ADRA Zambia, through the Sustainable Livelihood Integrating Nutrition (SLIN) Project with support from Czech Development Aid, continues to empower communities with essential nutrition knowledge and skills aimed at improving household health and wellbeing.
Through community-based nutrition sensitization and education activities, a total of 2,183 people, 763 men and 1,420 women, have been reached across Sioma, Shang’ombo, and Senanga Districts of Western Province by December 2025.
The initiative is part of ADRA Zambia’s commitment to promoting sustainable livelihoods and improved nutrition outcomes among vulnerable communities. Working closely with trained community health volunteers and rural health facilities, the project is helping families make informed decisions about food, nutrition, and hygiene.
Community-based volunteers from Silowana, Sitoti, Sipuma, Muweswa, and Liangati Rural Health Centres have been conducting household-level sensitization sessions, equipping families with practical knowledge on healthy eating and food preparation. The trainings focused on promoting diversified diets, encouraging the consumption of locally available nutrient-rich foods, improving food safety and hygiene practices, and highlighting the health benefits of proper nutrition.
“Nutrition education is critical because it empowers communities with knowledge that can prevent malnutrition and improve overall health outcomes,” said one of the participating health workers Siatontola Makuni. “When families understand the value of balanced diets and proper food preparation, they are better able to care for themselves and their children.”
A key highlight of the intervention has been the cooking demonstrations conducted at rural health facilities. Women were trained on how to prepare nutritious meals using locally available foods, helping households maximize available resources while improving dietary diversity.
The demonstrations have generated significant interest among participants. Women expressed a strong willingness to learn more about preparing nutritious meals and preserving locally grown vegetables to ensure year-round access to healthy foods.
“Many mothers are eager to continue learning,” noted a community volunteer Suya Mukela. “They want more training on preserving vegetables from their gardens so they can provide nutritious meals for their families even during seasons when fresh produce is scarce.”
The largest number of participants was recorded in Sitoti Ward of Sioma District, where more than 1,100 community members benefited from the sensitization sessions. Additional participants were reached in Kalongola Ward, Sipuma Ward in Shang’ombo District, and Muweswa Ward in Senanga District.
Through the SLIN Project, ADRA Zambia is helping communities build healthier lifestyles by strengthening nutrition knowledge, encouraging the use of local foods, and promoting good hygiene practices. These efforts contribute to reducing malnutrition, supporting child growth and development, and improving the overall quality of life for families.
As community champions continue conducting household sensitizations, ADRA Zambia remains committed to fostering resilient and well-nourished communities across Zambia.
Story by Hebron Mwale
Pictures by Hebron Mwale
English