Strengthening district level capacities for inclusive and sustainable food systems transformation

The Sustainable Transformation of Food Systems – Empowering Pathways Bottom Up (STEP UP!) Malawi project supports district-level actors to take the lead in shaping more inclusive and coordinated food systems. By strengthening local capacities and collaboration, the project helps translate national ambitions into practical actions that improve diets and livelihoods. 

Grounded in a bottom-up approach, the project builds on existing local initiatives and connects them to national processes. It focuses on strengthening food systems’ governance by supporting district stakeholders, particularly local government, to plan, coordinate, and implement actions in a more structured and inclusive way. 

Why this matters

Malawi continues to face challenges in accessing diverse and nutritious food. These are not only production issues, but they are also about coordination, inclusion, and decision-making. At district level, different actors often work in parallel, with limited alignment. Strengthening food systems governance helps bring these actors together, align priorities, and support more informed and inclusive decisions. Strong district leadership is key to building food systems that are sustainable, equitable, and nutrition focused.

What STEP UP! focuses on

The project works in Dedza, Chikwawa, and Mzimba, supporting district actors to: 

• Set up and strengthen food systems steering units that bring together key sectors and stakeholders
• Develop district food systems implementation plans, with attention to nutrition, youth, and women
• Support local “food systems champions” to accelerate or scale promising initiatives
• Facilitate dialogue between district and national actors, ensuring local realities inform policies
• Share practical success stories to inspire learning and action across districts and beyond

A central idea is that healthier diets are the outcome of better-functioning food systems, not a separate goal. 

How we work

Our approach combines facilitation, coaching, and practical tools, grounded in a structured process: 

• Understanding the system
  District stakeholders map their food system, identify key actors, and build a shared understanding of challenges and opportunities  
• Organizing for action
  Multi-sectoral steering units are established or strengthened to coordinate efforts and guide implementation  
• Building capacities
  Stakeholders are supported with skills in systems thinking, collaborative planning, and leadership, with dedicated attention to women’s participation and voice  
• Driving and connecting action
  District-level plans are implemented and linked to national platforms through dialogue, peer learning, and exchange  
• Learning and scaling
  Experiences, lessons, and success stories are documented and shared to inform wider policy and practice  

Who is involved

STEP UP! brings together district government, civil society, private sector actors, and national institutions, creating space for different perspectives to connect and align. 

Activities are delivered by the iCRA–MDF strategic alliance, in partnership with the GIZ STEP UP! Project team, and national partners.