Dr Sufia Askari
Managing Director, Sight and Life
Elvis Gakuba
Country Director – Rwanda, Sight and Life
Bringing better nutrition to people in low-income communities involves a mix of science-driven research and local engagement to ensure that solutions will work on the ground.
The world must wake up to the scourge of malnutrition, says Dr Sufia Askari. It disproportionately affects poor communities and can negatively impact a person’s growth, IQ (intelligence quotient) and earning potential. Tragically, it causes almost half of all child deaths globally.
Nutrition innovation saves lives
“Nutrition is a basic human right,” says Dr Askari, Managing Director of Sight and Life, a Swiss-based charitable foundation and research institute known for innovative solutions in the climate, food systems and nutrition space. “So, we’re bringing innovation to do things differently, save lives and make sure that children can reach their full potential. In turn, this will help improve productivity in affected countries.”
Sight and Life develops and pilots science-backed nutrition solutions, scaled through partnerships, that can benefit the most people. “Our organisation thinks of innovation in two ways,” says Dr Askari. “The first is the ‘what’ and the second is the ‘how.’ What solution do we need; also, importantly, how can we ensure it reaches a high level of coverage in vulnerable communities?”
Nutrition is a basic human right.
On-the-ground knowledge bringing benefits in Rwanda
For instance, in Rwanda, a hillside water source facility was pivotal in addressing local vegetable farmers’ challenges, including inadequate facility size and limited water access for washing produce. Through the Nutrition in City Ecosystems project, the facility was renovated and connected to a reliable water supply. Elvis Gakuba, Rwanda Country Director, says this enabled 400 smallholder farmers to wash vegetables daily; expanded reach to over 1 million people in Rwanda; and enhanced agricultural productivity while residents gained free water access for household and farming needs.
Innovation and sustainable work both require sustained funding. Moreover, what works in one area, region or country will not necessarily work in another. This is why involving local people — such as government officials, entrepreneurs, local community leaders, farmers and consumers — is a crucial part of the Sight and Life process. Locals don’t have a monopoly on good ideas, says Gakuba. Outside support and advice are also welcome. “There’s real value in bringing the two together,” he says. “Ultimately, it’s about helping people help themselves because it saves lives and livelihoods.”
