Bolivia national nutrition project

Final contractor report covers the period 5/77-5/82 and focuses on the last 3 years. In spite of difficulties deriving from the tumultuous political scene - Bolivia had eight Presidents during 9/77-5/82 - the National Food and Nutrition System (SNAN) was created within the Ministry of Planning and Coordination in 7/79 and is institutionalizing a multisectorial, interministerial approach to food and nutrition planning. A new decentralized structure of committees formed by the Food and Nutrition Department (DAN) began operations in late 1981. SNAN - with support from the National Food and Nutrition Institute (INAN), which began operations in 6/79 - has involved over 40 institutions in nutrition projects. SNAN/INAN successes have included: development of annual nutrition plans and of programs to reduce goiter, protein-calorie malnutrition, and anemia; promotion of nutritional, low-cost foods; publishing a review of future program policy; incorporation of nutrition education into primary schools; production and use of interpersonal and mass media nutrition education materials; publishing of nutrition studies; and initiation of Title III agricultural pilot projects. SNAN's major weakness - inadequate political and decisionmaking capabilities - has resulted from frequent leadership changes caused by government instability. SNAN has also been weakened by institutional jealousies, unclear responsibilities, and limited participation by the Ministry of Agriculture in nutrition activities. Following a 7/80 military coup, technical assistance was curtailed and official USAID/B-Ministry contact was forbidden for 1 year, during which experimental projects and studies were given priority over organizational development. DAN was unable to hold a scheduled short-course on nutrition policy; however, training in nutrition education and use of goiter flip charts was provided to 150 teachers and 1,045 persons, respectively. Long-term training for three participants was cancelled, and short-term training planned for eight Ministerial officials was provided instead to four community-level experimental project personnel. Detailed recommendations are made regarding future nutrition activities in Bolivia.