Nutrition Surveys and Surveillance

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

Nutrition surveillance continuously monitors the nutritional status of a population and the factors influencing it (e.g. causes of undernutrition). This ongoing data informs preventive measures, policies and programmes and helps us understand the effectiveness of nutrition interventions. This indicator shows the extent to which a project conducted such surveys.

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) Establish clear criteria of what constitutes a SMART survey, Coverage survey, Nutrition Causal Analysis (NCA), and what might fall under ‘other surveys’. Refer to established methodologies for each type (see below).

 

3) Review the existing project documentation (e.g. MEAL plans and reports) and consult your colleagues regarding the nutrition surveys implemented in the reference period. Identify how many surveys were conducted during the period and met the pre-defined criteria.

 

4) The value of the indicator equals to the number of nutrition surveys that were implemented in the reference period and met the pre-defined criteria.

 

Disaggregate the data by the type of nutrition surveys conducted.

1) 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.

 

2) 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 various nutrition-related assessments that don't strictly fall under SMART, Coverage, or NCA. Examples might include:

  • Rapid Nutrition Assessments

  • Micronutrient Surveys

  • Dietary Surveys

  • Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) Surveys: Related to nutrition behaviours

  • Formative studies, which are conducted to gain a better understanding of what determines selected nutrition behaviours. More information is available at www.behaviourchange.net