THE ROLE OF INFORMATION IN THE PLANNING, MANAGEMENT AND EVALUATION OFCOMMUNITY NUTRITION-PROGRAMS

Protein-energy malnutrition has many diverse location-specific causes which make if difficult to solve through uniform interventions impleme nted through vertical programmes. This paper investigates the role of information in the planning, management and evaluation of several comm unity nutrition programmes judged to be successful. The programmes com e from Tanzania (Iringa), India (Tamil Nadu), Dominican Republic and C olombia. The review finds that the initial conceptualization and desig n of these programmes benefited from the results of earlier surveys an d experience with similar programmes in the same or other countries. S trong capacity for operations research is important to assist with a m yriad of small but important programme design details and larger mid-t erm re-orientations. The impact of this information depends upon the f lexibility of the programme and receptivity of its management towards a learning-by-doing approach. Information for on-going programme manag ement differs widely and conforms to the overall character of the indi vidual programme. Thus, Iringa employs a simple system based on commun ity growth monitoring, primarily to catalyze intervention planning and action at household and community levels. Tamil Nadu's system is far more complex and is primarily intended to assist in the delivery of ce ntrally planned interventions. Programme evaluation benefited from inf ormation generated within the programme, but more rigorous impact eval uation requires stronger designs and more in-depth analysis than is us ually provided. Overall, the review suggests that characteristics like community participation, empowerment and growth monitoring are less i mportant in the short/medium term than strong management, a learning-b y-doing approach, and the existence of some method for informing progr amme design and management about community needs and responses to the programme. The former characteristics may well be important for the lo nger-term sustainability of programmes.