In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), where decades of conflict and natural disasters have disrupted development, malnutrition remains a pressing issue. Nearly half of the population suffers from chronic malnutrition, with 45% of children under five experiencing stunting. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this crisis, reducing incomes and increasing vulnerability.
Recognizing the need for action, the World Food Programme (WFP) has worked over the past five years to strengthen food security and nutrition in BARMM. This case study highlights the collaborative efforts to address malnutrition and build sustainable systems for food security.
Key Initiatives and Accomplishments
1. Institutionalizing School Feeding Programs:
Since 2018, WFP has partnered with the Philippine government to implement a national school feeding program, piloting the use of iron-fortified rice in Maguindanao. This initiative not only improved child nutrition but also integrated local farmers into the supply chain, creating a sustainable model for future programs. By 2022, the BARMM school feeding program had reached 160,000 children across 2,217 schools.
2. Community-Based Participatory Planning (CBPP):
Through CBPP, communities, local government units (LGUs), and partners collaborate to prioritize food security activities. This approach has fostered trust between communities and the government while identifying tailored solutions to local challenges. Seven LGUs have integrated CBPP outcomes into their development plans.
3. Food Security and Nutrition Roadmap:
In 2020, BARMM’s first Food Security and Nutrition Roadmap was launched, providing a strategic framework for achieving resilience and self-reliance. The WFP played a critical role in facilitating consultations and workshops with regional ministries, resulting in the roadmap’s inclusion in broader development plans. A dedicated task force, comprising 19 government entities, was established to implement this vision.
4. Strengthening Agricultural Communities:
The inclusion of ex-combatants in agricultural activities has bolstered social cohesion. WFP also organized smallholder farmers and fishers into cooperatives, enhancing their market access and aligning their efforts with local feeding programs.
Challenges and Future Directions
While significant progress has been made, challenges persist, particularly in securing cooperation from diverse political groups and ensuring consistent local government participation. Moving forward, the focus will be on implementing the 2023–2028 Food Security and Nutrition Plan, which emphasizes civil society and private sector engagement, as well as sustained investments in local capacities.
WFP’s efforts underscore the importance of collaboration in addressing complex issues like malnutrition and food insecurity. Through partnerships, capacity-building, and innovative solutions, BARMM is steadily moving towards a future of resilience and self-reliance.