Malawi strengthens fish value chain to improve school nutrition and rural livelihoods

Johannesburg, South Africa: The Government of Malawi and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with local fisheries cooperatives, are scaling up fish-based products to enhance school feeding programs, improve child nutrition, and create income-generating opportunities for small-scale aquatic food producers. Through the “Linking Small-Scale Aquatic Food Producers to the School Feeding Programme” initiative, fish has emerged as a strategic component in school meals, addressing micronutrient deficiencies and promoting economic empowerment.

The initiative, showcased at the 19th FAO Subregional Office for Southern Africa Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Meeting, demonstrates how nutrition-sensitive interventions can transform agrifood systems and strengthen rural development.

Tackling hidden hunger through local innovation

Malawi faces persistent micronutrient deficiencies among school children, a challenge that undermines health and learning outcomes. While fish is widely recognized for its nutritional benefits, it has rarely been integrated into school meal programs. FAO and its partners identified this gap and launched a project to train small-scale fisheries organizations in producing safe, nutritious fish powder for school meals. To date, 457 fisheries organizations have been trained in fish processing, food safety, and entrepreneurship, while four cooperatives have been certified by the Malawi Bureau of Standards to produce fish powder.

A scoping study conducted by LUANAR and FAO confirmed the feasibility of including fish in school meals. Partnerships with research institutions further assessed the nutritional impact of fish powder on children’s health, laying the foundation for policy integration and scaling.

Scaling up for sustainability and impact

The project adopted a multi-stakeholder approach to ensure ownership and sustainability. Investments in machinery have boosted production efficiency, while new fish-based recipes and food safety guidelines are being developed. Advocacy efforts have led to the inclusion of fish products in school menu planners managed by WFP, paving the way for policy integration. Beyond nutrition, this initiative strengthens local economies, creating income-generating opportunities and empowering small-scale producers. By linking school meals with local cooperatives, Malawi is building a resilient, market-driven food system that improves child health and supports rural prosperity.