Implementation matters: program impact pathway analysis of four sectoral nutrition-sensitive interventions in Anambra...

Undernutrition in early childhood can be reduced when large-scale, nutrition-sensitive programs are delivered with adequate dose, reach, fidelity, and recruitment.

This study (i) investigates the implementation and impact pathways of four nutrition-sensitive programs in Kebbi and Anambra states, Nigeria: Early Childhood Development Education (ECCDE), Environmental Sanitation, Skills Acquisition, and Agricultural Transformation Support Program (ATASP-1) and (ii) identifies cross-sector factors that enable or hinder effective dose, reach, fidelity, and recruitment.

The study employs qualitative methods such as document reviews, in-depth interviews, and site observations to explore the complexity of program delivery and the contextual factors that influence its outcomes.

All four programs showed dose-reach-fidelity-recruitment gaps in varying degrees: irregular training and equipment delayed dose; rural and low-income communities were least reached; weak quality control cut fidelity; and recruitment seldom penetrated remote areas. Barriers across sectors included insufficient infrastructure, shortages of trained personnel, and bureaucratic funding delays. Programs with robust community engagement, active multi-stakeholder collaboration, timely resource flow, and short 'reviewandadapt' cycles (ATASP1 in both states; ECCDE in Anambra) overcame many shortfalls, whereas those lacking these features underperformed (Environmental Sanitation in Anambra; Skills Acquisition in Kebbi).

Closing Nigeria's nutrition-sensitive implementation gap demands a dual response: fix tangible barriers - staffing, infrastructure, and procurement - and institutionalize community-led planning and adaptive management to keep dose-reach-fidelity-recruitment on track. Doing so will improve program reach and quality and accelerate progress against child undernutrition.