The World Bank, in partnership with Japan Social Development Fund, has launched a nutrition project for Farmers Union of Malawi. Aimed at addressing and reducing stunted growth, the project known as Adolescent Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture (ANSA), is being implemented in Traditional Authority Chilooko’s area in Ntchisi.

The Director of Nutrition in the Department of Nutrition and HIV/AIDS (DNHA), Felix Phiri said the project is in response to the 37% stunting rate in the country. He revealed that the pilot phase of the project is targeting the youth. “Young people will be equipped with skills on production as well as consumption of nutritious foods.” said Phiri.

FUM President Alfred Kapichira Banda said it is worrisome to note that despite producing a lot of crops, Ntchisi has high stunting levels which he attributed to a tendency among most communities selling everything they produce from their gardens.