TRANSFORM project boosts nutrition, sustainable agriculture for 35,000 Malawian households
Moving forward, the project plans to develop a seasonal availability calendar, enhance gender integration, and continue supporting extension workers.
DOWA, Malawi— The TRANSFORM Nutrition project has significantly improved nutrition knowledge and care practices in Dowa district, according to local officials, writes Vincent Gunde.
Noel Chikumbu, Dowa District Council's Principal Nutrition, HIV and AIDS officer, told the District Executive Committee that the project's key achievements include establishing nutrition care groups and training cluster leaders.
"The project has a goal of contributing to sustainable agricultural transformation," Chikumbu said.
"It aims to strengthen local food systems and improve food and nutrition security among 35,000 agriculture-dependent rural households by 2025."
Targeting vulnerable groups like pregnant women and under-five children, the project has made significant strides.
"At least 60% of households are eating three meals per day, and 95% have access to clean water," Chikumbu noted.
Other achievements include training in food budgeting, homestead farming, and food safety.
"We've trained 120 lead farmers in nutrition practices and 600 in meal planning. Additionally, 8,652 households now have backyard gardens," he added.
Despite successes, challenges remain.
"Behavior change interventions take time, and there are inadequate nutrition frontline workers," Chikumbu said.
Moving forward, the project plans to develop a seasonal availability calendar, enhance gender integration, and continue supporting extension workers.