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Final Report:

NUTRITION SENSITIVE AGRICULTURE WORKSHOPS

CARIBBEAN COAST REGIONS (RACCN AND RACCS), NICARAGUA

FEBRUARY - MAY, 2017

OBJECTIVES: .................................................................................................................................................. 2

PUERTO CABEZAS, RACCN FEBRUARY 7 - 10 .......................................................................................... 2

TUES., FEB.7 – OPENING TECHNICAL WORKSHOP: ................................................................................... 3

Wed., Feb.8 – Prinzapolka ........................................................................................................................ 4

Thurs., Feb.9 – San Pablo, Tasba Pri ......................................................................................................... 4

FRI., FEB.10 – POST FIELD VISIT SESSION IN BILWI ................................................................................... 4

SIUNA, LAS MINAS, RACCN MARCH 13-14 ................................................................................................ 5

BLUEFIELDS, RACCS APRIL 3-4 ................................................................................................................... 6

Annex 1: PROGRAMA TALLER DE AGRICULTURA SENSIBLE A LA NUTRICIÓN .............................................. 8

Annex 2: Viernes 10 febrero (7:30 am – 1 pm) ........................................................................................... 10

Annex 3: PROGRAMA DE TALLER LAS MINAS ............................................................................................. 11

Annex 4: PROGRAMA DE TALLER BLUEFIELDS ............................................................................................ 12

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OBJECTIVES: 1. Share experiences and refresh technical staff’s knowledge of Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture (NSA),

to achieve a deeper comprehension.

2. Generate ideas on how to better include aspects of NSA in the Integrated Development Projects

(IDPs), to improve chronic malnutrition among young children in the region.

3. Evaluate the methodology of the workshop to be converted into an easily replicable tutorial guide.

PUERTO CABEZAS, RACCN FEBRUARY 7 - 10 61 PARTICIPANTS: mostly PAIPSAN (Project to Support Food and Nutritional Security and Productivity on

the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua) personnel and staff of the Ministry of Family, Community, and

Cooperative Economy (MEFCCA), and representatives of other government ministries: the Nicaraguan

Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), the Fishing and Aquaculture Institute (INPESCA), Institute for

Agricultural Protection and Sanitation (IPSA), the Ministry of Agriculture (MAG), the Ministry of Health

(MINSA), the Ministry of Education (MINED), and the Ministry of the Family (MIFAM).

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TUES., FEB.7 – OPENING TECHNICAL WORKSHOP: The workshop opened with a presentation on

Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture (NSA) covering the (i)

Reasons for including nutrition in agricultural

interventions, (ii) Principles of NSA, and (iii) Examples

of NSA and International Success Stories.

Key messages included the importance of focusing on

women and women’s issues, agricultural production

of nutrient dense, highly acceptable foods, and the

incorporation of nutrition-explicit indicators. A

concluding slide, ‘The 10 Commandments’

summarized the main points.

A brief introduction by the Task Team Leader (TTL) of the ongoing GAFSP project was given to provide

context. Technical staff were encouraged to be innovative and creative in their support of the project

participants ‘protagonistas’ in designing the Integrated Development Projects (IPDs), as was agreed in the

objectives of the project.

The second main topic, stunting (chronic malnutrition,) provoked lively discussion. Examples of successful

interventions both in Nicaragua and internationally were shared. Key messages included the ‘invisibility’

of this type of malnutrition in rural communities, and how it affects not only linear growth but intellectual

development, and the importance of the first thousand days of life (conception to two years of age) for

interventions. It was emphasized that the IPDs can indeed make a difference and help lower the stunting

rates.

Representatives of the Nicaraguan Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) shared information about

the varieties of crops developed for regional conditions, including beans, cassava and corn. This workshop

provided INTA with the perfect opportunity to encourage the PAIPSAN project staff to make use of the

INTA seedbank and to help get biofortified seeds into the hands of small farmers.

The workshop concluded with ideas on how to include Nutrition Sensitive Agriculture in the IPDs, and a

summary of key messages: the need to increase awareness of chronic malnutrition in the communities

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because of its invisibility, the promotion of biofortified crops, and the importance of focusing nutrition

interventions on the first thousand days of life.

FIELD VISITS: As part of the workshop, filed visits and sub-workshops at various localities were held with the project

participants themselves. This emphasised the need to contextualize messages to the often very different

localities and served as a learning exercise for technical staff participating in the workshop. The sub-

workshops took place in existing target areas where IDP were either ongoing or under development.

Wed., Feb.8 – Prinzapolka Good progress on the nutrition activities of the Integrated Development Projects (IPDs) was observed.

Project protagonists reported that agricultural production has improved, that both the men and women

are now conscious of the importance of good nutrition, and there was excellent participation in the

community workshop. More detailed and precise information on the current food security and nutrition

situation in Prinzapolka however is needed, especially on micronutrient deficiencies, so that the IPD can

better respond to particular needs. The importance of having locally adapted guidance and translation to

local languages of materials was very clear as this is an indigenous population.

Thurs., Feb.9 – San Pablo, Tasba Pri In San Pablo, project participants were enthusiastic about food security, and reported that they are already diversifying their diets, but, as in Prinzapolka, there was still too little awareness of the problem of stunting. Parents thought that simply by getting their children to eat better, (especially more) problems of malnutrition would be solved. During the workshop held in San Pablo with the protagonists, the lack of awareness of stunting was evident and will need more attention. Additional topics requiring more emphasis from supervisions and in workshops include: (i) Breastfeeding and the barriers in this social context (ex. single and/or working mothers), (ii) WASH, (iii) Climate change and its effects on agriculture and food security. The visit and workshop demonstrated there is a very high level of interest at the community level, and a need for more intensive and regular sharing of information. Participants provided excellent and very useful feedback.

FRI., FEB.10 – POST FIELD VISIT SESSION IN BILWI After the 2 days of field visits, a follow-up session was held back in Bilwi. The main objectives of this wrap

up were to evaluate the workshop, get feedback from participants and enjoy the culinary demonstration

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of a traditional local nutritious recipe. It was encouraging that several of the male staff boasted they

already knew how to prepare one of the recipes (‘guabul,’ a drink made from plantains) and some claimed

they could make it even better themselves, which sparked the idea of a contest for the best recipe for

follow up workshops and supervisions.

The findings and results of the field visits were discussed at length, with animated participation from

PAIPSAN staff. That the MINSA nutritionist requested help from the MEFCCA technical staff in ensuring

that pregnant women and under five year olds comply with their prenatal and healthy child check-up, was

a promising sign of cooperation between government ministries.

SIUNA, LAS MINAS, RACCN MARCH 13-14 40 PARTICIPANTS: PAIPSAN/MEFCCA and government ministry representatives. A PAIPSAN project

proposal writer was present, and the INTA representative was unable to attend.

The Siuna workshop was held in a presentation room of the regional university campus, URRACAN, and

the size and semi-circle for seating facilitated participation and discussion.

A similar program to that of the Bilwi workshop was followed, including presentations on ASN and

chronic malnutrition, both of which prompted many questions and comments from not only PAIPSAN

staff, but from other ministry representatives.

The facilitator reviewed the main ASN and malnutrition messages after lunch, and an interactive game

revealed that some participants had not retained all the key points, so ideas were shared and discussed

about how best to transmit new concepts and how to facilitate learning for low literacy community

members.

The INTA representative was unable to attend, but PAIPSAN staff expressed enthusiasm for biofortified

crops and discussed how to obtain seed.

The discussion on the IPDs provoked animated input from the Ministry of the Family and Ministry of

Education representatives about how to better ensure coordination between government ministries,

and MEFCCA staff appreciated and will follow up on.

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The Nutrition Coordinator shared a presentation on the Dietary Diversity Indicator, and to conclude, the

Agrobusiness Consultant, gave a brief summary of the workshop content and encouraged everyone to

continue self-learning on these topics from credible sources.

BLUEFIELDS, RACCS APRIL 3-4 43 PARTICIPANTS: PAIPSAN/MEFCCA staff and similar government representation to the Bilwi and Siuna

workshops, with the addition of a marketing specialist and the Ministry of Education’s School Nutrition

representative.

In this, the third of the three workshops, held in a small seminar room of the Hotel Casa Royale, the facilitator looked to build on the both the strengths and shortcomings of the two previous sessions to optimize the participants’ learning experience. It was again helpful to quiz the participants after key presentations to gauge their grasp of the important points and to review them.

INTA representatives gave a very comprehensive and focused presentation on the current advances in biofortification in Nicaragua. The opening overview about nutrient deficiencies, including iron, provided justification for the promotion of bio-fortified crops, including cassava, sweet potato, rice and beans. The INTA beans were the only crop that prompted questions and comments from PAIPSAN agronomists; we need to work more with PAIPSAN staff on nutrient deficiencies.

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Participation was less spontaneous in this Bluefields workshop, but the discussion of NSA and the IPDs was lively, and PAIPSAN and MEFCCA staff members noted the difficulty for the protagonists of linking nutrition with the IPD. The Dietary Diversity Indicator was again presented by the Nutrition Coordinator, and the Agrobusiness Consultant reminded attendees that innovation is vital to the PAIPSAN project, and while introducing new crops and foods is challenging, PAIPSAN staff have the tools to manage it successfully.

ANNEXES: Bilwi, Siuna, Bluefields Workshop Agendas

Powerpoint presentations: NSA, DNC, and NSA longer version

INTA presentation

Estrategias Multisectoriales para Mejorar la Nutrición

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Annex 1: PROGRAMA TALLER DE AGRICULTURA SENSIBLE A LA

NUTRICIÓN DELEGACIÓN MEFCCA – BILWI, RACCN

Martes 07 febrero (1 – 5 pm)

Sesión Paralela I: Taller de Capacitación a Personal Técnico Operativo

(40-45 participantes)

1:00 INTRODUCCION: 15 mins

Bienvenida, Invitado/as especiales y el equipo BM se presenta

Propósito y Objetivos del Taller

Dinámica de Presentación

1:15 REVISIÓN DE LA AGRICULTURA SENSIBLE A LA NUTRICIÓN 60 mins.

Ejercicio en Plenario

Presentar (Power point): 1. Principios de la ASN 2. Ejemplos

Plenario: ¿Cómo hacemos que la Agricultura sea sensible a la Nutrición?

2:15 PROYECTO PAIPSAN Task Team Leader 30 mins

2:45 LA DESNUTRICION CRONICA 45 mins.

Exploración interactiva de los tipos, causas y consecuencias

Experiencias previas nacionales – éxitos y fracasos

Presentación Power point: Experiencias y aprendizajes en la reducción de la DC en otros

países

3:30 – 4:00 REFRIGERIO

4:00 – 4:30 Tecnologías sensibles a la nutrición (semillas mejoradas) INTA 30

mins

(20 mins. presentación + 10 mins. para discusión)

4:30 CONCLUSIONES, Orientaciones Visita al Campo Nutrition Coordinators 30 mins

________________

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VISITA AL CAMPO:

Miércoles 08 Febrero: Comunidades de Layasiksa y la Barra de Prinzapolka

Breve conversatorio utilizando preguntas guía como:

¿Qué entendemos por ASN?

¿Qué cambios han tenido las familias con la implementación de los proyectos en sus

comunidades?

¿Qué tipo de alimentos tradicionales se consumían en sus comunidades y como estos alimentos

contribuían a la salud de la familia?

¿Por qué han dejado de consumirlas?

*Equipo Nutricionistas MEFCCA-PAIPSAN con apoyo de Asesora en Nutrición Banco Mundial

Jueves 09 Febrero: comunidad de San Pablo (PDI Tasba Pri) - 1.5 horas – 20 protagonistas aprox.

Mini-Taller: La Desnutrición Crónica, ASN y la incorporación de la ASN en el PDI

- Diapositivas para introducir los temas (desnutrición crónica y el ASN)

- Preguntas Guías para conversación abierta:

¿Por qué algunos de nuestros hijos no crecen bien?

¿Qué podemos hacer para mejorar la salud de nuestros hijos?

Las actividades de los proyectos pueden ayudarnos a mejorar la salud de nuestros hijos?

Enfatizar soluciones alcanzables.

- Refrigerio Saludable

*Equipo Nutricionistas MEFCCA-PAIPSAN con apoyo de Asesora en Nutrición Banco Mundial

____________________

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Annex 2: Viernes 10 febrero (7:30 am – 1 pm)

Sesión Final Taller de Capacitación a Personal Técnico Operativo

(40 participantes aproximadamente)

7:30 INTRODUCCION: 15 mins

Bienvenida, Propósito y Objetivos del Taller

7:45 Demostración: Preparación de alimentos nutritivos 20 mins -Torta de Quequisque y Guabul de Plátano maduro – Protagonista de PDI Pequeño Negocios Demostración con sus medidas de higiene y manipulación adecuada. 8:10 – 8:45 Índice de Diversidad Dietética Coordinadora Nutrición 35 mins (Con el apoyo del equipo de Nutrición) - Presentar/Discutir las dificultades han tenido con respecto al indicador de IDD - Mostrar los formatos ajustados según metodología de la FAO (los grupos de alimentos modificados según los alimentos de las zonas) - Medición del IDD en los proyectos

8:50 – 9:40 am Concretización de la ASN en los PDIs Asesora en Nutrición BM 50 mins En grupos, reflexionar sobre el contenido y las actividades de los PDIs, en luz del taller del lunes y las visitas al campo (invitados especiales se integran a los equipos formados para apoyarlos). Preguntas para facilitar la discusión: ¿Cuáles han sido las dificultades en la implementación de las actividades de ASN en los PDIs? - ¿algunos tipos de proyectos facilitan o dificultan la incorporación e implementación de las actividades ASN? - ¿Cuáles actividades se deberían de implementar con las familias? - ¿Cómo desarrollar las actividades de nutrición con las familias? - Propuestas

Plenario: reflexión entre todo/as para encontrar posibles soluciones de mejoras, como especialistas del proyecto para la implementación de ASN en los nuevos proyectos por formularse y actividades sensibles a la nutrición.

9:45 am REFRIGERIO

_____________________________

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Annex 3: PROGRAMA DE TALLER LAS MINAS

LUNES 13 MARZO 11 AM – 5:30 PM

(40 participantes)

11:00 INTRODUCCION: 15 mins

Bienvenida, Invitado/as especiales y el equipo BM se presenta

Propósito y Objetivos del Taller

Dinámica de Presentación

11:15 REVISIÓN DE LA AGRICULTURA SENSIBLE A LA NUTRICIÓN 75 mins.

Presentar (Powerpoint): 1. Principios de la ASN 2. Ejemplos

Plenario: ¿Cómo hacemos que la Agricultura sea sensible a la Nutrición?

12:30 ALMUERZO 60 mins.

1:30 DINÁMICA Coordinadores de Nutrición 15 mins.

1:45 LA DESNUTRICION CRONICA 45 mins.

Presentación Ppt: Exploración interactiva de los tipos, causas y consecuencias

Experiencias previas nacionales – éxitos y fracasos

Experiencias y aprendizajes en la reducción de la DC en otros países

2:30 Tecnologías sensibles a la nutrición (semillas mejoradas) INTA 45 mins

3:15 – 3:30 REFRIGERIO 15 mins.

3:30 Demostración: Preparación de Alimentos Nutritivos 20 mins.

3:50 Concretización de la ASN en los PDIs (con filminas) 40 mins.

Preguntas: ¿Cuáles han sido las dificultades en la implementación de la nutrición en los

PDIs?

- incorporación de temas en los PDIs según los tipos de proyectos

- ¿Cómo desarrollar las actividades de nutrición con las familias?

- ¿Cuáles actividades se deberían de implementar con las familias?

Plenario: reflexión entre todo/as para encontrar posibles solucionas de mejoras

entre todos como especialistas del proyecto

4:30 – 4:45 Intervención Asesor Banco Mundial 15 mins.

4:45 – 5:15 Indice de Diversidad Dietética 30 mins.

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5:15 CONCLUSIONES Coordinadores de Nutrición 15 mins.

Annex 4: PROGRAMA DE TALLER BLUEFIELDS

LUNES 3 ABRIL 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (40 participantes)

8:30 INTRODUCCION: 15 mins

Bienvenida, Invitado/as especiales y el equipo BM se presenta

Propósito y Objetivos del Taller

Dinámica de Presentación

8:45 REVISIÓN DE LA AGRICULTURA SENSIBLE A LA NUTRICIÓN 75 mins.

Presentar (Powerpoint): 1. Principios de la ASN 2. Ejemplos

Plenario: ¿Cómo hacemos que la Agricultura sea sensible a la Nutrición?

- dinámica/repaso

10:00 REFRIGERIO 30 mins.

10:30 LA DESNUTRICION CRONICA 45 mins.

Presentación Ppt: Exploración interactiva de los tipos, causas y consecuencias

Experiencias previas nacionales – éxitos y fracasos

Experiencias y aprendizajes en la reducción de la DC en otros países

- dinámica/repaso

11:15 Tecnologías sensibles a la nutrición (semillas mejoradas) -INTA- 45 mins

12:00 ALMUERZO 60 mins.

1:00 DINAMICA Coordinadores de Nutrición 15 mins.

1:15 Demostración: Preparación de Alimentos Nutritivos 30 mins.

1:45 Concretización de la ASN en los PDIs (con filminas) 45 mins.

Preguntas: ¿Cuáles han sido las dificultades en la implementación de la nutrición en los

PDIs?

- incorporación de temas en los PDIs según los tipos de proyectos

- ¿Cómo desarrollar las actividades de nutrición con las familias?

- ¿Cuáles actividades se deberían de implementar con las familias?

Plenario: reflexión entre todo/as para encontrar posibles solucionas de mejoras

entre todos como especialistas del proyecto

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2:30 – 2:45 REFRIGERIO 15 mins.

2:45 Índice de Diversidad Dietética Coordinadora de Nutrición 45 mins.

3:30 – 4:00 CONCLUSIONES Coordinadores de Nutrición 15 mins.