The World Food Programme (WFP) and the government of Iceland have expanded Malawi’s Home-Grown School Meals (HGSM) programme, ensuring nutritious meals for 10,000 primary schoolchildren in Nkhotakota district.
The initiative, in collaboration with Malawi’s Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, aims to bolster food security, enhance education and support local economies.
Iceland has committed US$1.5 million over the next three years to fund the programme’s expansion.
“Thanks to Iceland’s support, we can reach more children with nutritious meals while also creating opportunities for farmers to strengthen their livelihoods by selling their produce to potential consistent and long-term business,” WFP interim country director Simon Denhere said on Tuesday.
The funding will not only provide daily meals to children but also create a sustainable market for 1,200 smallholder farmers, enabling them to supply locally grown food.
In addition, farmers will receive training in marketing, financial management and accessing broader markets, further strengthening their livelihoods.
The initiative also incorporates innovative clean energy solutions.
Selected schools will pilot biodigesters, which convert organic waste into biogas for cooking and biofertilizer for school gardens.
This technology is expected to reduce reliance on firewood, protect forests, and promote sustainable farming practices.
Iceland’s Head of Mission in Malawi, Davið Bjarnason, emphasized the programme’s broader impact.
“This intervention improves nutrition and strengthens local economies by sourcing food from small-scale farmers,” Bjarnason said.
The WFP currently provides school meals to approximately 800,000 children in Malawi, working with partners to promote sustainable, locally driven solutions that improve education, nutrition and livelihoods.
JN/APA