The CASCADE Project (Catalysing Strengthened Policy for Healthy Diets and Resilience) has set up nutrition corners and gardens in Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across five Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Jigawa State. The initiative, jointly implemented by CARE International in Nigeria and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), is designed to improve the nutritional intake of women of reproductive age and children under 15.
Speaking during a cooking demonstration session at Harbo Tsohuwa PHC in Jahun LGA, Health and Nutrition Technical Officer, Gara Alheri, said the project empowers women with practical skills to prepare healthy meals using locally available ingredients. She explained that the goal is to curb widespread malnutrition by encouraging families to make nutritious meals from readily accessible food items.
Alheri noted that the project is currently being implemented in Jahun, Ringim, Kiyawa, Dutse, and Kafin Hausa LGAs. She added that the nutrition corners would serve as centres for food demonstrations, malnutrition counselling, nutrition education, and growth monitoring for women attending antenatal and health checkups.
The gardens established at the PHCs feature crops such as okra, pepper, tomatoes, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, and boma sika, which will be used for nutrition demonstrations. Alheri stressed the importance of pregnant women eating balanced diets and passing on healthy practices within their households.
Officers in charge of PHCs commended the initiative. Shamsiyya Abdullahi of the Urban Maternity Hospital, Jahun, advised women to prioritise local food items and avoid excessive salt and potash in cooking, warning of their harmful effects on pregnancy. Similarly, Muhammad Inuwa, Officer-in-Charge of Harbo Tsohuwa PHC, praised the project for reducing malnutrition risks among women and children.
Participants also lauded the initiative. Community member Maituwo Sama’ila pledged to share the training with other women, saying it would help reduce child malnutrition and improve overall health outcomes in Jigawa.
To support the project, cooking gas, pots, plates, and other utensils were donated for ongoing food demonstrations at the PHCs.