Why Africans Should Stop Eating Maize - Zambia's Vice President

Zambian Vice-President Inonge Wina has called for a complete turn around on eating habits saying people should stop eating maize which is the staple food in Southern Africa and opt for more nutritious foods. The BBC equated the proposal to telling Italians not to eat Pasta.

The VP urged citizen in her country to opt for millet, sorghum, cassava, and sweet potatoes gradually and ditch the maizemeal that has been the staple food for years now. Speaking to BBC The VP said the switch will also be a low-cost way of addressing malnutrition:

The gradual shift from predominantly maize-based meals is good for the nation as more nutritious foods will have space at our tables. The switch to more nutritious foods is one of the low-cost and effective ways of addressing stunting and malnutrition in the country.

However, trying to change eating habits is a difficult task as more people across Southern Africa rely more on meals prepared by maize.  Maize is also cheap, in Southern Africa and is one of the grains mainly produced in Southern Africa.

More: BBC