Local crops as potential food-based strategies for addressing child undernutrition in Malawi

Child undernutrition remains a critical public health challenge in Malawi, characterized by high rates of stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies. This narrative review examines the potential of three nutrient-dense and locally available crops— Amaranthus spp. (Bonongwe), soybean (Nyemba), and orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) (Mbatata)—within a Malawi-specific food-based framework for addressing child undernutrition. The evidence indicates that these crops have complementary agronomic, nutritional, and socioeconomic characteristics. Amaranthus spp. provides protein, minerals, and bioactive compounds; soybean is an important source of protein and fats; and OFSP is rich in provitamin A. The review also examines complementary-food formulations and selected commercial cereal products available in Malawi, including locally manufactured and imported products, several of which are predominantly based on maize or wheat. The findings highlight opportunities for developing locally available, nutrient-dense complementary foods using underutilized crops, while identifying barriers related to awareness, production, and value chains. A multisectoral agenda involving agricultural research, policy, and community-based programs is needed to support their sustainable utilization. However, evidence on nutrient composition and laboratory-level food formulation does not yet establish that their combined use improves child nutritional status, growth, health, or development. Optimized formulations should therefore be further evaluated in the target population before their effectiveness as complementary-food interventions can be established.