This archive report was first published on 11 September 2019.
Published on September 11, 2019, Zambia's Vice-President Inonge Wina has called on citizens to diversify their diet, moving away from the staple food maize meal, also known as nshima.
Nshima is a staple in Zambia, served with almost every meal. However, severe hunger has been reported in certain parts of the country following last year's poor rainfall.
Ms Wina has emphasized the importance of incorporating more nutritious foods, such as millet, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and cassava, into the Zambian diet. According to her, these foods have numerous health benefits and can help address stunting and malnutrition in the country.
"The gradual shift from predominantly maize-based meals is good for the nation as more nutritious foods will have space at our tables," Ms Wina said in a statement issued on Tuesday by her office.
Ms Wina's call comes as the government faces pressure to declare the hunger situation a national disaster, a move it opposes.
