Feeding the Future: UNIMA and UNZA launch FRESHGROWS Project
The University of Zambia (UNZA), in collaboration with the University of Malawi (UNIMA), Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre and Kalichi Pictures, launched the “Future Resilience of Home-Grown School Feeding Systems in Urban Zambia and Malawi (FRESHGROWS)” Project on 13th May 2025, at Edge Water Court in Lilongwe. The launch was graced by the Director of Science, Technology, and Innovation in the Ministry of Education, Dr. Chomora Mikeka, and was attended by the Executive Dean of the School of Natural and Applied Sciences at the University of Malawi, Professor Cosmo Ngongondo, the Mayor of Lilongwe City, Her Worship Councillor Esther Sagawa, as well as delegates from Zambia.
The launch brought together various stakeholders and researchers from different institutions. The project aims to identify, test, and scale pathways for transforming school feeding programs in Zambia and Malawi. Funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), a Canadian organization, with a grant of one million Canadian dollars, the project will also examine school feeding ecosystems in urban regions, focusing on social, economic, environmental, and governance aspects. It will generate actionable evidence to strengthen linkages between school procurement systems and climate-resilient food production systems. The project will be implemented in Lilongwe and Blantyre in Malawi, as well as in Lusaka, Ndola, Livingstone, and Solwezi in Zambia.
Professor Ngongondo welcomed all attendees on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Samson Sajidu, highlighting the importance of the project and stating that it aligns well with the University of Malawi’s strategic plan in research and capacity building. He further noted that the project addresses critical issues affecting school feeding programs in urban areas of Malawi and Zambia.
In his remarks, Dr. Mikeka explained that one of the key strategies for transforming education in Malawi is the aspect of school feeding. He highlighted that the FRESHGROWS project in both countries focuses on creatively and innovatively addressing problems related to school feeding programs. He further emphasized the importance of climate-resilient school feeding programs, which include food production, promoting the purchase of locally produced food, supporting local food production, and effectively managing food and waste.
Dr. Mikeka also underscored the significance of the FRESHGROWS research project for Malawians, particularly given the current situation where the country is experiencing various shocks, such as droughts. He mentioned that the project aims to transform the country’s school feeding strategies and food systems through agroecological and other sustainable food production practices, ensuring long-term resilience in urban and peri-urban areas of the rapidly growing cities of Blantyre and Lilongwe.
The Principal Investigator for the project, Dr. Evance Mwathunga, an Associate Professor in the Geography, Earth Sciences and Environment department at the University of Malawi, mentioned that the project will be implemented for three years and will target primary schools. He further explained that the project aims to explore the school feeding programs in Malawi and Zambia, with a particular focus on the home-grown school feeding program.
He explained that despite rapid urbanization and an increasing number of children in schools, little attention has been given to school feeding initiatives. Urban spaces, especially in cities, rarely consider the importance of school feeding within their planning.
One of the participants, Mr. Albert Saka, Chief School Health and Nutrition Officer in the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, explained that the research project is very important as it will enhance existing knowledge about the home-grown feeding program in the country. He further stated that the program will help learners remain in school because well-fed students are more attentive, complete assigned tasks, and actively participate in activities, which contributes to promoting quality education in the country.
