including nutritionist Hawo, interactive learning specialist Dan Leruk, hands-on cooking expert Dancun Kimathi from Home Economics, and agriculturalist Andrew Lengrinas. Local Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) also play a key role in supporting the event. Lekoomet from Mlima Tatu, Everline from Tuale, and Veronica from Longopito are on hand to assist and provide local insights.

Interactive Learning

The first part of the session is dedicated to explaining the nutritional benefits of the foods that will be cooked. Nutritionist Hawo discusses the importance of balanced diets and how incorporating cereals, root vegetables, and eggs can greatly benefit the health of both mothers and their babies. “Today, we’re going to learn how to prepare meals that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients,” Hawo announces. “These foods can help you stay healthy and provide the best for your children.”

Dan Leruk, the interactive learning specialist, takes the stage to demonstrate proper food handling and hygiene practices. “Cleanliness is key in preventing illnesses,” Dan explains, showing the women how to wash their hands and ingredients properly. “By maintaining good hygiene, you ensure that the food you prepare is safe and healthy.”

Lekoomet, a CHV from Mlima Tatu, adds, “It’s crucial that we all learn these practices. In our community, improving hygiene and nutrition can significantly reduce the incidence of illness, especially among our young children.”

Hands-On Cooking

With the groundwork laid, it’s time for the hands-on part of the session. The women are divided into small groups, each assigned to a cooking station under the tree. The air is filled with the scents of fresh ingredients as the participants begin to prepare the dishes. The process is both educational and engaging, with Dancun Kimathi moving between stations, offering guidance and answering questions.

One group is working on a dish of roasted root vegetables, while another is preparing a hearty cereal stew. A third group is learning how to cook eggs in various ways, breaking down the cultural barriers that have previously shunned this nutritious food. “Remember to stir the pot gently,” Dancun advises, demonstrating the technique for making a creamy, nutritious porridge. “This will help to ensure that the food is cooked evenly and retains its nutrients.”

Veronica, the CHV from Longopito, notes, “Seeing these new cooking methods in action is inspiring. It’s a great opportunity for us to embrace new practices that can improve our families’ diets and overall health.”

As the cooking progresses, the women share stories and tips, discussing their own experiences with food and nutrition. The camaraderie is palpable, and the atmosphere is one of shared learning and mutual support.

A Shared Meal

With the dishes ready, the time comes to share the meal. The food is laid out on large platters, and the women gather around, eager to taste the fruits of their labor. The experts, including Andrew Lengrinas, join in, and together they enjoy a feast of nutrient-rich dishes.

As they eat, the conversations flow freely. “This porridge is so smooth,” says one of the lactating mothers, her eyes wide with delight. “I never knew eggs could be cooked this way. It’s delicious!” Another adds, “The roasted vegetables have a flavour I’ve never tasted before. I’m excited to try making this at home.”

Everline, the CHV from Tuale, shares, “The excitement among the women is palpable. This meal represents a major shift towards healthier eating habits, and I’m proud to be a part of it. It’s heartening to see such positive change in our community.”

The meal is not just a celebration of new foods and techniques but also a symbol of unity and progress. The women leave with a sense of accomplishment and a new understanding of how to incorporate these nutritious foods into their daily lives.

A Step Towards Healthier Futures

As the sun begins to set over Longopito, casting a golden hue over the gathering, the Cooking Demo Exposure wraps up. The mothers and pregnant women, armed with new knowledge and recipes, return to their homes with a renewed sense of empowerment.

The event has achieved more than just teaching new cooking methods; it has fostered a spirit of community and shared purpose. By breaking down cultural barriers and introducing essential nutritional practices, the Cooking Demo Exposure has paved the way for healthier futures for both mothers and their children in the Nilotic Samburu community.

With every meal prepared and shared, the seeds of change have been sown, promising a brighter, healthier tomorrow for the community of Longopito.