| Title: |
Implementation matters: program impact pathway analysis of four sectoral nutrition-sensitive interventions in Anambra and Kebbi States, Nigeria |
| Authors: |
Ezekannagha, O.; Drimie, S.; von Fintel, D.; Maziya-Dixon, B.; Mbhenyane, X. |
| Source: |
Ezekannagha, O., Drimie, S., Von Fintel, D., Maziya-Dixon, B. & Mbhenyane, X. (2025). Implementation matters: program impact pathway analysis of four sectoral nutrition-sensitive interventions in Anambra and Kebbi States, Nigeria. Global Health Action, 18(1): 2519677, 1-14. |
| Publisher Information: |
Informa UK Limited |
| Publication Year: |
2025 |
| Collection: |
CGIAR CGSpace (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research) |
| Subject Terms: |
capacity building; community involvement; nigeria |
| Description: |
Background: Undernutrition in early childhood can be reduced when large-scale, nutrition-sensitive programs are delivered with adequate dose, reach, fidelity, and recruitment. Objectives: This study (i) investigates the implementation and impact pathways of four nutrition-sensitive programs in Kebbi and Anambra states, Nigeria: Early Childhood Development Education (ECCDE), Environmental Sanitation, Skills Acquisition, and Agricultural Transformation Support Program (ATASP-1) and (ii) identifies cross-sector factors that enable or hinder effective dose, reach, fidelity, and recruitment. Methods: The study employs qualitative methods such as document reviews, in-depth interviews, and site observations to explore the complexity of program delivery and the contextual factors that influence its outcomes. Results: All four programs showed dose–reach–fidelity–recruitment gaps in varying degrees: irregular training and equipment delayed dose; rural and low-income communities were least reached; weak quality control cut fidelity; and recruitment seldom penetrated remote areas. Barriers across sectors included insufficient infrastructure, shortages of trained personnel, and bureaucratic funding delays. Programs with robust community engagement, active multi-stakeholder collaboration, timely resource flow, and short ‘reviewandadapt’ cycles (ATASP1 in both states; ECCDE in Anambra) overcame many shortfalls, whereas those lacking these features underperformed (Environmental Sanitation in Anambra; Skills Acquisition in Kebbi). Conclusion: Closing Nigeria’s nutrition-sensitive implementation gap demands a dual response: fix tangible barriers – staffing, infrastructure, and procurement – and institutionalize community-led planning and adaptive management to keep dose–reach–fidelity–recruitment on track. Doing so will improve program reach and quality and accelerate progress against child undernutrition. |
| Document Type: |
article in journal/newspaper |
| File Description: |
application/pdf |
| Language: |
English |
| Relation: |
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/176688 |
| Availability: |
https://hdl.handle.net/10568/176688 |
| Rights: |
Open Access |
| Accession Number: |
edsbas.46EDC764 |
| Database: |
BASE |