Zambia: Zambian Chef Katendi Nkanza has been awarded by the African Women in Food Fellowship. She was honored at the recently concluded Africa Food Systems forum in Kigali, Rwanda.
Through the award, the forum has appreciated the culinary talent of the chef alongside the Zambian Cuisine. Chef Nkanza was recognized for her culinary innovation, at an event that attracted 5,000 participants from 97 countries across the globe.
Chef Katendi says there is a need to change the food culture in Zambia by ensuring that the country promotes and preserves its rich culinary cultural heritage. Nkanza says there is a need to place more emphasis on nutrition by bringing out issues on food and agriculture.
He believes that it is one way of preventing hunger. Nkanza said that the commitment in driving meaningful impact and creating a more equitable food system in Zambia through her experience and networks.
She stated that there is a need for creation of more campaigns and initiatives that will encourage women in the food and agriculture business to generate platforms and resources in order to empower them with skills in the food industry.
Nkanza who is also the owner of Kate in Your kitchen stated that she will launch a feed the school program in order to provide healthy, nutrient- dense meals to school children, and empower women in rural areas, particularly in agriculture through training and advocacy.
“My plans for Zambia involve sharing knowledge and exposure gained from the leading African Women in Food Fellowship and Africa Food Systems Forum to drive positive change in our ecosystem. I am passionate about youth empowerment through mentorship and skills development, preserving and promoting Zambia’s rich culinary cultural heritage,” she highlighted.
She further indicated that through her research and collaboration and advocacy, she aims to foster a supportive community of women in food and agriculture and preserve traditional food ways and promote innovative culinary practices.
Nkanza was the only Zambian to be picked to join the fellowship in the top chef category in the six months mentorship and training program that culminated into the award recognition held in Kigali and attended by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan.
