Hunger has long been a shadow over the African continent, causing untold suffering and hindering development. For Mercy Lung’aho, this was a reality that she experienced firsthand during her childhood. But instead of letting it defeat her, she has channeled her experiences into a passion for promoting nutrition as a crucial foundation for Africa’s progress.
As the lead for the Food Security, Nutrition and Health Program at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Mercy Lung’aho is a certified nutritionist and researcher with over 20 years of experience in championing development. Her work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, as she has become a renowned advocate for an integrated approach that combines nutrition, agriculture, and health.
Growing up in Kenya, Mercy Lung’aho saw the devastating effects of malnutrition on her community. She witnessed children suffering from stunted growth, mothers unable to breastfeed their babies due to their own poor nutrition, and families struggling to make ends meet due to the lack of access to nutritious food. This fueled her determination to make a difference and inspired her to pursue a career in nutrition.
After obtaining her degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Nairobi, Mercy Lung’aho began her journey as a nutritionist, working with various organizations, including the United Nations World Food Programme and the African Union. Her expertise and experience have taken her across the African continent, where she has witnessed the impact of malnutrition and the potential for change.
In her role as the lead for the Food Security, Nutrition and Health Program at IITA, Mercy Lung’aho has been at the forefront of promoting an integrated approach to addressing malnutrition. She firmly believes that nutrition is the foundation for sustainable development and that it should be integrated into all aspects of development, including agriculture and health.
One of the key strategies that Mercy Lung’aho advocates for is biofortification, a process that involves breeding crops to be more nutritious. This approach has the potential to address micronutrient deficiencies, which are prevalent in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. By promoting the consumption of biofortified crops, Mercy Lung’aho and her team at IITA are helping to improve the health and well-being of communities across the continent.
In addition to her work on biofortification, Mercy Lung’aho has also been actively involved in promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture, which involves incorporating nutrition into farming practices. This approach not only ensures food security but also improves the nutritional value of the crops being grown. Mercy Lung’aho believes that this is crucial for addressing malnutrition in rural communities, where agriculture is the main source of livelihood.
Mercy Lung’aho’s commitment to promoting nutrition as a foundation for development has also led her to advocate for nutrition education and behavior change. She believes that education is the key to empowering individuals and communities to make informed decisions about their health and nutrition. Through her work, she has developed innovative ways to deliver nutrition education to communities, including using social media platforms and partnering with local community leaders.
As a certified nutritionist and researcher, Mercy Lung’aho has also been involved in groundbreaking research on nutrition and its impact on development. She has published numerous papers and articles on the subject, contributing to the global knowledge and understanding of nutrition and its role in development.
Mercy Lung’aho’s tireless efforts and unwavering commitment have not gone unnoticed. She has received numerous accolades and awards for her work, including the prestigious Norman E. Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application in Nutrition in 2019. This recognition is a testament to her dedication and impact in the field of nutrition and development.
Through her work at IITA, Mercy Lung’aho is not only advocating for an integrated approach to addressing malnutrition but also inspiring a new generation of leaders to join the fight against hunger. Her passion and determination serve as a reminder that one person can make a significant difference in the lives of many.
In conclusion, Mercy Lung’aho’s journey from a childhood shadowed by hunger to becoming a leading advocate for nutrition in Africa is a testament to the power of determination and the potential for change. Her work at IITA and her dedication to promoting an integrated approach to addressing malnutrition has the potential to transform the lives of millions of Africans. With leaders like Mercy Lung’aho at the forefront, there is hope for a brighter, healthier, and more prosperous future for Africa.
