This report presents the key findings of the qualitative evaluation of the WINNN programme conducted at the endline. The evaluation assessed WINNN’s contributions to change in the governance contexts for nutrition interventions, including civil society and community engagement. Qualitative data was collected through key informant interviews with various stakeholders such as government officials, health workers, community volunteers, community leaders, civil society organisations, WINNN and other development partners at the federal level, at the state-level within four of the five WINNN states, and in two local government areas within each state. Data was collected in three stages – baseline, midline and endline – with limited research conducted in the fifth WINNN state only at endline.

The evaluation finds there to be strong progress in nutrition sector coordination and planning at national and state levels and an increased political support for nutrition initiatives. While this has enabled progress with public financing of nutrition, funding remains inadequate. Civil society engagement was also found to have increased since baseline. Unlike in the earlier years of the programme, in 2015-16 all five states released funds for Maternal Neonatal and Child Health Weeks events. Similarly, there was growing support for IYCF promotion and CMAM-related services in most states. However, a shortage of human resources at health facilities and among community workers has affected the coverage and quality of services provided.

Suggested citation: Jones, E., Wayi, L., Asoka, T. (2017), ‘Qualitative Evaluation of the WINNN Programme – summary report: Operations Research and Impact Evaluation’, Oxford Policy Management, Oxford, UK