Community-based nutrition interventions across the continuum of care in humanitarian settings: a systematic review and evidence map

To systematically review and map the evidence on community-based nutrition interventions implemented in humanitarian and emergency settings in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), focusing on intervention types, outcomes, evidence gaps and implications for humanitarian nutrition systems.

Systematic review and evidence mapping conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eight electronic databases and twenty-six organisational websites were searched for studies published between 2010 and 2024. Studies are mapped by intervention and outcome categories. Findings are synthesised narratively.

Humanitarian and emergency settings in LMIC affected by conflict, fragility, displacement or natural disasters.

Women, infants, children, adolescents, caregivers and households receiving community-based nutrition interventions delivered through community health workers (CHW), volunteers, peer counsellors, care groups or other community platforms.

Fifty-three documents met inclusion criteria, including thirty-nine primary study documents representing thirty-three interventions across twenty countries and fourteen systematic reviews. Most evidence originates from Africa and focuses on community groups, nutrition counselling and community-based management of acute malnutrition. Preventive interventions generally improved infant and young child feeding practices and caregiver behaviours but showed inconsistent effects on anthropometric outcomes. Treatment interventions delivered through CHW and community volunteers improved recovery, programme coverage and treatment performance. However, evidence on dietary intake, food security, caregiver capacity, relapse prevention and longer-term outcomes remains limited.

Community-based nutrition interventions are central to extending nutrition service delivery in humanitarian settings and show strong potential to improve feeding practices and treatment outcomes. More integrated and context-sensitive evaluation frameworks are needed to strengthen evidence for resilient humanitarian nutrition programming.