Development Concept Trains Malawi Communities in Nutrition, Food Processing
Currently operating in four villages — Wadi, Jondo, Chimbalanga, and Mpoya — the project has reached 400 households and targets 1,000 by 2027.
MACHINGA, Malawi—Development Concept, a local nonprofit, trained community members in food processing and nutrition Friday in Traditional Authority Nkula, targeting vulnerable households affected by HIV and AIDS, writes Moses Chilumpha.
Participants learned techniques, including producing soya bean milk, preparing sweet potato leaf juice, and preparing six-food group meals in a single pot.
"We have enjoyed the training," said Enelesi Said, a village development committee member.
"It was an eye-opener and beneficial to our community."
Participant Christ Twaya praised the organization's agricultural support, noting they provided drought-resistant seeds like pigeon peas, soya beans, cowpeas, and groundnuts.
Program Manager Stonald Madise acknowledged climate challenges but emphasized teaching beneficiaries to use weather forecasts for optimal planting times.
The six-year project, funded by the United Kingdom's Egmont Trust and launched in December 2021, aims to improve nutrition, increase household income, and strengthen community collaborations.
Executive Director Chipiliro Phiri reported promising initial outcomes: improved agricultural productivity, better health outcomes for people living with HIV, and increased school attendance through material support.
"Despite challenges, we've seen significant improvements in community resilience," Phiri said.
Currently operating in four villages — Wadi, Jondo, Chimbalanga, and Mpoya — the project has reached 400 households and targets 1,000 by 2027.