Strategic Layering to Improve Household Gender Dynamics for Optimal Nutrition in Niger
About
Catholic Relief Services, Penn State University, and the University of Zinder conducted an 18-month research study to examine the effectiveness of layering of three interventions to improve household gender dynamics and nutrition for pregnant and lactating women and young children – (1) nutrition education, (2) economic strengthening through Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC) and (3) a nutrition-integrated couples’ strengthening approach (the Maison Familiale Harmonieuse, MFH). The study used a mixed-methods design consisting of a quantitative survey of over 2,300 households complemented by collection of qualitative data via focus group discussions, key informant interviews, observations of meal preparation and couples strengthening sessions, and anthropological methods focused on the cultural drivers of food choice, feeding, and gender.