IR2. Promoting Optimal Nutrition, WASH, and Agriculture Behaviors
The goal is to improve maternal, adolescent and child nutrition by increasing the adoption of optimal nutrition, WASH, and agriculture behaviors using social and behavior change communication (SBCC). This approach addresses gaps and promotes alignment and consistency of SBCC activities across the country.
IR2 integrates programming related to nutrition-sensitive agriculture (IR1), nutrition-specific interventions through the health sector (IR3), and WASH (IR4). The targets are women and their family members, caretakers, and the most vulnerable households with children under two. The SBCC focus on women emphasizes equal distribution of responsibilities and decision-making in households for optimal family health and growth.
The following focus areas are identified under IR2:
- Evidence-based SBCC approaches to improve nutrition, WASH, and agriculture-related behaviors
- Frontline agriculture and health workers’ skills related to SBCC
- Promotion and support of SBCC at community and household levels
Key Progress in Project Year II
During the Project Year II, Growth through Nutrition availed key materials for all partners on an online SBCC Resource Bank as part of the knowledge management website. Reports on adolescent nutrition formative research and the maternal nutrition trial of improved practices (TIPs) research were finalized and SBCC strategy was formulated. The project started Enhanced Community Conversations (ECCs) via both LNGOs and MVHH saving group platforms to improve the adoption of maternal, infant, young child nutrition (MIYCN) practices, reaching a total of 13,155 individuals. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church – Development Association (EOTC-DICAC) also provided training for 247 clergies on laws and regulations related to fasting for pregnant and lactating women, and children under two in Amhara region.
Water, Hygiene and Sanitation (WASH) In Rural Households In Amhara, Oromia, SNNP and Tigray
A report on the findings and recommendations of a multi-method qualitative research study for Social and Behavior Change Communication programming supporting improved water, hygiene and sanitation household practices in Ethiopia
Maternal Diet and Nutrition Practices and Their Determinants
A report on formative research findings and recommendations for Social and Behavior Change Communication programming supporting improved maternal nutrition practices in the Amhara, Oromia, SNNP and Tigray regions of Ethiopia
Mothers’ Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices and Their Determinants in Amhara and Oromia Regions
A report on formative research findings and recommendations for Social and Behavior Change Communication programming supporting improved infant and young child feeding practices in Ethiopia
Fathers’ Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices and Their Determinants in Amhara, Oromia, SNNP and Tigray Regions
A report on formative research findings and recommendations for Social and Behavior Change Communication programming supporting improved infant and young child feeding practices in Ethiopia
Policy Brief: Agriculture, Diet and Nutrition: Newer Perspectives
Summary of research assessing the links between agricultural production, commercialization, markets and gender on household diet diversity and to discuss resulting policy recommendations.
Policy Brief: Diet Patterns In Rural Ethiopia
Summarizes research examining the drivers of dietary choices in Ethiopia focusing on the role that seasonality, food distribution, and women play in household diet patterns.
Policy Brief: Improving Maternal Nutrition Status in Ethiopia
Summarizes key findings on maternal nutrition and health indictors from the ENGINE Birth Cohort Study, along with policy and future research recommendations.
Menu Planning Game for Improved Dietary Diversity and Increased Frequency of Eating/Feeding-Tigringa
The revised version includes a 1 square meter vinyl mat with printed images of 3 large bowls (for meals) and 2 small bowls (for snacks); a set of laminated food cards that include a variety of animal source foods, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, staple foods, breastmilk, and also non-nutritious/junk foods (e.g. candy and sweets, biscuits, carbinated beverages); and written instructions for the facilitator.
Menu Planning Game for Improved Dietary Diversity and Increased Frequency of Eating/Feeding-Oromiffa
The revised version includes a 1 square meter vinyl mat with printed images of 3 large bowls (for meals) and 2 small bowls (for snacks); a set of laminated food cards that include a variety of animal source foods, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, staple foods, breastmilk, and also non-nutritious/junk foods (e.g. candy and sweets, biscuits, carbinated beverages); and written instructions for the facilitator.
