What began as a pilot project is now growing into a community-led solution for improved nutrition, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience in Machinga District.
Nutricare Malawi has successfully concluded a two and a half day Insect Farming Training with the Tiyanjane Insect Farming Group in GVH Makawa, T/A Nsanama, a milestone that marks the next phase of an initiative empowering communities to take ownership of their nutrition and economic future.
The training builds on a successful Insect Farming Trial Project implemented by Nutricare and the Tiyanjane Insect Farming Group between 2023 and 2025. Through rigorous testing of cricket farming under local conditions, including feeding systems, temperature management, harvesting, and post harvest handling, the project demonstrated that cricket farming is not only viable in Machinga, but also a practical and sustainable pathway for strengthening local food systems. With these positive results, Nutricare is now scaling up production, with Tiyanjane Insect Farming Group at the centre of the expansion.
Participants were equipped with both technical and business skills across the entire insect-farming value chain, from production and management to processing, entrepreneurship, and market supply. Going forward, members will produce crickets both collectively and at household level, while Nutricare will serve as an off taker, purchasing harvested crickets for processing into high quality cricket powder. The powder will be incorporated into certified protein rich products, including porridge flour, helping to improve nutrition outcomes among vulnerable households, children, and communities affected by its deficiencies.
One of the most powerful moments of the training came through the group presentations, where participants shared ideas, lessons, and aspirations for the future. Their contributions reflected the true strength of this initiative, which includes local leadership, community ownership, and a shared commitment to building a more resilient future.
At Nutricare Malawi, we believe that sustainable solutions are built with communities, not for communities. By investing in innovative food systems, we are creating opportunities to improve nutrition, generate income, and strengthen resilience where it matters most.
We are grateful to Norwegian Church Aid and Dan Church Aid for their continued partnership and support in advancing community driven nutrition solutions that are transforming lives in Machinga, Malawi