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Let Me Tell You: How Zambia Uses Comics and Animation to Inspire Healthy Eating

2025-10-21

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)

A Contribution by Jana Anouk Mansour

As part of the “Let Me Tell You” series, children across Zambia are discovering fun stories that teach the importance of good food and healthy habits such as fish. Let’s dive into one of these tales together…

People preparing fish. Still from the series "Let Me Tell You: Fish as Nutrients" © F4F GIZ Zambia

By Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) is a globally active provider of international cooperation for sustainable development. It has more than 50 years of experience in a wide range of fields.

All contributions

The morning sun was just beginning to warm the small cottage where Mama and Papa lived with their children. Mutale, ten years old with a restless imagination, stepped outside and sat on the front steps. His little sister Mwansa, eight years old and still in her pink pajamas, soon joined him.

“What are you thinking about?” Mwansa asked, noticing her brother’s faraway look.

“The strong warrior,” Mutale replied with determination. “I need to get my body in shape so I can be like him when I grow up.”

Mwansa giggled. “Well, I want to be healthy like Papa. But how are we going to do that?”

Before Mutale could answer, Mama’s voice called them inside. Breakfast was ready.

On the table, warm and inviting, was a meal they knew well: fish with rice. Mwansa wrinkled her nose. “Fish again?”

Mama only smiled. “Yes, my dear. Fish is one of the healthiest foods on the planet. It helps you grow strong and keeps you healthy.”

Mutale’s eyes lit up. “Does fish make me strong like a ninja?”

“Of course,” Mama said patiently. “Fish is full of protein, which helps your muscles and body grow. It also has omega-3 fatty acids that are important for your brain and your eyes. And there are vitamins and minerals in fish that your body cannot make on its own – so you have to get them from what you eat.”

Papa nodded in agreement. “Most people don’t eat enough of these nutrients. But eating fish once or twice a week already makes a big difference.”

The children leaned closer, curious now. Mama explained that fatty fish – like salmon, sardines, tuna or mackerel – are especially good for them. Omega-3 fatty acids, she told them, not only keep the brain sharp but also help protect against diseases.

For mothers who are pregnant or breastfeeding, eating enough fish is important for the baby’s growth. As she spoke, the children could almost see it before their eyes: colorful fish swimming across the tablecloth, playful illustrations showing strong bones, bright eyes, and smiling faces. Protein, vitamins A, D and E, calcium, iron – all these hidden treasures seemed to sparkle around the dishes on the table.

Mwansa and Mutale leaned in, captivated, as if Mama’s words had turned breakfast into a living picture book.

Later, in his room full of soccer trophies, Mutale thought again about becoming strong like a warrior. The sunshine streamed through the window, and in his imagination the golden rays turned into streams of vitamin D. He pictured fish leaping out of the light, carrying gifts for his bones and muscles. Mama’s voice echoed in his mind: fatty fish are one of the few foods that bring you vitamin D, helping you grow tall and keeping your body strong.

He sneezed and laughed, imagining himself training like a ninja, while invisible vitamins A, D, and E danced around him like little guardians.

Meanwhile Mwansa was still thinking about Mama’s words. In her mind, she saw bright, sparkling omega-3 droplets floating like balloons. They drifted toward her eyes and her brain, making everything clearer, sharper, and full of energy. Then came the B-vitamins, zooming in like tiny lightning bolts, turning food into fuel for running, jumping, and playing.

At lunchtime, the family gathered again under the shade of a lapa. Plates of rice and well-cooked fish were passed around. Mutale ate eagerly, though the spicy sauce made him sweat. “Yummy!” he exclaimed, reaching for more. Mwansa laughed and pointed at his plate. “Looks like we’re already on our way to being strong and healthy!”

Papa leaned across the table. “There are many kinds of fish, each with their own taste and benefits. That’s why it’s good to eat a variety.”

Mama concluded with a gentle reminder. “Children who eat fish regularly grow up not only strong, but also healthier in body and mind. Fish helps you see better, sleep better, and even stay happy.”

As the family finished their meal, the message was clear: eating fish wasn’t just about filling their stomachs – it was about nourishing their future.

The story you’ve just read is taken from the “Let Me Tell You” series, an innovative educational project launched in 2023 by the Fish for Food Security (F4F) Project in Zambia, as part of the Global Program for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture.

The series was created to make important topics such as healthy eating, aquaculture, the fish value chain, sanitation and hygiene accessible to everyone, especially children and young people. By presenting these themes through short, relatable stories in the form of animations, radio transmission, and comic booklets, the initiative brings knowledge to life in a way that is both entertaining and easy to understand. At its core, the series aims to inspire lasting behavior change: encouraging families to make better food choices and helping to build a healthier, more resilient population.

This effort directly supports Zambia’s Vision 2030 and national nutrition strategies that seek to overcome malnutrition as a barrier to development. By 2050, the world’s population is expected to reach nine billion people, driving up demand for both food and jobs. Thanks to their rich nutrient content, fish products play a vital role in combating undernourishment and malnutrition — a message that is woven into the Let Me Tell You series.

But “Let Me Tell You” is more than just a nutrition campaign — it also showcases the creative power of Zambia’s youth culture. As one of the first animation productions made in the country, the series demonstrates how local storytelling, tradition, and modern formats can come together to reach audiences not only across Zambia but also far beyond its borders.

The "Let me tell you" Series is available in the languages: English, Nyanja & Bemba.

The show was produced with partners from NFNC, MOH, UNICEF & USAID by F4F Zambia.

Discover More
If you’d like to explore these themes further, dive into the stories, insights, and voices shaping sustainable food systems:

🎧 Let Me Tell You – Fish for Food Security
A YouTube playlist highlighting how fisheries contribute to nutrition, livelihoods, and resilience across Africa.
👉 Watch here

🥗 Let Me Tell You – Food & Nutrition Security
Discover perspectives on strengthening food systems and ensuring equitable access to nutrition.
👉 Watch here

🌍 The Global Program Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
Learn more about GIZ’s global efforts to achieve more fish and income from sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.
👉 Read more on GIZ

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At the Nutrition for Growth 2025 Summit in Paris, Team Europe, comprising the European Commission and Member States, put nutrition at the centre of international politics as a driver for resilience, equality and human rights. There is a consensus on the results of the summit: to turn commitments into concrete progress through strong partnerships and innovative approaches.

A woman stands in a lush field holding freshly picked vegetables, with others in the background at the N4G Summit.

Working together to improve global nutrition

A Contribution by Jan Rübel

The global fight against malnutrition needs more than just words - as demonstrated by the Nutrition for Growth summit in Paris. With comprehensive commitments and clear receivables, a signal has been sent: Healthy nutrition must become a global priority. But what do participants from countries such as Yemen and Timor Leste think?

The Architecture of Nutrition

An Interview with Sachin Gupte

Nutrition rarely fails for lack of knowledge, but for lack of structure. In conversation with Dr. Sachin Gupte from PATH, attention turns to the often unseen foundations of food systems – where climate pressures, political frameworks, and economic realities shape what can endure, and what cannot.

Hunger and Obesity – A Double Burden

A Contribution by Astrid Prange de Oliveira

Stunting as a sign of chronic undernutrition, alongside overweight and obesity: Astrid Prange de Oliveira explains why poorer countries in particular are facing the double burden of malnutrition and why this is a development policy challenge.

(c) Christoph Püschner/Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe — Liberia / Monrovia 2015: Vor dem Elwa Hospital kontrolliert ein Mitarbeiter mit einem Infrarot-Thermometern die Temperatur der ambulanten Patienten.

“Corona exposes the weaknesses of our nutritional systems"

Interview with Arif Husain (WFP)

The United Nations plan a Food Systems Summit - and now the Corona-Virus is dictating the agenda. The Chief Economist of the UN World Food Programme takes stock of the current situation: a conversation with Jan Rübel about pandemics, about the chromosomes of development - and about the conflicts that inhibit them.

"The virus does not need visa"

Interview by Dr. Ahmed Ouma (CDC)

Countries across Africa coordinate their efforts in the fight against corona by the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) of the African Union in Addis Abeba. Until now, the curve of new infections has been successfully flattened – why? Dr. Ahmed Ouma, Deputy Director, explains the work of CDC in an interview with Tilman Wörtz.

(c) Christoph Püschner/Brot für die Welt — Mali / Bamako, Dez. 2017: eine Selbsthilfegruppe von zurückgekehrten Migrantinnen, die sich gegenseitig bei der Integration unterstützen.

"Pandemic increases violence against women"

Interview with Léa Rouanet

African countries still face huge gender gaps in terms of access to work and capital. What are the consequences of Corona for women in Africa? Jan Rübel interviewed Léa Rouanet on lockdowns and gender-based violence. The economist works at the Africa Gender Innovation Lab of the World Bank.

Stephan Exo-Kreischer ist Deutschland-Direktor der Lobby- und Kampagnenorganisation ONE.

New campaign for women: "Poverty is sexist"

Interview with Stephan Exo-Kreischer

This is a benchmark for everybody: More rights for women are a very influencing solution in the struggle against extreme poverty and hunger worldwide, says Stephan Exo-Kreischer, Director of ONE Germany. The organisation specialises in political campaigning as a lever for sustainable change.

“We have to prepare for the unexpected”

Interview with Dr Maria Flachsbarth (BMZ)

In August, Germany’s development ministry set up a division concentrating on One Health topics. Parliamentary State Secretary Maria Flachsbarth on knowledge gaps at the human-animal-environmental interface, the link between One Health and food security, and lessons learnt from previous pandemics.

Do we have to dare a new food system?

A contribution by Dr. Felix zu Löwenstein (BÖLW)

Lack of seasonal workers and virus explosion in slaughterhouses, rising vegetable prices, climate crisis – all this demonstrates: Our food system is highly productive and (at least for the rich inhabitants of planet earth) guarantees an unprecedented rich and steady food supply - but it is not resilient.

(c) TMG-SEWOH — Zwei Landwirte führen ein während der COVID-19-Pandemie ein Videotagebuch mit ihren persönlichen Erfahrungen in Umgang mit Corona.

Video diaries in the days of Corona: Voices from the ground

A contribution by Sarah D´haen & Alexander Müller, Louisa Nelle, Bruno St. Jaques, Sarah Kirangu-Wissler and Matteo Lattanzi (TMG)

Young farmers’ insights on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on food systems in Sub-Saharan Africa @CovidFoodFuture and video diaries from Nairobi’s informal settlements.

A teacher in vibrant attire leads a joyful group of children outdoors, embodying community spirit and education.

It all comes down to the young population

A contribution by Jan Rübel

What happens when young people leave the rural areas? How can the region achieve what is referred to as the demographic bonus – and how can it reap the benefits of the demographic dividend? A look at demography shows the following: What is most important is promoting women’s rights and education.

A new U.S. Africa policy?

An article by Jan Rübel

After four years of Donald Trump in the White House, it is time to take stock: What policies did the Republican government pursue in African regions? And what will change in favor of Joe Biden after the election decision? Here is an evaluation.

Not waiting for a savior

An article by Lidet Tadesse

While Africa is the least affected region by Covid-19 so far, the number of confirmed cases and deaths on the continent is quickly rising. Despite the challenges many African countries continue to face, the African response to the coronavirus pandemic displays innovation and ingenuity.

Hunger must not be a consequence of the epidemic!

A contribution by Michael Brüntrup (DIE)

Even though COVID-19 poses a threat to the health of humanity, the reaction to the pandemic must not cause more suffering than the disease itself. This is particularly relevant for poor developing countries, where the impact of the corona crisis on food security is even more severe!

Good health is impossible without healthy food

A contribution by Heino von Meyer

Corona makes it even more difficult to achieve a world without hunger by 2030. So that this perspective does not get out of sight, Germany must play a stronger role internationally - a summary of the Strategic Advisory Group of SEWOH.

(c) Donwilson Odhiambo/ZUMA Wire/picture alliance — Kenia / Nairobi, Mai 2020: Young Girls from Kibera Slums use their Corona Virus braided hair style in spreading awares to the society.

Developing countries hit doubly hard by coronavirus

A contribution by Gunter Beger (BMZ)

In most African countries, the infection COVID-19 is likely to trigger a combined health and food crisis. This means: In order to cope with this unprecedented crisis, consistently aligning our policies to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is more important than ever, our author maintains.

A smiling child in a purple jacket holds sticks in a sunny rural field under a clear blue sky.

An investment in Africa's future

A contritbution by Essa Chanie Mussa (University of Gondar)

Rural youth need viable livelihood opportunities to escape out of poverty and realize their aspirations. How could they be helped to fully unleash their potential? This is an aloud call that needs novel strategies among governments, policy makers, and international development partners and donors.

Four women smile while selling dried fish and seafood in a lively green market setting.

Planetary Health: Recommendations for a Post-Pandemic World

A contribution by Dr. Kathleen Mar and Dr. Nicole de Paula

Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, health is receiving unprecedented public and political attention. Yet the fact that climate change is also affecting the environmental and social determinants of health in a profound and far-reaching way deserves further recognition.

(c) dpa Picture-Alliance — Heuschreckenplage im Hochland von Madagaskar.

Actual Analysis: The locusts came with the crises

A report by Bettina Rudloff and Annette Weber (SWP)

The Corona-Virus exacerbates existing crises through conflict, climate, hunger and locusts in East Africa and the Horn of Africa. What needs to be done in these regions? To face these challenges for many countries, all of these crises need to be captured in their regional context.

A group of women in colorful clothing and headwraps gather outdoors, engaged in conversation near rustic buildings.

Small cup, big impact

A Contribution by UFULU and GIZ

A menstrual health pilot in Rural Malawi empowers rural women in Agribusiness through hygiene products and helps to improve working conditions in rural areas.

Scaling up Food Security

An Artikel by Jan Rübel

How can we reach more people with successful approaches to food security? In Berlin, an international conference organized by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationaler Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) addressed this issue.

Youth as key actors for a transformation of agri-food systems

Five Questions for Anke Oppermann

In October, the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) adopted policy recommendations ‘Promoting Youth Engagement and Employment in Agriculture and Food Systems’. Anke Oppermann answers five questions on youth employment in the agricultural sector.

A group of smiling young people sit outdoors, engaging in a lively activity with a wooden box.

Stepping into the future: How youth organisations are driving change

A contribution by Felix Chiyenda

Together they are stronger: In many African countries, young men and women are coming together to form youth organisations. These organisations help young people in rural areas to earn a living in the agricultural and food sector, creating prospects for the future in rural areas.

Food Systems, Law, and Social Inclusion: Reflections from Kenya

An Interview with Camara Castro

Food systems shape social realities. Whether legal claims can be enforced also depends on access to legal institutions. Camara Castro from the Amka Africa Justice Initiative shows how legal work in Kenya helps reduce the gap between law and lived reality and contributes to making agri-food systems more just.

What is the future of pastoralism?

A Conversation with Dr. Huyam Salih, Monica Yator and Jacob Lekaitogo

Rangelands cover up to 54% of the global land surface – and pastoralism is one of the eldest forms of land use – yet it is rarely discussed . Now the UN has declared 2026 the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. What prompted the organization to do that and what do pastoralists really need? Three experts share their insights.

From Subsidies to Sustainability: The Future of Global Fisheries

AnInterview with Rashid Sumaila and Andreas Schaumayer

Against the backdrop of the eleventh Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenia, leading fisheries economist Rashid Sumaila and Andreas Schaumayer, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), reflect on the state of global fisheries in 2026: from the hidden economic power of small-scale fishing communities to the data gaps that leave millions of fishers uncounted.

Visioning for Resilient Food Systems

A Contribution by GIZ Malawi

Food systems vary widely between communities. While global agendas offer general guidance, effective change requires context-specific interventions at the local level. Placing the needs of local communities at the center of these efforts is essential. The visioning process can help achieve this, says Fyness Lydia Ching’oma from GIZ Malawi.

A hand selects ripe coffee cherries from a lush coffee plant, showcasing the vibrant colors of the harvest.

Why Food is about Power, not Just Supply Chains

A Contribution by Mary Karanu

Food systems are often reduced to production and trade. Mary Karanu of Welthungerhilfe in Kenya shows that they also reflect social and political orders, shaping power relations, the recognition of labor, and structural vulnerability across smallholder contexts in Africa and global supply chains.

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Let Me Tell You: How Zambia Uses Comics and Animation to Inspire Healthy Eating

By Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)

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