Colombo Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_The Food & Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) is collaborating with the government of New Zealand to implement a comprehensive programme that will strengthen food and nutritional security in vulnerable households. Tackling malnutrition among children under five in Sri Lanka thus is at the top of the agenda, starting with a focus on the caregivers.
A study conducted in 2022 by the Family Health Bureau of Sri Lanka revealed that 42.9% of children under 5 years old in the country are experiencing various forms of malnutrition, including growth faltering, being underweight, wasting and stunting. The analysis also pointed towards higher incidences of malnutrition in vulnerable households in the Moneragala and Nuwara Eliya districts. Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health selected divisions that have moderate to severe malnutrition among children from 2,250 families to be a part of the NZ-FAO programme.
The project however works on a sustainable model that adds the buy-in of the stakeholders, in this case, the caregivers of the children. Â By focusing on increasing access to nutritious produce and building capacity among the caregivers by adding knowledge and know-how to prepare affordable and nourishing meals using locally grown ingredients, the initiative revolves around the ethos of sustainability.
A flour mix made from locally available grains and legumes has been created as a versatile nutritional supplement. This is a key component of the programme and will address malnourishment in the immediate. Caregivers were trained in producing the flour and the preparation. Required tools have been given to caregivers to produce the nutritious flour mix which will be a community effort to ensure sustainability of the project beyond the implementation period.  The caregiver training programme is added to the preparation of ‘one dish’ meals using locally sourced fruit and vegetables, which will in turn reduce household food costs and improve access to nutrient-rich meals.
Additionally, the caregivers are trained in preparing wholesome ‘one-dish’ meals using locally sourced fruit and vegetables which will reduce household food costs and improve access to nutrient-rich meals.
Adding a further aspect of long-term sustainability, caregivers are given plants and seeds to start home gardens. This will give these families access to organically grown produce which will aid in the preparation of nutritious meals and healthier lifestyles, while also reducing household budgets on food.
While every child has a right to access nutritious food, both the New Zealand government and the FAO collaborating on this project means that Sri Lanka, which has been battling acute malnutrition among children under five ever since the onset of the economic crisis or prior, is paving the path for the future of the country to thrive and grow, building and developing a healthier next generation.
FAO is the lead in international efforts to defeat hunger, helping countries modernize and strengthen agriculture, forestry and fisheries for sustainability, food security and nutrition for all. The organization focuses special attention on developing rural areas which is home to the majority of the world’s poor and hungry people.
