The 20th Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Partnership Platform Meeting and the 15th commemoration of the African Day for Food and Nutrition Security (ADFNS) held in October-November 2024 in Harare marked a significant milestone. Among the highlights was a side event co-hosted by HarvestPlus and the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) titled “Building Sustainable Safe and Nutritious Homegrown School Feeding Programs.” This session emphasized the urgency of transforming the current Homegrown School Feeding Programs (HGSFP) into sustainable, safe, and nutritious Homegrown School Meal Programs (HGSMP). The discussions centered around addressing challenges like malnutrition and the need for structured markets to empower local economies and smallholder farmers.

Transitioning from HGSFP to HGSMP offers a sustainable and impactful approach to school nutrition. Current programs rely heavily on staple foods, often low in essential micronutrients such as zinc, iron, and vitamin A, which are critical for children’s cognitive and physical development. By integrating biofortified crops like vitamin A maize, zinc rice, and iron beans, these programs can significantly enhance learners’ health, attendance, and academic outcomes. Locally sourcing these nutrient-rich staples not only ensures culturally appropriate meals but also reduces dependency on expensive food imports. Moreover, the inclusion of biofortified crops supports smallholder farmers, creating structured markets and bolstering local economies.

Key insights from the CAADP side event highlighted innovative strategies and identified challenges to scaling the transformation of HGSFP. Presenters from Kenya, Malawi, and Nigeria shed light on policy gaps, funding inconsistencies, and the fragmented approach to school feeding at the national level. A significant barrier is the lack of awareness regarding the role of micronutrient-rich crops in school meals. Successful models demonstrated the benefits of rebranding school feeding programs into “Nutritious Homegrown School Meal Programs” that prioritize food safety, nutrition, and broad-based benefits. Collaborative multi-sectoral platforms, engaging stakeholders from education, health, agriculture, and the private sector, emerged as a cornerstone for success.

Despite these promising initiatives, significant challenges persist. Ethical issues in procurement, such as underpayment of farmers and restrictive public policies, hinder the adoption of locally sourced, nutrient-rich staples. Additionally, low production and delayed payments to farmers push them to alternative markets. Addressing these barriers requires innovative solutions, including transparent value chains, supportive procurement policies, and innovative funding mechanisms like parent-led funding and corporate partnerships. Initiatives like school-managed agricultural plots that grow micronutrient-rich staples offer sustainable models for ensuring a steady supply of nutritious foods for school programs.

The event concluded with a resounding call to action. Accelerating policy integration, sharing successful models, and fostering private sector engagement are pivotal steps toward achieving the transformation of school meals in Africa. These programs are more than just nutritional interventions; they are strategic investments in human capital, directly contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. HarvestPlus, AUDA-NEPAD, and their partners remain committed to driving this agenda forward, demonstrating that nutritious, homegrown school meals can pave the way for a healthier, more prosperous future for Africa’s children and communities. The full report can be read here.