WFP Introduces Resilient Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato to Supplement School Feeding Program in Semi-Arid Nyatike
The World Food Program (WFP) is taking significant steps to ensure the sustainability of school feeding programs in Migori’s semi-arid Nyatike constituency.
This initiative involves the introduction of the orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) to supplement the existing foods provided to children in schools.
In Nyatike, WFP started this initiative at BL Tezza Special School, where they have been conducting training sessions for teachers and parents on various recipes and uses for OFSP.
Judy Ndung’u, a WFP officer, highlighted the benefits of OFSP, noting that it is rich in nutrients, particularly vitamin A, which is essential for child development and growth.
Ndung’u also emphasized that OFSP is well-suited for the climate in Nyatike and the broader Migori region due to its drought tolerance, making it a reliable alternative food source for the community.
Millicent Kasienes, the director of BL Tezza Special School, expressed her support for the OFSP program, noting that most schools in the area rely on farming to feed the children, and this nutrient-rich potato variety will be a valuable addition.
Sammy Agili, an officer from the International Potato Center (CIP), mentioned that the OFSP variety has also been introduced in Awendo and Kuria sub-counties. At the national level, CIP has extended the introduction of OFSP to regions with even harsher weather conditions, such as Wajir, Garissa, and Tana River.
