Centre for Urban Research and Planning - CURP

GENERATING EVIDENCE FOR MORE EFFECTIVE SCHOOL FEEDING SYSTEMS 🏫🌱

Our Year 1 Technical Report for the research project is here. The findings from over 8,700 respondents across 10 city-regions in Zambia and Malawi are building a critical evidence base to inform better decision-making on school feeding systems.

Early findings show that challenges such as procurement barriers, climate-related disruptions to food production, limited meal diversity and inadequate storage and cooking facilities affect the reliability of school feeding programmes.

The research also reveals how structural barriers faced by women, youth and other marginalised groups limit participation in school feeding supply chains, thereby reinforcing why gender equity and social inclusion must be at the heart of any reform.

However, the research also highlights what works. Decentralised models, like those seen in Kazungula, show how local procurement, community ownership and support for women's cooperatives can make school feeding more reliable, inclusive and resilient.

By examining procurement systems, food distribution, climate resilience, gender equity and sustainable agriculture, the project is generating practical evidence on how Home-Grown School Meals can better support learners, strengthen local food economies and create real opportunities for smallholder farmers.

Year 2 will move from research into action, with pilot interventions and test beds designed to trial the most promising solutions identified so far.

This report was prepared by: Dr Gilbert Siame, Chipampata Musonda, Eddy Chikuta, Dr Inonge Milupi, Dr Esther Malama, Dr Progress Nyanga, Dr Chongo Kaulule, and Dr Evance Mwathunga.

The project is implemented by the Centre for Urban Research and Planning - CURP (under the The University of Zambia -UNZA), in collaboration with CRAFS UNIMA (under the University of Malawi - UNIMA), Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre and Kalichi Pictures, and is funded by the IDRC / CRDI.

When children eat better, they learn better. This is a powerful example of how school feeding can support both child wellbeing and broader development outcomes in Zambia. This also links to our research at Centre for Urban Research and Planning - CURP, specifically the Future Resilience of Home-Grown School Feeding Ecosystems in Urban Zambia and Malawi (FRESHGROWS) project, which explores how school feeding systems can be strengthened through more resilient, inclusive and locally connected food systems. 🌱🌽

Happy World Environment Day! 🌍🌱

Healthy environments support food security, resilient communities and sustainable cities.

The CCentre for Urban Research and Planning - CURPat TThe University of Zambia -UNZAconducts research on climate resilience, food security, urban development, environmental sustainability and how people adapt to changing climate. Through our research, we generate evidence that can inform better policies, planning and solutions for a more sustainable future.

We want to hear from you; If you could solve one environmental problem in Zambia today, what would it be? ✍🏽

Share your thoughts in the comments and follow our page to learn more about our research work.

Did you know? Zambia's Home-Grown School Meals Programme currently reaches over 5 million learners in 8,858 schools across 116 districts nationwide.

Last week, The University of Zambia -UNZA, through Centre for Urban Research and Planning - CURP, convened partners under the research project to review Year 1 progress and agree on next steps for strengthening Home-Grown School Meals pilots.

The project is exploring how school feeding can better connect learners to , support smallholder farmers, strengthen and improve the delivery of in schools.

🤝 Participants of the workshop included the Ministry of Education- Zambia, CRAFS UNIMA, under the University of Malawi - UNIMA, Mary's Meals Zambia, Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre and Zambia's Kansanshi Foundation.

project is funded by the IDRC / CRDI.

For more information on Zambia's Home-Grown School Meals Programme, including recent progress that has expanded coverage to over 5 million learners, visit: https://web.facebook.com/share/v/18d1RG66dL/

🌍 | CLARE-MECHANICS Project

The CLARE-MECHANICS project is focused on co-identifying flood risks in Kanyama and Kalikiliki through participatory mapping and community lived experiences. Using climate modelling and flood simulations, the project seeks to produce risk maps showing which areas are most likely to flood, who is most at risk, and where action should be prioritised.

This work is expected to support better planning, early preparation, and more targeted flood response. Research insights are also feeding into learning labs and co-designed resilience pathways for informal settlements.

The findings are expected to inform local government planning and decision-making through engagement with Lusaka City Council and other implementing partners, helping translate evidence into practical, on-the-ground flood resilience actions.

Look out for updates on the final report.

Dear research community,

As we wind down Africa Month, may we continue to add value through innovative research and collaboration that supports a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive Africa. 💡📊

Here’s to continued progress and impact. 🤝

🌍 | Key Themes from CLARE-MECHANICS Stakeholder Engagement

Across engagements, several important themes have emerged on flood resilience in informal settlements.

🔹Many communities understand the risks and impacts of flooding, but challenges remain in turning awareness into long-term action. The phrase “Boma iyanganepo”, loosely meaning “the government should look into it”, emerged strongly during engagements, reflecting continued reliance on government intervention in addressing community flooding challenges.

🔹Land ownership and housing insecurity in unplanned settlements also continue to affect long-term investment in mitigation and resilience measures.

🔹There is growing recognition of the need for stronger community involvement, better collaboration, and shared responsibility between communities, leaders, and institutions to reduce flood risks more effectively.

Follow this page for more updates.

🌍 | CLARE-MECHANICS Project 🌧️

Flooding continues to impact lives, homes and livelihoods in many parts of Lusaka — especially in vulnerable informal communities.

The CLARE-MECHANICS Project, coordinated by the UK Met Office, is being undertaken in Lusaka and Cape Town by The University of Zambia -UNZA and the University of Cape Town respectively. The project is working to strengthen local adaptation and flood resilience by combining community knowledge with advanced climate science and high-resolution rainfall modelling. 📍📊

By working closely with communities, the project seeks to support localized flood preparedness, strengthen adaptation planning, and improve decision-making that protects people, property and livelihoods. 🤝🏘️

Learn more: https://clareprogramme.org/project/methods-to-enhance-capability-in-high-resolution-information-for-adaptation-initial-case-studies-mechanics/