By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – Maselloane Phumane, the founder of Batloung Foods and the Siloe Nutrition Club, is dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by rural and underserved communities. In areas where access to nutritious food, financial stability, and essential agricultural skills are often limited.
However, through the initiatives of the Siloe Nutrition Club, significant progress is being made. By promoting food security, healthy eating habits, and community self-sufficiency, these efforts are empowering residents to improve their quality of life and build a more sustainable future.
Founded in 2023 in Mohale’s Hoek, Siloe Nutrition Club emerged with a powerful mission which is to improve food security and nutrition within local families. The project initially began with a small, dedicated group of twelve individuals, 10 men and 2 women who shared a common vision of addressing malnutrition and poverty through sustainable agricultural practices and nutritional education.
The club’s core objective was simple yet transformative, to improve the quality of life of families by promoting proper nutrition and offering the skills to become self-sufficient.
The group was strategically established to target not only food access but also to empower women and men alike to take charge of their own livelihoods. By teaching families how to cultivate their own food and make informed dietary choices, the Siloe Nutrition Club aimed to foster independence and enhance the resilience of the community.
“Siloe Nutrition Club’s core objectives are to Promote proper nutrition, by educating families on the importance of balanced diets, proper food storage, and nutrient-rich food options that are locally available,” Mmaselloane noted.
Adding that they plan on Combatting poverty and hunger by providing tools and knowledge to cultivate their own gardens and manage resources, which will help reduce dependence on outside food aid.
“We plan to empower women and men in rural areas through training in agricultural skills, entrepreneurship, and nutrition,” said Mmaselloane.
Siloe Nutrition Club aims to give community members the tools they need to improve their family’s well-being while also fostering economic independence and create sustainable community-led businesses, the club’s efforts extend beyond immediate needs to creating sustainable businesses that can help families generate income and create jobs.
Mmaselloane shares that since its inception, Siloe Nutrition Club has seen profound changes in the lives of its members and their families.
She highlighted that through the club’s nutrition education programs, families have gained critical knowledge on how to prepare meals that maximise the nutritional value of locally available foods. This focus on healthy eating has resulted in a noticeable improvement in the general health of the community, reducing incidences of malnutrition and its related health complications.
Mmaselloane also adds that by offering training on agricultural practices and sustainable farming, the club has empowered community members to cultivate their own gardens, increasing local food production. “This has not only contributed to a more consistent and varied food supply but has also taught families how to make the most of their available resources, thus reducing food insecurity.
Through skills training in farming, club members have learned how to turn their agricultural activities into profitable ventures. Some have been able to sell surplus produce at local markets, creating a source of income that helps them support their families and improve their economic situation.
Siloe Nutrition Club has played a significant role in empowering both men and women in the community. Women, in particular, have found a platform for social engagement and leadership, with many now taking on roles as leaders in agricultural production and nutrition education. This shift has helped to break down traditional gender barriers, allowing women to become active contributors to their family’s income and well-being.
She added that Siloe’s future plans include expanding training programs to include more people from surrounding villages. Increasing the production of nutritional food and creating larger-scale community farming projects. Building stronger partnerships with local governments, businesses, and other organisations to amplify the club’s reach and resources. And developing educational materials on sustainable farming, nutrition, and small-business management that can be shared with other communities.
“By focusing on nutrition, agriculture, and economic independence, the club has empowered local families to transformed their lives, not just for the present but for the future.”
The project’s success highlights the importance of community-driven solutions in addressing global issues like malnutrition, poverty, and food insecurity. And with continued support and growth, Siloe Nutrition Club has the potential to become a powerful model for rural development and empowerment across the region, creating sustainable change that will benefit generations to come.