Improving maternal and child nutrition in fragile and humanitarian settings remains a major global challenge. This case study highlights an integrated, community-driven initiative implemented in Somaliland that focuses on Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN). Led by the African Children’s Rights Foundation (ACRIF) in partnership with Welthungerhilfe (WHH), and funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the project demonstrates how combining nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions can lead to meaningful and sustainable improvements.
Over a three-year period, the intervention applied a holistic strategy that included nutrition counselling, mother-led screening for malnutrition, kitchen gardening, hygiene promotion, and community engagement. By placing women at the center as key agents of change—while also engaging men and broader community members—the project fostered shared responsibility and long-term behavioral change.
Evidence from baseline and endline evaluations shows significant progress in exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding practices, maternal dietary diversity, and household hygiene. The initiative provides a practical and scalable model for strengthening nutrition resilience in vulnerable communities.
Undernutrition among mothers and children continues to be a persistent issue in Somaliland, particularly in drought-prone and resource-constrained areas. Factors such as food insecurity, low dietary diversity, recurring climatic shocks, and deeply rooted gender norms limit optimal feeding practices for infants and young children.
Prior to the intervention, baseline findings revealed substantial gaps:
- Very low dietary diversity among women
- Poor complementary feeding practices among children
- Limited knowledge of optimal nutrition behaviors
- Low participation of women in household decision-making
- Minimal engagement in food production and kitchen gardening
These challenges contributed to increased risks of stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies among children.
In response, the project was designed to address both the immediate and underlying causes of malnutrition. It integrated behavior change communication with practical solutions such as household food production and community-led learning. Implemented across communities in Maroodi-Jex and Togdheer regions, the approach emphasized empowerment, local ownership, and system strengthening to ensure sustainable impact.
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