DFID’s contribution to improving nutrition

Our approach

This review assesses whether DFID’s approach to tackling under-nutrition is likely to achieve its ambitious targets. We asked whether the scope and balance of the different components is appropriate and whether the programme is being implemented at the necessary scale and pace to achieve its objectives for intended beneficiaries. We examined whether DFID’s support to nutrition through bilateral and multilateral programming is strategic and coherent and is achieving – or is on track to achieve – meaningful results for its intended beneficiaries. We also assessed whether DFID is likely to achieve its 2015 targets, given the scope, pace and effectiveness of its programme.

We reviewed DFID’s overall portfolio of 114 nutrition projects and its programmes in Zambia and India. We also examined six projects in these countries. We reviewed DFID’s global advocacy work. We focussed on children under the age of five – who are undernourished or at risk of becoming so – and their mothers.

Review questions

1. Objectives: What is the programme trying to achieve?
2. Delivery: Is the delivery chain managed so as to be fit for purpose?
3. Impact: What is the impact on intended beneficiaries?
4. Learning: What works and what needs improvement?