Under-nutrition remains a significant issue in rural areas, particularly among women and children. Both India and Africa are grappling with malnutrition. Here, children suffer from stunted growth and health complications, and women face the consequences of inadequate nutrition. The use of community-driven video education to address these challenges provides compelling evidence for the role of multimedia in combating malnutrition and promoting sustainable farming.
A collaborative approach to nutrition-sensitive agriculture
In rural India, the Upscaling Participatory Action and Videos for Agriculture and Nutrition Trial (UPAVAN Trial) explored the potential of nutrition-sensitive agriculture (NSA) to improve maternal and child nutrition. With 21% of children experiencing wasting and nearly a quarter of women being underweight, integrating nutritional goals with agricultural practices is essential. This trial combined participatory education strategies — such as women’s group meetings and participatory videos — with agricultural interventions designed to promote access to diverse, nutrient-rich foods.
The use of community-produced videos played a key role in educating local farmers about improving their diets as well as their farming methods. By engaging communities directly, these videos helped participants understand the importance of nutrition within their agricultural activities, making the interventions highly relevant to their lives. The trial demonstrated that NSA interventions, combined with community-led education, could significantly improve health outcomes.
illuminAid’s partnership with Africare in Kenya
In partnership with Africare, illuminAid conducted a four-day Video Education Workshop (VEW) in March 2020 to teach staff and community members how to create and use videos for nutritional education. The initiative aims to diversify diets, as many in the region rely on government-provided food that lacks nutritional value, leading to stunted growth in children.
Like in the UPAVAN Trial, video offers a unique solution to communication barriers, particularly for populations where illiteracy is common. By using videos, Africare can spread essential nutritional messages. This, in turn, helps mothers and caregivers better understand how to improve their children's diets. Additionally, Africare intends to use these videos to engage local youth, many of whom are unemployed and spend time gambling, to encourage them to adopt farming as a means of supporting themselves and their communities. This effort seeks to shift the cultural norm where farming is primarily done by women.
A shared vision for empowerment and nutrition
Both the UPAVAN Trial and illuminAid's efforts in Kenya emphasize the transformative power of community-led video education. These programs not only promote nutritional awareness but also encourage practical changes in agriculture and daily habits. By making nutritional education accessible and relevant through video, both initiatives offer a sustainable model for improving maternal and child health in vulnerable rural populations. The integration of video as an educational tool is proving to be a critical driver of change, breaking barriers to information and empowering communities to take charge of their health and well-being.
