Promoting Healthy Nutrition among Children in Ogoniland

Abstract

The future of any nation is known to lie in the vibrancy of their young population. Unfortunately, far too many of our children and young people are not getting the diets they need, which is undermining their capacity to grow, develop and learn to their full potential. This is a global calamity but more devastating in middle and low income countries including Nigeria where statistics on the three strands of malnutrition: stunting, wasting and obesity are so unfavorable. The paper examined nutritional issues among children in Ogoniland and proffered way forward. Some basic concepts such as nutrition, malnutrition, diet and childhood were elucidated. Nutritional problems within the context of Ogoniland were highlighted; some food fallacies, land and water degradation and insecurities that have led to food insecurity, poverty and malnutrition in the land with far reaching health implications for the young growing children were highlighted and discussed. The paper proffered some possible solutions to eliminate these identified nutritional problems and factors leading to them. Suggestions for promoting healthy nutrition among children in Ogoniland included: interventions bordering on health education; improved and innovative agricultural practices; school interventions; and interventions from governmental and non-governmental organizations.