Supporting inclusive food security and nutrition in Cuba

This project aims to improve food security and nutritional status of children up to 12 years and pregnant and breastfeeding women in 6 prioritized municipalities in Cuba. Project activities include: (1) facilitating opportunities for small farmers and cooperatives to access local markets and strengthen direct links with social protection programs for the sale of locally produced nutritious food; (2) strengthening local early warning system and integrated risk management plans to manage shocks and mitigate impacts with a age-sensitive and gender lens; (3) improving infrastructure of health education and social protection institutions that are essential to guarantee optimal conditions for better nutrition and hygiene; and (4) improving local decision making related to food security and nutrition through multi-sectoral coordination and evidence generation considering child-sensitive and gender lens. The World Food Programme (WFP) in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) implements this project. The project targets various beneficiaries. This includes 3 000 smallholder farmers who receive training equipment and supplies and improved climate adaptation services; 35 000 school-age children who benefit from improved school environments and enhanced nutritional education; 30 000 children under 2 years who receive nutrient-rich and fortified-supplemented foods; 500 local officials and experts from local institutions who receive technical assistance related to food security nutrition and integrated disaster risk management; 2 000 staff from health and education centres who receive technical assistance and training; 5 000 health professionals teachers women community leaders and students and their families who receive training and be reached by social behaviour change program; and 3 000 lactating women and their children who access counselling sessions for a more diversified and nutritious diet.

The expected outcomes of this project include: 1) improved food production marketing and distribution in locally selected value chains with a gender-sensitive nutrition-sensitive and life-cycle approach; and 2) improved services diets and practices that intervene in the prevention of malnutrition among children breastfeeding and pregnant women in selected territories.