Project Description
The short course aimed to contribute to improved nutrition indicators and food security policy in Sri Lanka and opened the door to further collaboration and capacity development between Sri Lankan practitioners and their Australian counterparts. This short course provided a point of reference in considering the future of health and nutrition policy in Australia, while also serving to inform the development of future Australian Programs in Sri Lanka.
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
The 22 participants were drawn from a wide range of backgrounds – health, agriculture, food processing and food security, and from sectors such as government, universities, civil society organisations and the private sector. This diversity was important to break participants out of their own silos and expose them to new ideas and approaches.
The participants took their newfound knowledge and networks back to their workplaces, with the aim to improve nutrition and food security in the wider community.
Outcomes to Date
Each participant was required to conduct a return to work project, that will contribute in some way to improving the food security and nutrition status of Sri Lanka.
Twelve of the participants opted to undertake research projects, five chose to implement development projects and a further five chose to undertake behaviour changeprojects. This closely reflects the work of participants, approximately half of whom were in academia, non-government or government research positions.
Participant RWP topics cover:
• Awareness-raising and education of nutrition and food security issues inspecific communities (including post-conflict communities)
• Various aspects of applied nutrition and food security research, often involving community surveys and questionnaires
• Maternal nutrition interventions, including information collection via surveys
• Reducing food waste and pesticide use
• Development of nutritious food products
Project Significance
Sri Lanka is a small island nation with a population of 21 million that has witnessed significant development and socioeconomic progress following the end of its 27-year civil conflict in 2009. The country’s progress is reflected in its middle-income status and achievement of most Millennium Development Goals. Despite significant achievements in human development, the country still faces many socioeconomic challenges, including the impact of a nutritional ‘double burden’ of undernutrition and overnutrition.
The 22 participants built their professional capacities through this program to improve nutrition and food security in Sri Lanka.
Participants were provided training in these key areas:
1. Multisectoral frameworks
2. Planning and development
3. Nutrition initiatives
4. Food security
5. Capacity development