This briefing is based on the 2014 evaluation of nutrition work supported by Working to Improve Nutrition in Northern Nigeria (WINNN) in Katsina, as well as ORIE research in 2015. Interviewees included political leaders and government officials, development partners, health workers, community volunteers, traditional leaders, civil society and community members.
Key evaluation findings include:
- The community management of acute malnutrition (CMAM) and infant and young child feeding (IYCF) interventions are now established in the WINNN focal LGAs of Bakori, Jibia and Mai’adua. Community leaders and volunteers are providing strong support.
- There has been progress with nutrition sector coordination and planning in Katsina state. The state has drafted a five-year action plan for nutrition (2016-2020). A one-year multi-sectoral operational plan is now needed to guide implementation, as well as sectoral work plans funded from the state nutrition budget.
- Under Katsina’s former administration government funding for nutrition was low overall. This reduced the effectiveness of CMAM and MNCHWs.
- State legislators have recently committed to provide oversight of nutrition work. They have debated the need for a law to increase nutrition funding and ensure release of funds and effective implementation.
- The state has agreed to establish local committees on food and nutrition (LCFN). This should now be achieved, to improve coordination and implementation at LGA level.
