Self Help Africa has concluded its 10-year Food and Nutrition Security Programme in Dedza District with a call for the Dedza District Council to sustain the interventions.
The project, supported by GIZ under the German Government Cooperation, was aimed at reducing stunting and malnutrition levels through integrated approaches to nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene and other community-based interventions.
Speaking during the programme’s exit meeting at Mkwenembera Village Ground in Senior Chief Tambala’s area, Self Help Africa’s Dedza Programmes Manager, Blessings Kambombo, highlighted the programme’s achievements.
“So far, we have reached numerous households in traditional authorities Kamenyagwaza, Kasumbu, Kaphuka, Chauma, and Tambala with integrated interventions, including nutrition education, soil conservation structures [swales], governance, forest management and climate change adaptation,” Kambombo said.
He implored the Council to continue the interventions, stressing that it is vital to maintain progress in livelihood improvement and child nutrition.
Dedza District Council Director of Planning and Development, McPherson Mwakhwawa, assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to continuing the programme’s initiatives.
Senior Chief Tambala commended the German Government and GIZ for the support, praising the programme for its role in reducing stunting levels and enhancing food security in his area.
However, despite the successes recorded under the programme, stunting levels in Dedza still remain high at 43.2%, above the national average of 37%.
