Enhancing Food and Nutritional Security of Pastoral Communities in Kenya Through Establishment of Mushroom-Vegetable Production and Fortification Enterprises (CONSTITUTE)

Kenya is experiencing triple burden of malnutrition characterized by undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and diet-related non-communicable diseases. These are compounded by high poverty, drought and frequent famine especially in pastoral communities. Mushrooms and green leafy vegetables are nutrient-rich easy-to-grow and rich in proteins, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. This study proposes to enhance food, nutrition and diversification of pastoral households by building their capacity to produce and formulate fortified nutritious diets through i) establishment of low-cost mushroom production enterprise units ii) establishment of vegetable kitchen gardens iii) processing of dried mushroom-vegetable-cereal flours. Performance of the formula will be assessed in six sites in pastoralist households. In the 2nd phase, group specific micronutrient-vitamin fortified formulae for weaning children, pregnant women and the elderly will be formulated and marketed.