Can stunting measure the impact of nutrition programs?
For over a decade, evaluators and nutrition program implementers have used stunting (low height-for-age) to measure program achievements. The prevalence of stunting is an important population-level measure that provides insights into a populations’ overall living conditions and welfare, and can help track progress of a population over time. But recent literature has critically examined the use of stunting as an indicator for evaluating the impact of nutrition interventions.
Our literature review summarizes the strengths and limitations of stunting as an indicator. A companion guide draws on this review to suggest approaches and indicators for comprehensively and meaningfully measuring the results of nutrition programs.
