As most farmers in Malawi are used to growing and consuming cereals, especially maize, diet diversification and food security are distinct challenges. Now that recently cereal yields have decreased due to declining soil fertility, limited use of improved seeds and fertilizers and other factors associated with climate change, the World Bank reports that poverty rates in Malawi have risen above 50%. As a result, proper nutrition for young people and expectant mothers can be difficult.
The International Potato Center (CIP) and its partners - United Purpose (UP), Iman Consulting Group and Mothers Holding Limited - are working to tackle these problems. Under the Developing Integrated Value Chains to Enhance Rural Smallholders’ Incomes and Food (DIVERSIFY) project, CIP and UP are working with the ministries of health and agriculture in the districts of Thyolo, Balaka, and Chiradzulu where poverty and malnutrition are severe.
Initiated in 2017, DIVERSIFY is funded by the European Union and the Australian Government to build resilience among 3,000 households through improved incomes, nutrition levels, and food security by mid-2020.
