Evidence-based policymaking is crucial for developing cost-effective strategies that address the root causes of food insecurity and malnutrition around the world. However, significant gaps exist between research and policy, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). More evidence does not always lead to better policies. Often, translating evidence into action is hindered by cognitive, institutional, and logistical barriers.
Overcoming those barriers is an urgent challenge as the global nutrition and food security crisis reaches alarming levels, with millions of people worldwide suffering from various forms of malnutrition ranging from undernourishment to obesity, along with growing food insecurity. Ethiopia is a case in point. The latest national survey revealed that 37% of children under 5 had stunting (low height for age), 11% had wasting (low weight for age), and 22% were underweight. These statistics reflect a broader trend observed in many LMICs, where malnutrition manifests differently across rural and urban populations. In rural areas, the triple burden of undernutrition—stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies—remains more prevalent, while urban centers grapple more with rising rates of overweight and obesity. These are complex problems, presenting major challenges for policymakers.
A key solution to this crisis—an in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2), zero hunger and malnutrition—lies in adopting innovative evidence-to-policy approaches that effectively translate nutrition research into actionable policies. Such approaches do more than just generate high-quality data—they facilitate the systematic use of that data in policy development and implementation. The National Information Platforms for Nutrition (NiPN), an initiative introduced by the European Commission (EC)—and currently operating in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Côte d’Ivoire, Kenya, Laos, Niger, Uganda, and Zambia—shows particular promise on this front. In a recent paper published in the Journal of Global Health, we employed a case study methodology to evaluate NiPNs in improving evidence-based policymaking in nutrition.
NiPN is a pioneering initiative aimed at bridging the gap between nutrition research and policymaking. By employing a “reverse methodology,” (Figure 1) NIPN starts with identifying pressing policy needs and then generates targeted evidence to address those needs. Embedded within national institutions, NIPN analyzes multisectoral data to inform policy development, program design, and investment decisions. Its operational cycle—consisting of question formulation, data analysis, and communication of finding—ensures that nutrition policies are evidence-based and aligned with government priorities. The Multisectoral Advisory Committee plays a critical role in guiding the process, ensuring effective communication, and supporting national efforts for improved nutrition outcomes.
Figure 1
This approach contrasts with traditional evidence-generation models, which typically involve researchers identifying evidence gaps and addressing them. In contrast, NiPN’s demand-driven model ensures that evidence generation is aligned with the practical needs of policymakers. This methodology ensures that the evidence produced is not only relevant and timely but also directly applicable to current policy challenges.
NiPN’s model has led to significant improvements in how nutrition evidence is used to influence policy outcomes.
By aligning evidence generation with strategic policy goals, NiPN has engaged a wide range of stakeholders—including government ministries, research institutions, civil society, and international organizations in the countries where it operates. This collaborative approach enhances the practical application of evidence in policymaking, ensuring that nutrition policies are not only evidence-based but also contextually relevant to the challenges faced by diverse populations, such as those in Ethiopia.
Examples of NiPN’s successes: Case studies from Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, NiPN’s work on two important nutrition programs has seen success in improving nutrition outcomes:
- Stunting reduction program: NiPN played a key role in securing significant funding for Ethiopia’s Seqota Declaration (SD) program, which aims to eliminate child stunting by 2030. By generating evidence on the impact of key initiatives during the early years of the expansion phase of the SD program, and by aligning this evidence with Ethiopia’s national development goals, NIPN successfully mobilized both political and financial support for the initiative. This case highlights how targeted evidence can drive large-scale funding and foster policy engagement at the highest levels of government.
- School feeding programs: In another case, NiPN’s evidence-based approach led to increased stakeholder engagement in national school feeding programs, a multi-sectoral initiative aimed at improving child nutrition. By generating evidence and organizing high-level discussion forums that engaged key stakeholders, NIPN highlighted the importance of school feeding programs. The data-driven approach helped garner broader support from both the government and donor agencies, ultimately expanding the program’s reach and impact..
These case studies underscore the value of aligning evidence with policy objectives. Through effective stakeholder engagement, strategic resource mobilization, and clear communication of evidence, NiPN has contributed significantly to advancing Ethiopia’s nutrition agenda.
Expanding the NiPN model: Opportunities and challenges
While NiPN’s reverse evidence-to-policy model has proven successful in Ethiopia, scaling this model to other countries or sectors may require careful adaptation. For example, resource constraints, political instability, and governance challenges could hinder NiPN’s implementation in other LMICs.
However, several opportunities exist for expanding NiPN’s approach. The model could be adapted to tackle other critical developmental challenges in LMICs, such as water security, health care access, and climate change adaptation. By strengthening data infrastructures and promoting multi-sectoral collaboration, countries can enhance their capacity to make evidence-based decisions that lead to sustainable development outcomes.
Conclusion: The path forward
NiPN’s innovative evidence-to-policy model is a significant step forward in accelerating progress toward the nutrition-related SDGs. By focusing on policymakers’ needs and ensuring that evidence is directly relevant to current policy challenges, NiPN has demonstrated how research can be transformed into actionable solutions. While there are challenges in expanding this model to other countries and sectors, NiPN’s potential to improve global nutrition and food security remains considerable.
By adapting NiPN’s approach, strengthening research and data infrastructures, and fostering continuous stakeholder engagement, countries can enhance their ability to tackle the complex and persistent challenges of malnutrition. As we move forward, the NiPN model offers a promising framework for transforming nutrition policy and advancing global goals for better health, nutrition, and food security.
Taddese Zerfu is a Research Fellow with IFPRI’s Development Strategies and Governance (DSG) Unit based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Opinions are the author’s.
This work was supported by the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ).
Referenced paper:
Zerfu, Taddese Alemu; Tareke, Amare Abera; Genye, Tirsit; Bayable, Melaku; Muleta, Anbissa; Getu, Zekarias; et al. 2024. Revolutionising multi-sectoral nutrition policy: Insights from the Ethiopian National Information Platform for Nutrition (NiPN) approach. Journal of Global Health 14: 03041. https://jogh.org/2024/jogh-14-03041
