Accelerating reductions in undernutrition: What can nutrition governance can tell us ?

This policy briefing is based on a study that compares the formulation and implementation of government nutrition strategies in six countries (Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Peru and Zambia). To identify the drivers of governance, the authors used a framework which focuses on four key factors: intersectoral cooperation, vertical coordination, sustainable funding, and monitoring and advocacy. It helps to identify key aspects of effective nutrition governance and how it contributes to accelerating undernutrition reduction. Policy recommendations are addressed to government leaders, policymakers and key stakeholders of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) movement. The authors highlight the importance of strong executive leadership to promote cooperation across sectors, right structures to support coordination among different levels of government, sustainable sources of financing for nutrition interventions and investments in monitoring and advocacy to maintain political commitment.

IDS - April 2012