THE NEXT BIG THING-SUGAR OR IS IT?

No Sugar Please, We’re Healthy! The ravaging drought prevailing in Africa and Kenya in particular has adversely affected agricultural production. Altered weather patterns have distorted the thermal structures of the upper atmosphere resulting in drastic reduction of an already erratic rainfall regime, a phenomenon directly related to global warming. A quick visit to major supermarkets in the Kenya capital will reveal an acute shortage of maize flour and sugar, two features of the local diet. As families adjust their eating habits in these dire times, a new scenario is likely to arise. People will settle down to sugar-free diet or use natural sweeteners, citing several health benefits and significant financial savings. On the other end of the spectrum, the sugar industry (made up of farmers, processors, distributors, retailers) will survive the shortage by reducing or shutting down operations raising sugar prices and laying off staff. The shortfall is likely to be met by cheap imports which have generated endless wrangling within the political class. While the circus continues, the Kenyan consumer must focus on a hitherto ignored angle on the debate. Sugar, as it has been said, serves absolutely no nutritional value to the body. Policy makers must identify, recognize and innovate for lasting solutions to the perpetual food crisis. Citizens must continue demand better governance characterized by the departure from endless blame game and political squabbles, to an integrated approach at tackling bottlenecks in commerce and industry. The private sector must continue to generate healthy competition by providing consumers with alternatives such as natural sweeteners, for as long as the sugar industry is dominated by inefficient processors and importers, citizen will never be free from the stranglehold of runaway price controls. Our health sector must also strongly voice out warnings on the increase in obesity, diabetes, cancer and cardio-vascular complications. ‘A nation is as strong as the health of its citizens’ is a critical mission statement for any national healthcare plan that strategically employs preventative approach. Citizens must be empowered to make informed choices. In the meantime as I write this I am enjoying a cup of tea. Yes, without any sugar. http://ademite.wordpress.com/2011/08/31/no-sugar-please-were-healthy/