Nutrition Surveys and Surveillance

Output

number of SMART, Coverage, Nutrition Causal Analysis (NCA) or other surveys implemented

This DG ECHO Key Result Indicator (KRI) measures the number of eligible nutrition-specific or nutrition-sensitive assessments implemented during the project timeframe. Such assessments provide information on the nutrition situation, nutrition programme performance or causes of undernutrition. The indicator is an output count; it does not by itself measure the quality or functioning of a nutrition surveillance system.

Determine the indicator's value by using the following methodology:

 

1) Define the project (reference) period. Clearly establish the timeframe of the specific project you are monitoring.

 

2) Apply DG ECHO's eligibility criteria. Count only nutrition-specific or nutrition-sensitive assessments that:

(a) provide information on the nutrition situation, nutrition programme performance or causes of undernutrition;

(b) comply with an internationally validated methodology; and

(c) are implemented during the project timeframe.

Classify each eligible assessment as SMART, coverage, NCA or ‘other’, using the relevant method-specific guidance below.

3) Review the survey or assessment reports and maintain a record of each assessment reported under the indicator. Verify for each assessment its type, implementation date and evidence that it meets all three DG ECHO eligibility criteria. Where information is unclear, verify it with the staff responsible for the assessment. Count each eligible assessment once.

 

4) The indicator value is the number of eligible surveys or assessments implemented during the project timeframe. Report the total indicator value and provide the breakdown by survey type in the DG ECHO comments field.

This data can be disaggregated by survey type, and, if relevant and feasible, also by geographic area.

1) This is a predefined DG ECHO Key Result Indicator. When using it in a DG ECHO Single Form, use the KRI wording and definition provided in the Single Form. Adapt the source and method of data collection to the actual Action and available information systems, as required by DG ECHO.

2) For a new DG ECHO Action, the baseline will normally be 0 because the indicator counts assessments implemented during the Action timeframe. Set the target as the number of eligible assessments expected to be implemented by the end of the Action. At reporting stage, report the actual number implemented.

3) In addition to reporting on the number of surveys conducted, report also on how the data was used, including what actions were taken based on the findings.

 

4) Specific considerations for each survey type:

• SMART (Standardized Monitoring and Assessment of Relief and Transitions) Surveys: These surveys should adhere to "SMART methodology". Further information is provided at the SMART website.

• Coverage Surveys: These surveys aim to determine the proportion of a target population reached by specific interventions. For example, Semi-Quantitative Evaluation of Access and Coverage (SQUEAC) or Simplified Lot Quality Assurance Sampling Evaluation of Access and Coverage (SLEAC) are used to assess the coverage of acute malnutrition treatment services and are described in more detail at the CMAM Coverage Monitoring website. 

• Nutrition Causal Analysis (NCA): Link-NCA is a participatory, mixed method study and is used to identify the causes of undernutrition in a given context. For more information visit the LINK NCA website. 

• Other Surveys: This category can include other nutrition-specific or nutrition-sensitive assessments only if they meet all three DG ECHO eligibility criteria above, including use of an internationally validated methodology. Being nutrition-related alone is not sufficient. Potential examples include:

  • Rapid Nutrition Assessments

  • Micronutrient Surveys

  • Dietary Surveys

Also consider using the following indicators:

• Prevalence of Global Acute Malnutrition Based on WHZ (measures a key nutrition-status result commonly estimated through SMART surveys)

• Coverage of Acute Malnutrition Treatment Services (measures the treatment coverage assessed through SQUEAC or SLEAC)

• Treatment of Undernutrition (complements survey outputs with the number of children accessing acute malnutrition treatment)

• Ongoing Nutrition Programmes (complements assessment activities with a measure of functioning nutrition services)