Study on Nutrition Determinants and Strategies in the North-East of India
Study on Nutrition Determinants and Strategies in the North-East of India was a World Bank-funded research project conducted in Nagaland through Oxford Policy Management (OPM) in partnership with The Highland Institute. The study examined the primary determinants of nutrition and health outcomes among women and children, with a particular focus on maternal health, child nutrition, and community-based health service delivery.
Researchers from The Highland Institute were engaged as consultants to investigate the health and nutrition experiences of pregnant women and mothers with children under two years of age. The study assessed nutrition intake, access to health services, and the effectiveness of community-level interventions implemented through the Community Action for Health and Nutrition (CAHN) component of the Nagaland Health Project.
Project Information
Project Lead: Aarushi Bhatnagar
Duration: September 2018 – November 2018
Funder: World Bank
Partner Institutions: Oxford Policy Management (OPM), The Highland Institute
Status: Completed
Project Overview
The project explored the social, institutional, and behavioural factors influencing health and nutrition outcomes in Nagaland. Particular attention was given to maternal and child health services, nutrition practices, health committee functionality, and community satisfaction with healthcare delivery systems.
The study sought to understand barriers affecting access to healthcare and nutrition services while identifying opportunities to strengthen community-based interventions and support evidence-based policymaking.
Objectives
- Improve understanding of the determinants of nutrition and health outcomes in Nagaland.
- Identify gaps and barriers in maternal and child health services.
- Assess the implementation and effectiveness of the Community Action for Health and Nutrition (CAHN) programme.
- Generate evidence-based recommendations to improve nutrition and health outcomes.
- Support community engagement and capacity-building initiatives.
- Strengthen coordination among stakeholders involved in health and nutrition service delivery.
Research Themes
- Public Health
- Nutrition and Food Security
- Maternal and Child Health
- Community Health Systems
- Health Service Delivery
- Development Policy
Activities
- Household surveys and community consultations.
- Assessment of maternal and child nutrition practices.
- Evaluation of health service delivery mechanisms.
- Analysis of health committee functionality and community participation.
- Stakeholder engagement and capacity-building activities.
- Evidence generation for policy and programme development.
Outcomes
The project generated important insights into the factors shaping nutrition and health outcomes in Nagaland. Findings contributed to a better understanding of maternal and child health challenges and informed efforts to strengthen community-based health interventions.
The study supported improvements in access to information, health services, and coordinated support systems at the community level. It also contributed to evidence-based recommendations aimed at improving nutrition practices, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and strengthening cross-sectoral approaches to addressing malnutrition and health inequalities.
Research Team
- Aarushi Bhatnagar — Project Lead
- Michael Heneise — Research Coordinator
- 40 Local Researchers — Field Researchers and Data Collection Team
Partner Institutions
- Oxford Policy Management (OPM)
- The Highland Institute
- World Bank
Related Topics
- Public Health
- Nutrition
- Maternal and Child Health
- Community Health
- Development Policy
- Nagaland