MALAWI: From farms to classrooms: How biofortified crops are improving nutrition in Malawi

In the heart of Mzimba North District, the Njota Irrigation Club has taken a transformative step forward after participating in a Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) training program provided by the Rural Market Development Trust (RUMARK) under the Advancing Availability of Biofortified Foods for Institutional Markets (AABFIM) project.

The program equips farmers with essential skills and knowledge aimed at improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. Its key goal is to promote the cultivation of nutrient-dense crops that benefit local communities, particularly school children.

The initiative also raises demand for Vitamin A maize and iron- and zinc-rich beans—two vital crops contributing to improved nutrition and food security in Malawi. The Njota Irrigation Club, established earlier this year, comprises 20 members—10 men, 10 women, 4 of whom are enthusiastic youth—who are working together to boost their economic activities by utilising the irrigation scheme at the Emunyaleni section in the Engucwini Extension Planning Area (EPA).

Motivated by the GAP training, the club ventured into winter farming, planting 30 kg of Vitamin A maize and 61 kg of NUA 45 beans. Currently, these crops are in the vegetative stage, and the members are already seeing the benefits of the techniques they learned, such as the use of improved varieties and effective agricultural practices.

By applying efficient irrigation methods learned during the training, the club ensures optimal water usage, leading to healthier plants and promising yields. The solar pump provided by Find Your Feet, an organisation working with the club, has been instrumental in pumping water from a nearby river to the fields, further enhancing productivity.

Empowering future generations

This initiative is more than just about growing crops; it contributes to food and nutrition security and empowers younger generations to actively participate in agriculture. The club is set to supply these nutrient-rich crops to local primary schools, directly supporting the school feeding program and combating malnutrition among school children by ensuring they receive essential vitamins and minerals for healthy growth.

The impact of this initiative is substantial and far-reaching. Njota Irrigation Club’s efforts form part of a broader program that has trained 400 lead farmers and 48 farmer organisations, ultimately benefiting approximately 400,000 school children.

Beyond the economic gains farmers will realise through the sale of their produce, members of the club take great pride in knowing that their work is contributing to improved child nutrition, better educational outcomes, and healthier futures for thousands of children across the region. The success of this program has sparked interest among other farmers in Mzimba North, especially within the Engucwini EPA, encouraging them to adopt similar practices and join the movement toward sustainable agriculture.

Resilience and community spirit

The Njota Irrigation Club’s story is one of resilience, community spirit, and empowerment. By embracing improved agricultural technologies and strengthening collaboration among farmers, the club has emerged as a model of community-led transformation.

Their journey demonstrates the power of knowledge, innovation, and collective action in improving livelihoods and promoting sustainable agricultural development. With plans to expand the cultivation of Vitamin A maize and iron- and zinc-rich beans, Njota Irrigation Club continues to serve as a beacon of hope and progress within the region.

The nutrition component of this initiative is particularly critical for children, especially school-going children who are vulnerable to malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Through the production of biofortified crops such as Vitamin A maize and iron- and zinc-rich beans, the initiative directly contributes to improving dietary diversity and the nutritional quality of meals consumed by children both at household and school levels.

Vitamin A plays a vital role in strengthening immunity, promoting healthy vision, and supporting growth and development in children. Similarly, iron is essential for preventing anaemia, improving concentration, and enhancing cognitive development, while zinc supports immune function, growth, and resistance to infections.

By increasing the availability and accessibility of these nutrient-rich crops, the project contributes to addressing hidden hunger among children, a form of malnutrition caused by deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. Improved nutrition among school children is expected to lead to better school attendance, increased attentiveness in class, enhanced learning outcomes, and overall improved health and wellbeing.

Well-nourished children are more likely to perform better academically and actively participate in school activities, ultimately contributing to stronger and healthier communities in the future.