The children of Mozambique’s Sofala Province have been suffering from severe protein malnutrition. In 2008, the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) conducted a health survey in the province. The survey found that 75 percent of children exhibited inadequate body protein stores, with symptoms that included skin sores, diarrhea, and respiratory problems. Unfortunately, the problem has been exacerbated by the spread of HIV. The prevalence of the disease in Sofala is among the highest in the country, particularly among pregnant women. The illness imposes severe burdens on families, orphaning children, stifling development, and further impoverishing those already struggling to survive.
To help improve the situation, Planet Aid, ADPP Mozambique, and WISHH (with U.S. Department of Agriculture support) began providing needed soy protein to villagers in the Sofala Province. We established 50 soy canteens, offering children and other needy community members at least one fresh, nutritious soy-based meal per day (about 800 meals per day across the 50 canteens). The canteens have collectively delivered more than 1.3 million soy meals to the sick and hungry, helping to reduce malnutrition and stimulate growth.
Local volunteers, called passionates, operate the canteens within their communities. The care and dedication of these committed volunteers has been vital in helping make the soy canteens a success. The passionates have also acquired valuable vocational skills as a result of their participation, learning to plan, organize, and manage the canteen. The soyfood being offered through the canteens is primarily in the form of textured soy protein. The TSP is prepared in a wide-range of dishes, including in the locally traditional maize porridge and also with rice and leafy vegetables.
WISHH conducted a six-month impact evaluation on the effectiveness of the canteens in improving the nutritional status of children five to ten years old. The study found that malnutrition-related symptoms dropped precipitously. In particular, skin sores decreased from 15 percent to 0.4 percent and diarrhea declined from 32 percent to 3 percent. In addition, children on average gained 4 pounds, grew a half-inch, and showed significant increases in muscle strength. The soy canteens have helped to dramatically reduce symptoms that can impair growth and development. In addition, soy has become an important and popular staple of the local diet, helping to provide a much needed protein source.
New Soy Growers Strengthen Economy
The program has relied on 35 metric tons of soy per year from U.S. producers. However, the introduction of the canteens has also encouraged local farmers to become soy growers. Since the start of the program, local producers converted approximately 500 acres to soy production to help supply the canteens.
Planet Aid together with its partners is seeking to build on the success of the program and expand aid to farmers and malnourished populations in the region.
