TED Talks Daily The unsung heroes fighting malnutrition | Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju
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Mar 7, 2024 Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju, a food systems advocate, focuses on sustainable agriculture and nutrition in Africa. She discusses the urgent issue of malnutrition, particularly child stunting, and highlights how pastoralists play a crucial role in enhancing nutrition through sustainable meat and milk production. Baskaran-Makanju shares challenges faced by these communities, including drought and market exploitation, while emphasizing the need for supportive policies and innovative approaches to empower pastoralists and improve food security.
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Milk and Meat: Essential Nutrients
- Milk and meat are crucial to combat stunting in Africa due to their vital nutrients, especially complete essential amino acids.
- These nutrients, difficult to obtain from plant-based foods, are essential for African children's development.
Stunting: A Quieter Crisis
- Stunting, a less obvious form of malnutrition than emaciation, is characterized by low height for age.
- It signifies underdeveloped brains, hindering learning and increasing healthcare costs, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
Unfamiliarity with Pastoralists
- Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju's husband, despite being a meat-lover, was unaware of pastoralists' role in meat production.
- This highlights the general lack of awareness about pastoralists, even among those who consume their products.