Mangoes are also an excellent source of potassium, folate, fibre, and vitamins A, C, B6, E, and K and are rich in numerous plant polyphenols that have antioxidant and anti- inflammatory properties. But mangoes and other fruits are expensive and most parents in informal urban settlments cannot afford them.

Under Zero Hunger Initiative, parents are encouraged to plant fruit trees in their local schools and public spaces to support nutrition programmes in the learning institutions. In Nairobi, the Zero initiative targets public urban schools, especially those in informal settlements where malnutrition prevalence is high.

Dr Kyobutungi said the plan is to roll out to other parts of the country once all public primary schools are covered and public spaces in Nairobi exhausted. “Each grafted fruit tree planted in the schools will provide between 300 and 500 organic fruits that will support school feeding and nutrition programmes. The fruit trees will also make the schools green,” Dr Kyobutungi said.

The programme is emphasising the message that when you grow fruit trees today for healthier food, you secure tomorrow by ensuring a sustainable environment for future generations as well.

The programme has won praise from the city’s political leadership, with Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris highlighting its contribution to efforts to guarantee the constitutional right to safe and quality food. “Most of the leafy greens eaten in Nairobi are grown near rivers whose waters are polluted with sewer lines and other effluent affects vegetables and could cause diseases to consumers,” Ms Passaris said.