Food and nutrition security remain a significant challenge in many regions of Indonesia, particularly in rural areas. Despite agriculture being the backbone of the local economy, community understanding of the direct link between farming practices, food diversity, and nutritional status is often limited. Poor dietary intake, especially among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, adolescent girls, and children, increases the risk of health problems such as stunting, anaemia, and chronic malnutrition. For many families, especially those working on remote plantations, malnutrition is a significant challenge. Limited access to diverse and affordable foods has left communities vulnerable to hidden hunger, a form of malnutrition caused by a lack of essential vitamins and minerals.

Recognizing this urgent need, HarvestPlus Solutions (HPS) Indonesia organized a Nutrition and Food Education Training using the Nutrition Smart Agriculture (NSA) approach in Gn. Pamela, Serdang Bedagai District on July 22, 2025. This initiative aims to tackle the root causes of malnutrition by equipping households, particularly women, with the knowledge and tools to improve their families’ diets using local, home-grown resources.

Women at the Forefront of Change

The training brought together 31 women, most of them housewives from low-income households, living in isolated settlements within palm oil estates. Other family members work as plantation laborers, and due to the distance from urban centers, many struggle to access markets where nutritious food is available.

These women, however, are not just caretakers—they are change-makers. As the primary providers of daily meals, they hold the key to reducing malnutrition at the household level. By educating them, the training empowers entire families to make lasting dietary improvements.

A Collaborative Effort for Sustainable Nutrition

The sessions were led by Dr. Nura Malahayati, a renowned nutrition and food processing expert from Sriwijaya University and supported by master trainers previously trained through a dedicated Training of Trainers (ToT) program.

The training opened with strong opening remarks from Hasanul Arifin Nasution, General Manager of PTPN 4 Deser 1, a leading state-owned plantation company. In his remarks, he praised the initiative as a step toward improving not only family well-being but also the productivity and health of plantation workers. “This training is truly valuable as it enhances our employees’ knowledge on nutrition, which will positively impact the productivity of the plantation. We would love to see similar initiatives rolled out in other plantation areas,” said Hasanul Arifin Nasution.

Practical Knowledge for Everyday Impact

The NSA approach focuses on affordable, accessible nutrition. Participants learned to grow their own vegetables, use local ingredients creatively, and preserve nutrients through simple food processing methods. The training covers five key modules:

1.  Understanding malnutrition and its effects
2.  Balanced nutrition and agriculture
3. Home gardening for improved diets
4. Simple techniques for nutritious food processing
5. Clean and healthy living practices

Post-training, these women are expected to apply what they’ve learned to cultivate home gardens, diversify meals, and practice better hygiene and food handling. The goal is not only to improve their own families’ health but also to serve as role models within their communities.

By addressing hidden hunger through local solutions and equipping women with practical skills, the NSA training contributes meaningfully to building food and nutrition security in hard-to-reach communities. It is a reminder that real change begins at home—with informed mothers, nutritious meals, and sustainable agriculture.