Malawi continues to face significant challenges with undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among children under five and women of reproductive age, leading to poor health outcomes. The EU-funded FOCUS project, led by Self-Help Africa (SHA) in partnership with GAIN, CSONA, and CADECOM, seeks to improve nutrition by strengthening Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and promoting the consumption of fortified and biofortified foods. Biofortification of staple and legume crops offers a sustainable solution, yet many communities lack access to certified seed or planting materials for crops such as high-iron beans, provitamin A maize, and orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP). Addressing these gaps requires strong, coordinated seed value chains that connect alliances, seed companies, regulators, policymakers, CSOs, and development partners. This consultancy will provide phased technical assistance to strengthen these networks and enhance the adoption of biofortified crops across Malawi.
