In April-May 2023, the FoSTA Health team carried out a scoping visit to Malawi and Zambia. Over a period of two weeks, thirty team members visited sites across both countries in which FoSTA Health research will be focused. The locations visited included Chibombo and Mkushi Districts in Zambia’s Central Province and Mangochi and Zomba Districts in Malawi. The objectives of the trip were to engage stakeholders; gather background information about food systems and animal, human and environmental health challenges; and to refine research plans for the project. The visit involved meeting community members and District and Provincial officials; finding out more about recent trends in agricultural practice, land use, market engagement and diets; and learning about the work of the Titukulane programme led by CARE in Malawi.