Nutrition Smart CommUNITY: A system for healthy nutrition
Hunger has many causes—and therefore requires equally diverse solutions. Welthungerhilfe supports people in effectively addressing these complex challenges. With the Nutrition Smart CommUNITY concept, we bring together globally proven approaches and experiences to improve food security sustainably.
In many African countries, communities lack economic prospects and reliable access to sufficient food. Children in particular often suffer from malnutrition or undernourishment. The causes of hunger are complex and require equally nuanced responses. Welthungerhilfe (WHH) works with the most affected communities to develop sustainable solutions. After successful projects in Bangladesh, India, and Nepal, WHH is now implementing the concept on the African continent. In Ethiopia, Malawi, and Sierra Leone, 101 Nutrition Smart CommUNITYs (NSC) are being established. Preparations are also underway in Burundi.
What are Nutrition Smart Communities?
Nutrition Smart CommUNITYs (NSC) are communities that, with the support of WHH, become learning centers for food security. The concept combines proven approaches from around the world to empower communities to take effective action against hunger. We support capacity building and close cooperation among all stakeholders. Measures include training health advisors and volunteers who develop solutions together with the communities, providing seeds and tools, establishing vegetable gardens, and offering training opportunities in agriculture, nutrition, resource management, and hygiene.
Interlocking measures against hunger
Hunger does not have just one cause, but many different, interconnected factors—and just as many ways to address it. That is why WHH has incorporated the experiences and methods that have proven exemplary in nutrition projects worldwide into the overarching concept of the Nutrition Smart CommUNITYs. This framework serves to counteract the causes of chronic hunger and malnutrition through systemic measures at all levels—locally, cost-effectively, and in a manner that can be replicated in other regions.
Training in agriculture and animal husbandry
Households receive training in sustainable, ecological farming as well as poultry and small livestock breeding. The training sessions, conducted by trained community volunteers, help increase yields and diversify production.
Seed banks and household gardens
We support the establishment of seed banks and the creation of household gardens for growing nutrient-rich plants. For these, we provide high-quality seeds, seedlings, and tools.
Community-based treatment of malnutrition
The program trains health assistants to detect malnutrition in children at an early stage and to initiate targeted measures. Education on nutrition, hygiene, and prevention is a central component. Families learn how to ensure a balanced diet using local foods, for example. Severely malnourished children are referred to health centers.
Community and household planning
Village communities, together with local authorities, develop individual plans to improve the nutritional situation – particularly for households affected by poverty and malnutrition.
Strengthening local structures
We strengthen existing local groups such as self-help groups, farmers’ organizations, and village committees so that they can actively shapedevelopment in their communities.
Family and gender equality
In training sessions based on the Gender Model Family approach, couples work together to examine how they can better share household tasks and manage finances. This approach enables them to achieve a more harmonious family life and make better use of food and money.
Experiences from the Nutrition Smart CommUNITYs
The Nutrition Smart CommUNITY concept has already proven successful in several Asian countries and is now being expanded to African countries. In Ethiopia, Malawi, and Sierra Leone, more than 39,000 people are participating. As an example of participation, families in the village of Chilonga, Malawi, attend training sessions, cultivate home gardens, and take part in nutrition groups. Many are now able to provide for themselves and have improved the food security of their families.
Our daughter Sumini is finally on the road to recovery. We hope that she will become completely healthy and be able to go to school in a few years.
Jamila Liwanda, mother from Chilonga, MalawiLocal partners and global exchange
The organizations APDA-Ethiopia, MoPADA in Sierra Leone, and Kusamala and the Civil Society Organisation Nutrition Alliance (CSONA) in Malawi support our project work on the ground. In Burundi, we work with ODEB, Fondation Stamm, and COPED. Our partners are closely connected with various actors and decision-makers at local, regional and national levels in the fields of agriculture, nutrition and health. At the same time, they share expertise on the successful development of communities across countries through a global digital platform.
Smart against hunger – for a healthy future
Nutrition Smart CommUNITY represents a holistic and practical approach to effectively and sustainably combat hunger and malnutrition. What began as a model project is evolving into a globally scalable concept—driven by the strength of communities, the commitment of local partners, and a shared determination for change.
The Nutrition Smart CommUNITY approach addresses the underlying factors of food insecurity. It brings together people, local organizations and authorities to develop sustainable solutions together.
Santigie Kamanda Kanu Area Manager, Sierra Leone
