Smallholder Farmers Transform Schools in Their Community into Green and Productive Oases

Matilda and students gathering surplus produce to sell at a local market © WFP/Badre Bahaji

Matilda Chikondo is a smallholder farmer and a mother to two children who study at Namilongo School in Malawi. She shares, “I have been supported by WFP since 2017 to improve my farming practices to increase my yield. In my community, we felt it was important to support our school and the school meals programme so we came together to make sure our children also benefit from a better learning environment.” 

In addition to addressing the immediate food needs in the community, WFP is supporting smallholder farmers and rehabilitation of community assets that contribute to enhancing the community's resilience and improving their food security. In Namilongo school, WFP linked smallholder farmers with their restoration project.

The smallholders focused on planting grass, trees, flowers, a fruit orchard that not only helps with reforestation but also provides fruits for the children, a vegetable garden and a nursery. Surplus vegetables from the school's vegetable garden are sold at a local market and profits are used to provide children in need with school supplies and uniforms.

 Additionally, the previously dusty surroundings of the school have been transformed into a sea of green, offering many shaded spots for the children to play and learn. By linking agriculture with school feeding, WFP promotes smallholder farmers empowerment by providing market access while also promoting consumption of diversified diets.