The Role of Civil Society in Spotlighting Nutrition

Abstract

Implementation of nutrition interventions and agendas must be accompanied by a good understanding of nutrition among political players, policymakers and the general public. Civil society has a unique role of creating demand and building consciousness towards the importance of nutrition at all levels and among all key stakeholders in nutrition development. Awareness-raising and demand creation are key components of the story of change that has seen public involvement in an issue as important to development as nutrition.

As a result, there has been meaningful involvement of the population, especially beneficiaries who are key in determining which interventions should receive most emphasis to bring about lasting improvements in nutrition status. A nutrition-conscious population will always seek for what is best in terms of nutrition, including holding to account duty bearers in the implementation process through effective monitoring mechanisms.