Madagascar’s Farmer Field Schools improve child nutrition through climate-smart agriculture and community learning

Madagascar is strengthening community-based nutrition and climate-smart agriculture through Farmer Field Schools (FFS) that support households with young children to adopt healthier diets, diversify food production, and build resilience. Implemented in the Vatovavy Region, the initiative focuses on households with children under two years old, equipping families with practical agricultural skills and nutrition knowledge to reduce child malnutrition and improve long-term wellbeing.

The approach was showcased at the 19th FAO Subregional Office for Southern Africa Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Meeting, highlighting the potential of nutrition-sensitive agriculture to transform rural livelihoods and support healthier generations across the region.

Addressing high levels of childhood malnutrition

Madagascar faces persistently high rates of child wasting, stunting, and undernutrition, especially in rural areas. Poor dietary diversity and limited access to nutritious food threaten children’s cognitive development and future potential, while maternal nutrition challenges further impact child health from birth. In response, FAO and government partners introduced an integrated food and nutrition approach that places children and mothers at the center of agricultural extension and behavioural change efforts. The programme aims to strengthen household ability to produce nutrient-rich foods, adopt better feeding habits, and prevent acute malnutrition early in life.

Hands-On Learning Through Farmer Field Schools

A network of 20 Farmer Field Schools was established, reaching 500 households with children under two. Group-based learning at community sites enabled farmers to observe and apply new techniques, compare crop varieties, and replicate successful methods in their own fields. Participants received training in home gardening, fruit tree cultivation, climate-smart practices such as soil mulching and organic composting, and small livestock production including rabbit raising and poultry for household protein supply. Water-saving methods and locally adapted seeds ensured resilience to challenging climatic conditions.

Alongside agricultural skills, families participated in nutrition education, cooking demonstrations, healthy recipe competitions, and household-level learning sessions. Mothers and caregivers were guided on balanced diets, iron-rich foods, iodized salt use, and diversified meals for children. At least 30 percent of participants were women, strengthening the initiative’s focus on maternal and child nutrition. 

Improved Diets and Better Nutrition Knowledge

The programme has led to significant improvements in nutrition knowledge and dietary habits among participating families. Caregivers increasingly reported understanding the importance of varied diets, consuming nutrient-rich foods more frequently, and feeding children more regularly. Families also learned to prepare balanced meals using local ingredients and three highly nutritious crops promoted through the project: orange-fleshed sweet potatoes rich in vitamin A, Cal98 beans with high iron and zinc content, and moringa leaves known locally as the “miracle tree” for their dense nutrient profile. These changes are contributing to healthier household diets and improved childhood feeding practices, demonstrating strong potential to reduce acute malnutrition in the community.

A Model for Scaling Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture

The initiative has provided proof of concept for combining Farmer Field Schools with nutrition education to improve child health outcomes. Building on this success, Madagascar plans to integrate similar approaches into resilience programmes and expand nutrition-sensitive agriculture in rural communities. Continued collaboration with government institutions, development partners, and local leaders will be essential to scale the model, ensure sustainable dietary improvements, and support climate-adaptive food production.

By linking practical farming skills with nutrition awareness and community support, Madagascar is empowering families to nourish their children, enhance household resilience, and build a healthier future.