Core area “Transformation of agricultural and food systems” Preventing malnutrition

Around one fifth of Malawi’s population is chronically undernourished. Roughly one third of small children are affected by stunted growth due to malnutrition. Given the current shortage of seeds and fertiliser, experts are warning of a looming food crisis in this south-east African country.

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Special Initiative “Transformation of Agricultural and Food Systems” Internal link

The German Development Ministry is supporting the Malawian government’s food programme with funding from the Special Initiative “Transformation of Agricultural and Food Systems” which will be granted in addition to the funding agreed for bilateral cooperation. The focus of the German activities here is on women of childbearing age, pregnant women, nursing mothers and small children.

At the national and the local level, the government and administrative authorities are receiving support for improving the planning and coordination of food measures. Women are being taught about healthy nutrition, hygiene and preventive healthcare. In addition, they and their children are being given food supplements in order to ensure that they are adequately supplied with vitamins and minerals. The aim is to improve people’s resilience towards famine.

Furthermore, the BMZ will be supporting the Malawian government in its efforts to restructure the national agricultural and food systems so that they can contribute to reducing poverty, provide people in rural areas with income and employment and hence opportunities for the future and become resistant against shocks of all kinds.