Rwanda: Nutritionists Recommend Alternative Protein Sources As Beef Prices Remain High
[New Times] The outbreak of Rift Valley Fever, beef prices have gone up, with a kilogramme now selling for about Rwf8,000 to Rwf9,000, depending on where it is bought.
High beef prices have been a recent concern in Rwanda, with a kilogramme now costing between Rwf8,000 and Rwf9,000. This price increase, caused by the Rift Valley Fever outbreak, has led nutritionists to recommend alternative protein sources for those who cannot afford meat regularly.
Private Kamanzi, chairman of the Rwanda Nutritionists Society, suggests chicken, fish, and soy-based foods like tofu and soy milk as affordable alternatives to meat. These foods still provide essential nutrients such as protein and iron. Hyguette Irambona, a nutritionist at Gardens for Health International, notes that many Rwandans do not consume meat daily, often reserving it for special occasions. She recommends chicken and pork as cheaper options, along with fish for its protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
For plant-based diets, Irambona suggests beans, lentils, green peas, groundnuts, and pumpkin seeds. However, she notes that protein content varies in plant-based foods, and larger portions may be needed to obtain the same amount of protein as meat.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
