Associate Professor of nutrition Alexander Kalimbira from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar) has called on stakeholders in Dedza District to strengthen collaboration to address malnutrition. He made the call during a three-day training organised by German development agency GIZ in Lilongwe for members of Dedza District Food Systems Transformation (FST) Steering Committee. The training aimed to enhance participants' understanding of nutrition issues and food systems transformation.
Kalimbira highlighted that Dedza District faces significant malnutrition challenges, including stunting, undernutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies. Additionally, overweight and obesity are emerging as concerns nationwide. He stressed that these problems require multisectoral collaboration, involving government departments, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders. This collective effort is necessary to ensure households access sufficient and nutritious food.
The training focused on developing messages to promote healthier diets and sustainable food production. Participants learned about the importance of diversified food production and coordinated food systems interventions. This knowledge will help address the district's nutrition challenges, which are critical given the high prevalence of stunting at 38.8 percent, compared to the national prevalence rate of 38 percent.
Dedza District Council principal nutrition, HIV, and Aids officer Lottie Makina noted that maize production is particularly vulnerable to floods and dry spells. She emphasised the need to encourage farmers to grow other crops that can contribute to household food security and nutrition. This approach can help improve food production, availability, and consumption in the district.
The council's director of agriculture, Enford Kanyimbo, thanked GIZ for supporting the training and urged participants to translate the knowledge into practical interventions in their respective sectors. He stressed the importance of continued engagement beyond the training to ensure the effective implementation of the acquired knowledge.
The concerted efforts of various stakeholders are necessary to address Dedza District's nutrition challenges. By working together, they can improve food production, availability, and consumption, ultimately reducing malnutrition in the district. The training provided a platform for stakeholders to understand the importance of collaboration and develop strategies to promote healthier diets and sustainable food production.
Key points
- Dedza District faces significant malnutrition challenges, including stunting, undernutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies.
- Addressing nutrition challenges in Dedza District requires concerted efforts from government departments, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.
- Diversified food production and coordinated food systems interventions are crucial to addressing malnutrition in Dedza District.
