On World Pulses Day 2023, I am encouraged that the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) campaign highlights raising awareness of the importance of pulses in diets within Sub-Saharan Africa. Pulses such as dry peas, chickpeas, cow peas and lentils positively contribute to food security, nutrient dense diets, and have adapted to adverse climatic conditions, allowing them to grow resiliently and sustainably, providing healthier and productive lives.

My Wellbeing Foundation Africa prioritises the nutritional status of children and women who are most vulnerable to malnutrition. Our WBFA frontline midwives encourage good nutrition every day, as the first defence against poor health outcomes, and aim to break the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition in communities, as the right to adequate food is universal for all.

The production and consumption of pulses has transformed and diversified farming systems. Farmers can both sell and consume them, aiding in maintaining household food security and economic stability, while improving lives globally. It is rich in soluble fibre and high in protein, which can help control blood sugar, lower cholesterol, making it a recommended and accessible addition to diets by the WHO for the management of non-communicable diseases. Pulses can also thrive in water scarce environments, as they have a low water footprint and better tolerate drought and climate-related disasters, making them adaptable for agriculture livelihoods during shifts in weather patterns.

The production of pulses of Africa increased from 5.11 million tonnes in 1972 to 22 million tonnes in 2021 growing at an average annual rate of 3.32%. We must prioritise advocating to, and collaborating with governments, and the private sector alongside the public and youth to support the education, production and consumption of pulses as part of sustainable food systems, healthy diets and to achieve the United Nations, The Global Goals, SDG 2.