DA, Unicef team up to stop malnutrition
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the UN Children’s Fund (Unicef) have joined efforts to address early childhood malnutrition through nutrition-sensitive agriculture (NSA).
The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization defines NSA as a food-based approach aimed at overcoming malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies through nutritionally rich food, dietary diversity and food fortification.
Its overall objective is “to make the global food system better equipped to produce good nutritional outcomes,” according to FAO.
The partnership between the DA and Unicef will focus on creating a comprehensive work plan to harmonize all activities and resources to combat malnutrition in children ages 0 to 5.
It has two components, with the first centering on policy formulation, particularly in creating training materials and guidelines to promote diet diversification.
The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), the DA’s training arm, will work on the capacity building of agricultural extension workers through specialized training programs, turning learning sites into diversified farms and food hubs.
“These programs will emphasize diet diversification, equipping trainers with the knowledge and expertise to support local communities,” the ATI said in a statement.
Aside from upgrading agriculture gardens into nutritionally diversified micro-techno farms and barangay nutritious food centers, the ATI will also roll out extension courses and seminars on diet diversification.
Positive change
Unicef has already approved the initial funding and ATI’s 2025-2026 work plan to implement the initiative initially in regions with high rates of stunting and wasting. These areas will serve as test sites for establishing NSA systems and capabilities, allowing for the assessment of their impact on adjacent communities.
The agency will partner with other concerned agencies including the Department of Education, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health and the National Nutrition Council to ensure the project’s success.
The ATI said the latest undertaking is aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2024–2028.
“By targeting nutrition-sensitive agriculture and reinforcing systems and policies, this partnership is looking to bring long-term, positive change to the health and well-being of young children across the country,” the ATI said.
