The Nutrition Governance Project was implemented by CSONA with funding from the Tilitonse Foundation. The 13-month initiative aimed to strengthen civil society and citizen participation in nutrition governance by enhancing transparency, accountability, and community involvement in planning, implementation, and monitoring of nutrition services.

The project focused on three key result areas: strengthening nutrition governance systems and structures at district and community levels; building the capacity of citizens to participate in nutrition processes; and increasing accountability for nutrition service delivery. As part of these efforts, 75 members of Area and Village Nutrition Coordinating Committees (ANCCs and VNCCs) were oriented on their roles and responsibilities. Five traditional leaders were also empowered to understand and apply human rights principles in promoting nutrition and food security within their communities. Additionally, the project supported Village Development Committees (VDCs) to effectively demand government accountability regarding the right to food. This advocacy led to the establishment of a fertilizer selling depot in Traditional Authority Makwangwala.

The project introduced a sub-ANCC structure in Traditional Authority Kafuzira (Lupachi) as a way of bridging community structures with duty bearers and strengthening local-level nutrition governance. In collaboration with AFIKEPO (Save the Children and CISANET), a district budget analysis was conducted in Nkhotakota, and Public Expenditure Tracking Surveys (PETS) were carried out in both implementation districts. The Global Day of Action for Nutrition was also commemorated in Nkhotakota to raise awareness and facilitate community engagement.

However, the project encountered several challenges. The voluntary nature of participation by district chapter members meant that full commitment throughout the project was not always feasible. Additionally, CSONA’s project vehicle was involved in an accident during implementation, affecting field mobility. The short duration of the project also limited the ability to conduct follow-ups and track long-term impact.

Despite these challenges, the project contributed significantly to strengthening local nutrition governance, building community awareness, and enabling active citizen engagement in demanding improved nutrition services.