Systems strengthening is a key part of USAID Nawiri’s approach to reducing persistent acute malnutrition. The program works within and alongside key government and USAID-supported platforms to facilitate government ownership. USAID Nawiri formed learning committees with the government to facilitate meaningful engagement; developed rapid feedback loops to respond to COVID-19; conducted desk reviews; and completed formative research. The learning brief presents lessons from these approaches, which include that gradual roll-out of interventions allowed time to assess and respond to challenges; and discussions with households yielded information about factors, including gender roles, influencing interventions.