RRA Learning Series 2.0 - Rethinking Nutrition Interventions, Bridging the Existing Gaps

Food and nutrition insecurity pose significant challenges in Nigeria, impacting the well-being of a substantial portion of the population. Despite the country's agricultural and economic potential, various factors contribute to this large-scale problem. Pervasive issues such as inadequate infrastructure, climate change, post-harvest losses, and economic disparities hinder the efficient production, trade, and access to food. The consequences are reflected in high levels of malnutrition, affecting both rural and urban communities. Vulnerable populations, including IDPs, children, and pregnant women, often bear the brunt of nutritional deficiencies. Despite pouring significant efforts and millions of dollars into tackling nutrition challenges, through improving agriculture, changing policies, spreading awareness, treating cases, and targeted actions for better food access, the problem persists, and in some cases, it's getting worse. The big question is, why isn't all this hard work making a bigger impact?
To improve how we intervene, we ask: Are we not dealing enough with the root problems causing nutrition issues? What might we be overlooking? How can we better work together in a coordinated way, involving the government, NGOs, and private sector, to avoid scattered efforts that don't tackle the various aspects of nutrition challenges?
In this learning conversation, Deborah Obise, and Benjamin Bivan shared lessons learned from various nutrition interventions and what gaps need to be closed. Their firsthand accounts will provide valuable insights into what needs to be done to overcome large-scale malnutrition.
#nutrition #RRA #FeedTheFuture #MercyCorps