One Center & One Businessman Spread Nutrition with Chaya
The Center for Entrepreneurial Food Producers in Indonesia exists to train young (under 40 yrs old) food producers with entry level involvement in sustainable agribusiness activities. They will train small and medium scale food producers in both production and agribusiness practices. This happens through a 15-week residential apprenticeship on a 22 acre farm located in Indonesia.
In a world where access to proper nutrition seems out of reach, initiatives aimed at improving household nutrition are needed. This is why the story of a local businessman who visited the Center for Entrepreneurial Food Producers in Indonesia to learn how to promote consumption of the Chaya plant is worth sharing.
Chaya is a perennial shrub and superfood that is known for its nutritional value. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein, and has been shown to have numerous health benefits. However, despite its many benefits, Chaya is relatively unknown and underutilized in many parts of the world.
In Feb, a businessman recognized the potential of Chaya and was eager to learn more about how to promote its consumption. He visited the Center for Entrepreneurial Food Producers, which is an organization that provides training and support to entrepreneurs who are involved in the production of healthy and sustainable food. During his visit, he learned about the nutritional value of Chaya, as well as how to cultivate and cook it.
Armed with this knowledge, the businessman decided to take action. He took approximately 30 stalks of Chaya and as many brochures to the provincial capital of West Java. A few days later, he flew approximately 2900 kilometers (1800 miles) from the city of Bandung, West Java to the province of West Papua in the eastern region of Indonesia.
West Papua is ranked sixth in Indonesia with regard to stunting rate, with 30% stunting among children of the province. Stunting is a condition that occurs when a child does not get enough nutrients during the first 1,000 days of life. This can lead to long-term effects on physical and cognitive development, which can have a lasting impact on the child's health and well-being.
Recognizing the importance of proper nutrition in preventing stunting, the businessman conducted simple training workshops to promote the Chaya plant in West Papua. He provided the stalks that he had brought as well as brochures explaining the nutritional value and cooking guidelines for Chaya. The workshops aimed to teach people how to cultivate and cook Chaya, as well as to highlight its nutritional benefits.
The Chaya stalks were planted, and the businessman plans to follow up on how they are progressing. He hopes that by promoting the consumption of Chaya, he can help to improve household nutrition in West Papua and prevent stunting among children.
The story of this local businessman is a testament to the power of knowledge and action. By taking the initiative to learn about the nutritional value of Chaya and how to promote its consumption, he was able to make a difference in the lives of people in a different part of the country. His actions demonstrate how small steps can lead to big changes, and how individuals can make a difference in the fight against malnutrition and stunting. His story serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the importance of taking small steps to create positive change.
Moreover, this story highlights the importance of organizations like the Center for Entrepreneurial Food Producers, which provide training and support to entrepreneurs who are involved in the production of healthy and sustainable food. Such organizations play a crucial role in promoting healthy eating habits and improving household nutrition, especially in regions where access to proper nutrition is limited.
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Learn more about Center for Entrepreneurial Food Producers and donate to their cause here.