In a world where malnutrition claims the life of one child every ten seconds, Maryam Imbumi, a Kenyan PhD researcher studying bio-engineering at Ghent university in Belgium, is on a mission to change this heartbreaking statistic.
With her company, MaryaNutri©, Imbumi is determined to end child malnutrition by creating sustainable, insect-fortified foods that are both nutritious and affordable. Based in Ghent and deeply connected to her roots in Kenya, she aims to turn innovative research into life-saving impact.
The World Health Organization’s statistics reveal a stark picture: nearly half of all deaths in children under five are linked to malnutrition, with 149 million children stunted and 45 million wasted in 2022 alone. In Africa, 50% of preschool children suffer from critical micronutrient deficiencies. For Imbumi, these numbers aren’t just statistics — they’re personal.
“Growing up in Kenya, I nearly died twice because of hunger and malnutrition,” Imbumi recalls. “It was at the age of 6 that I decided I wanted to solve malnutrition.”
Imbumi’s journey to Belgium as a PhD student at Ghent University was driven by this resolve. To fund her education, she worked with humanitarian NGOs, gaining invaluable experience in nutrition and international aid. This unique blend of personal experience, academic insight, and fieldwork laid the foundation for MaryaNutri©.
A sustainable nutritious solution
MaryaNutri© is pioneering insect-fortified foods as a sustainable solution to global malnutrition. Crickets and mealworms — both approved for human consumption in Europe — are key protein sources in MaryaNutri© products.
Compared to conventional protein sources like milk powder, insect-based protein offers a dramatically smaller environmental footprint. In fact, insect-based protein can be up to 80-90% more sustainable.
Insect farming is far more sustainable, requiring minimal land, water, and feed compared to dairy farming. Producing insect protein requires up to 90% less water and emits almost no greenhouse gases, unlike dairy farming, which is highly resource-intensive and a significant source of methane emissions.
Additionally, insects have rapid growth cycles — crickets mature in just four weeks, and mealworms in eight — allowing for efficient, continuous production with less waste. These efficiencies make insect protein a more sustainable, eco-friendly solution to malnutrition, ideal for meeting nutritional needs in a way that preserves natural resources and mitigates climate impact.
MaryaNutri©’s insect-fortified foods are tailored to the unique needs of malnourished children. Rich in high-quality proteins, essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, these foods provide vital nutrients that typical relief foods may lack.
They’re designed to be affordable, easy to prepare, and culturally compatible, with ingredients and flavours that reflect local dietary practices. “Our products are not just a temporary solution but a pathway to lasting health and resilience,” explains Imbumi.
Building partnerships for lasting change
MaryaNutri© goes beyond the lab to ensure impact. The company collaborates with local communities to make culturally relevant foods, partners with NGOs and governments to reach vulnerable populations, and commits to sustainable practices like biodegradable packaging.
This approach directly aligns with multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Seeking investors and partnerships
To realize its ambitious mission, MaryaNutri© is actively seeking investors. With production plans set for Belgium in collaboration with trusted local partners, MaryaNutri© is poised to expand its reach and impact.
The target customers include large NGOs operating in the Global South, particularly in refugee camps and relief programs, where the need for affordable, nutrient-dense food is critical. By partnering with these organizations, MaryaNutri© hopes to deliver life-saving nutrition to the most vulnerable populations.
MaryaNutri©’s journey took a significant step forward when Imbumi met Tom Van Damme, an experienced entrepreneur and former business coach at Ghent University. Moved by her story and her commitment to eradicating malnutrition, Van Damme joined her team, helping to turn her vision into a sustainable business.
“Together, we can make malnutrition a thing of the past. By nourishing the future, we’re giving every child the chance they deserve,”
The fight to end malnutrition
Maryam Imbumi’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and innovation. From her experiences with hunger in Kenya to her research in Belgium, she’s shown that one person’s vision can bring change to millions. MaryaNutri© stands as a testament to her mission, embodying the belief that malnutrition can, and must, be eradicated.
As Imbumi continues her journey with MaryaNutri©, she invites others to join her. “Together, we can make malnutrition a thing of the past. By nourishing the future, we’re giving every child the chance they deserve,” she says.
For more information about MaryaNutri©, investment opportunities, and how you can support its mission, visit;
