Plan Malawi has launched a nutrition programme in Machinga to enhance community members’ food security in the district.
Speaking during the launch yesterday at Machinga District Council, Plan Malawi integrated resilient programme nutrition officer Esther Kaniche said they will train 62 nutrition promoters on social behaviour change interventions.
“The programme will encourage community members to establish backyard vegetable gardens and promote livestock production,” she said.
Kaniche said community members will also grow moringa seed fruits and train 12 community animal health workers on livestock management.
“However, we will ensure that people observe Covid-19 preventive measures in the implementation of the programme,” she said.
In her remarks, Machinga District Council principal nutrition officer Autile Sanyila said the programme will help the district to build the capacity of community structures such as caregroups.
“The programme will promote dietary diversity at household level, thereby making it possible for people to eat all six food groups,” she said.
Sanyila said the district’s malnutrition rate is at 38 percent against the nation’s percentage of 37.
Joyce Issa, from Traditional Authority Nkula, said she would have a vegetable garden to supplement her food.
She said: “I do not want to spend money on vegetables because I can grow them.
“Second. I think eating six food groups will improve the health of my children.”
About 12 135 households from four traditional authorities, namely Nkula, Nsanama, Liwonde and Chikweo will benefit from the programme.
The project is being financed by World Food Programme to the tune of K43 million.
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