Stunting: Considerations for Use as an Indicator in Nutrition Projects

This literature review, published by USAID Advancing Nutrition, summarizes the strengths and limitations of stunting as an indicator of nutrition interventions’ impact, marking a turning point in what defines successful monitoring and evaluation of nutrition interventions.. The review discusses stunting as an indicator by examining existing literature to illustrate recent perspectives on stunting as an indicator, describes some of the nuances of stunting measurement, suggests when the prevalence of stunting might—or might not—be an appropriate indicator, and evaluates the process for identifying a broader set of indicators to monitor and evaluate nutrition programs. It informed the companion guidance document, which suggests approaches and indicators for comprehensively and meaningfully measuring the results of nutrition programs.