The Takunda program is a five-year Resilience and Food Security Activity led by CARE International and funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). FHI 360, as a key consortium member, hosts a nutritionist who leads the program’s social and behavior change (SBC) activities to achieve sustainable, equitable and resilient food, nutrition and income security in Zimbabwe’s Manicaland and Masvingo provinces.
The FHI 360 team worked with program partners to create Takunda’s SBC strategy, which is grounded in FHI 360’s socioecological model for change and based on formative research and stakeholder consultations. The strategy comprises innovative, evidence-based approaches and interventions that increase knowledge, spark meaningful interactions with priority audiences, and promote the adoption of priority behaviors, including optimal nutrition practices such as exclusive breastfeeding, infant and young child feeding, and dietary diversity for adolescent girls and women.
The Takunda program promotes these behaviors through multiple channels, such as care groups, farmer field and business schools, men’s groups, youth clubs, and a forum for older people. FHI 360 will support the Takunda team in engaging with each of these groups using a variety of effective techniques, including group learning, demonstrations, drama activities and roleplaying, guided testimonials and storytelling. FHI 360 will also support the Takunda team in engaging religious leaders through formal meetings, community meetings and household visits to negotiate for behavior change.
