Emergency Food Distribution in Madagascar

SEED has piloted the use of positive deviance to address and prevent malnutrition in three communities. The positive deviance approach recognises that within every community, there are behaviours and practices that enable people to find solutions to problems despite facing similar challenges.

Despite living in the same community and having access to the same resources, commonly in rural populations of Madagascar we will see some children with acute malnutrition and others who are well-nourished. Positive Deviance is the strategy SEED is piloting as a means of fighting against this growing rate of malnutrition here in the southeast... but how does it work?

 Last month, SEED trialed the method in three rural communities, identifying unique behaviours and practices being used by mothers and guardians whose children were well-nourished and assigning them the role of 'Model Mothers'. In the commune of Manafiafy, three were identified and over a period of 12 days ran participatory education sessions for mothers of malnourished children in their community. The sessions included cooking demonstrations where locally-sourced, nutrient-rich recipes were shared, sessions on the importance of hand-washing when preparing food were delivered, and the significance of vaccinations in children was reinforced. In addition to this, the group of mothers learned to take their child's Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measurement, empowering them with the skills needed to monitor their child’s nutritional health from home.

 The sessions create a space where Model Mothers and participating mothers can collaborate, sharing effective strategies and local solutions. Together, they learn from each other and adopt these practices through a community-led approach that aims to enhance children's nutritional status. Fostering resilience and promoting healthier communities!

Last but not least, SEED has in the last six months distributed 37,980 kg, of rice, 25,320 cups of beans, and 5,064 litres of oil, to families with children suffering from moderate and acute malnutrition. Together with health workers, SEED has also distribute deworming medication, supporting 7,034 children aged 12-59 months.

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