Afikepo Programme addresses under-nutrition and their negative consequences on social and economic development in line with policy obligations of the Government of Malawi with funding from the European Union. The programme is enhancing nutrition and food security in the targeted rural communities through increased and diversified dietary intake of safe and nutritious foods; increased use of enhanced knowledge and awareness and hygiene practices by the target communities and establishment of an effective food and nutrition information system at district level. It is employing multi-sectoral and integrated approaches with the aim of registering much impact on reducing stunting levels.

The use of the radio has been identified as one of the best and reliable media for disseminating various messages including nutrition in Nkhata Bay district. Through this platform, thousands of households are being reached as far as cubing malnutrition cases is concerned. The district has Community Radio Stations like Usisya and Chilundu among others which are playing a great role in community development aspects.

People are being mobilised into clusters which eventually form the Radio Listening Clubs (RLCs) of 10 to 15 members from different households as representatives. Each group has a Cluster Leaders who facilitates activities of his/her cluster as a RLC.A total of 17 RLC have been established in the Afikepo implementing communities under the Traditional Authorities (TAs) of Kabunduli, Timbiri, Zilakoma and Mkumbira in Nkhata Bay. Cluster members are always engaged in discussions concerning food and nutrition security. Messages are in turn conveyed to their respective households, and this approach is quite effective. Thus, the 17 RLC means a maximum coverage of 255 households from the targeted communities.

Mkomedzi Radio listening club in TA Mkumbira is one of the beneficiary clubs under the programme. Mr. Banda is one of the members of the group who has greatly benefitted from the RLC and he had this to say; “my home has been modernised, I have one of the smartest houses that is well known in my village because of the Mponda giya, my family eats diversified and well balanced meals every day, I have learnt this simply from the Radio listening club.”