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Fostering CHANGE: Lessons from implementing a multi-country, multi-sector nutrition-sensitive agriculture project

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  • Nordhagen, Stella
  • Nielsen, Jennifer
  • van Mourik, Tom
  • Smith, Erin
  • Klemm, Rolf

Abstract

Using agriculture to improve nutrition is an approach growing in popularity, with programs becoming increasingly complex and multisectoral. While there is an active line of research assessing the impacts of such programs, little has been written about the process of successfully implementing them. As such, this paper uses a multisectoral nutrition-sensitive agriculture program implemented in four African countries as a case study to address key challenges in and lessons learned from implementation. We highlight the overall flexibility of nutrition-sensitive agriculture but also the need to adapt certain aspects to the particular context, as well as the opportunities for cross-context learning (and the limits to this). Integrating rigorous evaluation into such complex programs and forging diverse cross-sectoral partnerships offer both rewards and challenges, upon which we reflect. Main lessons learned from the program include the importance of carefully sequencing interventions, retaining flexibility in implementation, allowing for considerable time for cross-sector integration and coordination, and considering community impacts when designing research.

Suggested Citation

  • Nordhagen, Stella & Nielsen, Jennifer & van Mourik, Tom & Smith, Erin & Klemm, Rolf, 2019. "Fostering CHANGE: Lessons from implementing a multi-country, multi-sector nutrition-sensitive agriculture project," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:epplan:v:77:y:2019:i:c:s0149718918303811
    DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2019.101695
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Kang, Yunhee & Cho, Mokryeon & Rahman, Md.Mezanur & Cho, Yoonho & Han, Seungheon & Dutta, Makhan L., 2021. "Design of a collaborative monitoring and evaluation system for a community-based nutrition project in rural Bangladesh," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    3. Indu K. Sharma & Dirk Essink & Victoria Fumado & Malay Kanti Mridha & Lalita Bhattacharjee & Jacqueline E. W. Broerse, 2021. "What Influences the Implementation and Sustainability of Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture Interventions? A Case Study from Southern Bangladesh," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-20, October.
    4. Nichols, Carly E., 2021. "Spaces for women: Rethinking behavior change communication in the context of women's groups and nutrition-sensitive agriculture," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 285(C).
    5. Jun Fan & Xingming Fan & Attachai Jintrawet & Horst Weyerhaeuser, 2021. "Sustainability Interventions on Agro-Ecosystems: An Experience from Yunnan Province, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-15, May.

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