WASH

Food Security

Food security is about more than growing food – it is about having consistent access to enough safe and nutritious food to live a healthy and resilient life. In countries where CPAR works, more than half of the population experiences moderate or severe food insecurity – rising to over 80% in Malawi. 
 

From smallholder farmers facing unpredictable growing conditions to students trying to learn on an empty stomach, food insecurity takes many forms – and its impacts are immediate. When food is not reliable, nutrition, health, and education all suffer. 
 

CPAR works with communities to strengthen food systems at multiple levels. We support farmers to adopt agroecological practices that improve soil health, conserve water, and build resilience to climate change. Through hands-on training and farmer-to-farmer learning, communities are able to grow more diverse and nutritious crops in sustainable ways. 
 

At the same time, CPAR supports student nutrition through school-based programs that help ensure children have the food they need to learn and thrive. Students also gain practical skills by growing their own food in school gardens, with surplus produce sold and reinvested into learning materials and supplies. 
 

Women play a central role in food production and household nutrition. CPAR’s approach helps ensure they have access to training and resources – strengthening outcomes for entire families. 
 

By strengthening both food production and access to nutrition, CPAR supports communities to build more reliable food systems – so families can eat well today and build resilience for the future.