Previous Page Table of Contents Next Page


Conclusion


“Malnutrition is an impediment to development, and its presence indicates that basic physiological needs have not been met. What is observed as malnutrition is not only the result of insufficient or inappropriate food, but also a consequence of other conditions, such as poor water supply and sanitation and a high prevalence of disease. Thus reversing the procedure is complex, because many issues need to be addressed more or less simultaneously. And every situation is different, so that there is no single solution for all. There can only be general guidance on directions to pursue. Experience from lessons learnt shows that considerable time is needed to redress a situation (ten years and more), and that a strong supportive political and policy environment remains crucial throughout the period. There is no “quick-fix” to this problem. Once achieved, however, the effect is likely to become permanent, offering a substantial return on investment.”

Quote from FAO’s in-depth study of nine programmes (2002)

You have now completed the assessment of your programme. In the process, we have asked you to assess many factors outside the programme but which can have an impact on the success and sustainability of the programme. You should have been considering and deciding on the actions you need to take to correct the weaknesses you have identified, as you worked through each section. We suggest now that you list, prioritize, rationalize and group the actions. Major action groups are likely to relate to:

Now prepare and implement a plan of action to improve the community-based nutrition programme. Finally, set a date to conduct a re-assessment. Re-assessment will be much easier: you will have already gathered much of the needed information, and you will have this Assessment’s report, the completed Summary Report, the results of the SWOC analyses and your plan of action as baseline documents.


Previous Page Top of Page Next Page