11.3.1 The focus of community-based nutrition behaviour change communication
The focus of community-based nutrition (CBN) behaviour change communication in Ethiopia and throughout Africa is to facilitate feeding and dietary behaviours that are compatible with growth, development, long-term health, survival and productivity. Therefore your work will involve:
- Promotion of essential nutrition actions
- Promotion of food-based approaches to enhance the production and consumption of a wide range of nutritious foods.
A balanced and healthy diet is the key outcome.
The essential nutrition actions
Major emphasis is given to essential nutrition actions (ENA) in all national nutrition-related policies, strategies, programmes and guidelines including the National Nutrition Strategy (NNS), the National Nutrition Programme (NNP) and the National guidelines for control and prevention of micronutrient deficiencies. Table 11.2 summarises the seven ENAs and the key messages you will need to communicate to the target audiences in your community such as parents of young children. Take some time now to read the information set out in the table.
Table 11.2 Seven essential nutrition actions (ENA) and key messages. (Source: Linkages project/AED Ethiopia, 2005, Behavioural change communication manual)
11.3 Nutrition behaviour change communication