“Especially in times of growing skepticism about international cooperation, we need solid evidence that our work is making a difference,” says Bettina Iseli, Chief Program Officer at WHH. “Hunger isn’t solved by isolated measures. What matters most are strong local systems that can withstand crises. Where communities develop their own solutions and women are more actively involved, the changes go far beyond just the food situation.”
One example is the “Nutrition Smart CommUNITY” program, which is being implemented with 829 village communities in Africa and Asia and combines issues related to nutrition, agriculture, health, and hygiene into a comprehensive approach to combating hunger. Together with the village communities, local solutions are developed that strengthen knowledge, promote self-initiative, and have a long-term impact. The synergy of many measures makes the approach particularly effective. In these communities, not only did nutrition and health care improve, but school attendance, community responsibility, and the role of women in decision-making also increased. Many of those involved in the project are now passing on their knowledge themselves – thus creating lasting change on the ground.
