Tools and Guidance for Community-Based Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Programming
SPRING pioneered the Farmer Nutrition School (FNS) model of group-based learning for resource-poor households in Bangladesh to improve their production and consumption of diversified, micronutrient-rich foods and encourage pregnant and lactating women and mothers with children under two to adopt improved nutrition and hygiene practices. The toolkit below includes key resources to help other programs launch similar programs or adapt existing ones.
Introduction
Video: Farmer Nutrition Schools in Bangladesh
A video overview of the Farmer Nutrition School approach in Bangladesh featuring testimonials from some of the many women who participated in the schools.
Fact Sheet: Farmer Nutrition Schools for Improved Household Nutrition (PDF, 6 MB)
A short description of the Farmer Nutrition School approach in Bangladesh that provides the history and key components of the program.
Evidence
Farmer Nutrition School Advocacy Guide with Recommendations for Adaptation
A detailed look at the evidence behind key elements of Farmer Nutrition Schools and considerations for replicating the approach in other countries.
The Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index Results from SPRING/Bangladesh’s Farmer Nutrition Schools
A qualitative research study that examines how SPRING FNS empowered women and families.
Bangladesh: Farmer Nutrition School Cohort Study
To measure changes plausibly brought about by the FNS program when implemented at scale, this study surveyed a cohort of women who participated in the FNS curriculum beginning in November 2014.
Spillover Effect of SPRING/Bangladesh Farmer Nutrition Schools among Non-Project Beneficiaries
The study looked at spillover effects in 16 focus group discussions (FGDs) in 15 villages across 4 districts. The findings from the FGDs show that at least 8–10 households around each farmer nutrition school (FNS) have been influenced to adopt practices at varying levels.
Technical Materials
Farmer Nutrition School Session Guide
Practical guidance for developing a community-based training program that incorporate ENA and EHA into each session to encourage families to adopt improved practices in health and nutrition as well as homestead food production when they have pregnant women and/or children less than two years of age (the first 1,000 days).
Farmer Nutrition School Technical Guide
A primary reference manual to increase the technical competency of FNS facilitators/trainers and their supervisors. It provides key technical information on vegetable gardening, native chicken rearing, and pond fish culture to be adopted by mothers, fathers, households, and communities to improve the nutrition and health of women and children through increased and year-round production.
Farmer Nutrition School Flashcards
A useful accompaniment the Session Guide that depict concepts that are difficult or dangerous to otherwise show during a training session.
Success Stories
Learn about SPRING’s impact on families and communities through this series of success stories. Read more.
