AGROSAVIA launches an encyclopedia for all ages that educates and promotes healthy eating habits

Bogotá, Capital District. April 21, 2023. In Colombia, 30 % of the population is at risk of food insecurity, and 56.4% is overweight or obese, according to the United Nations World Food Program and DANE. Faced with this situation, AGROSAVIA published the book: "Vegetables and Fruits for Everyone: Didactic and Visual Encyclopedia," which promises to revolutionize food knowledge and education in the country.

Its authors, Ph.D. Sadao Kobayashi, Ph.D. Takumasa Kondo, Eng. Diego Alejandro Rojas Ramírez and the botanical illustrator Nana Kobayashi, from the Colombian-Japanese intercultural work, succeed in the conjunction between the immense Colombian agrobiodiversity and the Japanese food awareness to replicate in Colombia, the Japanese Shokuiku food education concept, aiming to instill healthy eating habits based on pedagogical strategies.

The book includes about 355 species of algae, plants, and fungi used worldwide for human consumption as vegetables, fruits, aromatics, spices, and obtaining food by-products, among others. It has up-to-date information richly illustrated with more than 2,000 photographs and beautiful drawings, accompanied by texts written in an easy-to-understand language for children, young students, and other interested parties, making it very attractive to the entire population.

This publication seeks to fulfill three main purposes: 1) educate, 2) encourage the study of biological sciences, and 3) promote the cultivation and consumption of vegetables and fruits.

Sadao Kobayashi commented, "Even though there is currently a limited number of printed copies, the authors aim to participate in future calls for rural extension or to captivate the attention of a foundation or NGO with sufficient resources to print the largest number of copies possible and allow us to give this wonderful book to all rural schools in the country. Well, this book is not only an educational work, but also a tool to improve the quality of life of the Colombian population."

For now, don't miss the opportunity to read the digital version of this wonderful book by clicking here and discovering all the wonders nature has to offer for our food safety and sovereignty.

You can also participate by clicking here in the virtual launch of the book that will be held at FILBO on April 28 at 18:00 hours.