Baseline nutrition survey report validated

The National Nutrition Agency (NaNA) recently held a daylong workshop to validate the report of its baseline nutrition survey which was funded by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

The validation, held at NaNA conference hall in Kanifing, was attended by various stakeholders.

Speaking on the occasion, Malang Fofana, deputy executive director of NaNA, said the study was conducted through an agreement signed by NaNA and the FAO.

He said the agreement is aimed at improving nutritional status and wellbeing of The Gambian populace as nutrition is key to the attainment of meaningful development.

Mariatou Njie, assistant FAO country representative, said the survey was a baseline assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of households on improved nutrition. 

It was a component under the Food and Agriculture Sector Development Programme (FASDEP) Technical Assistance project.

Madam Njie said the survey was conducted to determine the KAP of teachers, pupils and households in Lower River, Central River and West Coast regions as well as assess the nutritional status of schoolchildren.

The study methodology entailed a combination of quantitative and semi-qualitative methods of data gathering and analysis.

“The findings will provide essential guidance for effective implementation of the FASDEP technical assistance,” the assistant FAO country rep said.  “Segregation of the findings by vulnerability groups will allow us to prioritise and target resources and interventions to the communities, schools and households who need them in the 3 regions.”

Madam Njie said FAO seeks to help improve diets and raise levels of nutrition of the poorest and most nutritionally-vulnerable in gender-sensitive and sustainable ways.