RC/RC FOOD SECURITY INITIATIVE IN AFRICA AND MALAWI RC EXPERIENCE Frankie Washoni Food Security Coordinator Malawi RC

Food Security definition a person, household or community, nation or region is food secure when all members at all times have physical and economic access to buy, produce, obtain or consume sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for a healthy and active life.

The 5 Year Strategic Plan Expected results: Most vulnerable have LTFS support RCRC recognised as credible player 15 ANS have capacities, skills and resources (Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan Rwanda, Malawi, Swaziland, Zambia, Lesotho, Namibia, DRC, Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Niger) Sufficient IFRC capacity, tools and resources available Coordinated, consistent & integrated approach

Achievements to date: 15 out of 15 plans finalized & implementation started by some National Societies 21 technical positions of 22 committed - filled Baseline surveys underway Resource mobilization on progress Coordination mechanism such as Global Advisory Group established Management tools are available

The way forward Enhance programming and implementation capacity Improve funding situations and engaging donors in appropriate forums Enhance experience, knowledge and information sharing Enhance programme integration Quality assessments, accurate analysis of data and better programming Expanding network of partners Coordination of the Initiative in Africa and expanding to other Zones (Americas and Asia Pacific)

MRCS LONG TERM FOOD SECURITY INITIATIVE

Goal To improve food security in communities vulnerable to disasters and affected by HIV/AIDS

Guiding Objectives To protect and enhance livelihood capacities of targeted rural communities and households To protect and enhance the nutritional status of vulnerable households and communities To improve local community and farmer groups institutional capacity to protect and enhance food security

Program Activities Establishment of Small Scale irrigation schemes Distribution of Irrigation Equipment (4000 treadle pumps, Drip Kits) Seeds & Fertilizers Excavation of Water harvesting structures to support Small Scale Irrigation Communal Horticultural gardens Income Generating Activities (Mushroom Growing & Goat Rearing) Soil & Water Conservation initiatives Nutritional Education & Preserving and Processing of food

Target Beneficiaries & Partnerships Food Insecure households vulnerable to disasters (10,000 HH) Female Headed Households (1500 HH) Households affected and infected with HIV/AIDS (3500 HH) Working with Ministry of Agriculture UN agencies NGOs

Achievements & Way-forward Achievements Community assets created (dams, Irrigation schemes) Improved Food Security Livelihoods Strengthened Way forward Scaling up of the activities to other equally food insecure communities