Effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is essential in a nutrition-related multisectoral response to track progress, assess performance, and identify solutions. A strong M&E strategy should be built on shared objectives and a common results framework across sectors, drawing on and building from what is already being measured and used at country level (e.g. multisectoral country plans). Indicators should reflect steps along the pathway to preventing undernutrition, as changes in nutrition status (e.g. wasting, stunting, micronutrient deficiencies) may take time and be influenced by many factors. Programmes should therefore focus on tracking both output and outcome indicators that can be directly linked to the interventions implemented, while complementing standard measures with context-specific process indicators.
In the food security sector, M&E should measure availability, access, affordability, and utilisation of diverse, nutritious foods. Indicators may include household dietary diversity, market availability of key nutrient-rich foods, food assistance (in-kind and CVA) coverage, and the reach of programmes promoting sustainable food systems, ensuring alignment with the overall multisectoral nutrition pathway.
Example below:
