Inspiring the shift from nutrition policy to implementation – NiPN study in Guatemala

* Originally published at the NiPN website
Inspiring the shift from nutrition policy to implementation:
how existing data can support nutrition decision-making in Guatemala

This new study analyses Guatemala’s progress in implementing multisectoral stunting reduction strategies, specifically the National Strategy for the Prevention of Chronic Malnutrition (ENPDC) 2016-2020. It demonstrates the potential of the National Information Platforms for Nutrition (NIPN) approach for tracking country-level progress and informing decisions using existing data. It is based on a larger national report published in Spanish in Guatemala, used ahead of the 2019 elections to advocate for better implementation of nutrition actions and, where appropriate, to consider adjustments to implementation or budget allocation.

The NiPN in Guatemala has performed an analysis of progress in implementing multisectoral stunting reduction strategies, drawing three main lessons:

1. Commitments and priorities under each successive stunting reduction strategy were not matched by required financial inputs.
2. Adequate and balanced budget allocations as well as repartitions across and within sectors have not been optimally assured for every component of the strategy. The implementation of key components has been affected by the low financial execution capacities of some actors/sectors.
3. The absence of coverage data and outcome-level indicators means that it is not possible to track whether progress is made against the strategic and operational plans, and to course correct where necessary. 
   The full report, in Spanish, has been presented at the Congress ahead of the 2019 elections to advocate for better implementation of nutrition actions and, where appropriate, to consider adjustments to implementation or budget allocation. A brief has also been published in English as an “EU case study” for wider dissemination, as the lessons learnt have a universal value. This study demonstrates the potential of the NiPN approach for tracking country-level progress and informing decisions using existing data.

• Full Report – Español
• Case Study Brief – English

NiPN in Guatemala

The NiPN in Guatemala aims to support the efforts of the Secretariat of Food and Nutrition Security (SESAN) in strengthening information systems on nutrition through better management and use of existing multisectoral information for decision-making.

The project focuses on optimising analysis and reporting of available information in order to inform revision of multisectoral policies and programmes, strategic and operational planning, and tracking and reporting on progress towards the ENPDC strategy targets. The information is also used to hold stakeholders accountable.

In Guatemala, NiPN is implemented by the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE) in close collaboration with SESAN, the national institution responsible for multisectoral coordination of food and nutrition security.

• More information about NiPN – http://www-dev.nipn-nutrition-platforms.org/