Extended Pilot Project Community Based Production of Complementary Food in Ethiopia

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the impact of a package of interventions including production and distribution of locally produced complementary foods (via so-called "Grain-banks") and Micronutrient Powders (MNPs) supplementation, and optimized food based Complementary Feeding Recommendation, on growth and micronutrient status of infants and young children. The impact of the intervention package will be evaluated in a quasi-experimental matched-control cluster design in infants and young children between 6 - 29 months of age. The impact, outcome, and output indicators of infants/children will be assessed in cross-sectional samples at baseline, after 9 and 18 months. A total of60 pair clusters are selected in which 15 households per cluster will be identified from the eligible population. A total of 1800 children from intervention and match-controlled clusters, will be sampled in the target age groups. Qualitative and quantitative data will be collected to gather information on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP), Infant and Young Child Feeding practices, anthropometry and anemia, following the impact pathway developed for the study. Research questions to be answered in this program evaluation are: 1. What impact does the extended pilot (implementation of local complementary food production and MNP) have on: 1. Growth in children 17-29 months of age 2. Infant and Young Child Feeding practices in children (6-23m), and 3. Anemia status in children 11-23 m? 2. What are determining factors for the impact/no impact related to: 1. Immediate outcomes: skills and capacity; knowledge, attitude and practices; and improved access 2. Intermediate outcomes: utilization; provision, and ensuring enabling environment 3. Program performance as measured by program monitoring data on output and activities?