Improving Child Health Outcomes in Food-Insecure Communities: A Collaborative Learning and Adaptation(CLA) Approach

Strengthen PSNP Institutions and Resilience II (SPIR II), funded by USAID BHA, operates in 22 woredas in Ethiopia. Chronic malnutrition is driven by high poverty rates, food insecurity, and limited access to a nutritious diet, negatively impacting children's development and health. The PSNP program in Ethiopia provides targeted households with food items such as wheat, pulses, and vegetable oil and/or cash support, along with minimal behavior change communication addressing only a partial component of essential nutrition practices, specifically Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF). To address this gap, SPIR II implemented a unique CLA approach to improve IYCF. The consortium leveraged each partner's strengths, conducted in-depth consultations with community members, and designed culturally appropriate IYCF interventions, demonstrating strong external collaboration. A baseline evaluation was established, and continuous monitoring and feedback mechanisms, including a mini knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) study, were implemented to track progress and gather insights, illustrating M&E for learning. This data-driven approach allowed for real-time adaptations, ensuring the program's responsiveness and effectiveness, through continuous learning and improvement. The CLA approach led to significant improvements, with a 30% increase in IYCF practices in intervention areas and a 22% increase in dietary diversity among children. The program's success was facilitated by donor funding, effective consortium collaboration, robust monitoring systems, and ongoing community feedback. This dynamic, iterative process effectively addressed specific community needs, resulting in improved IYCF practices and child health outcomes in the target areas. To replicate, form strong partnerships, engage communities, and adapt interventions based on real-time feedback and data.